In 2020 I’m answering a list of 52 journal questions. Read about it here.
How have you changed in the last year?
Wow. What a year to be considering this question. Drought, then fire, then floods and hail, then pandemic.
I have two things to talk about. The first isn’t really a change, more a reminder that life is precious (and our stuff is just stuff).
We can’t take life for granted. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and the normal angst that comes with life. But really, when you consider everything, the stuff we have doesn’t matter. We need to try and let the little things wash over us.
With this in mind, I have been trying to appreciate life more. From the small things to the big. I try and find the silver lining in every day.
The second thing is something that has been a conscious change. Following on from the thought above, I have been working on making myself a priority. This is not something I do easily. I’ve always put everyone else first.
I don’t mean I’ve suddenly become selfish (definitely far from it), rather I am trying to stop putting my needs last. Finding a better balance. Because life is short and if I don’t give myself a chance at things now, I may never get it.
I have a ways to go with this one, but I have certainly made great strides. My writing retreat cruise is evidence of that.
The last year has been life changing for so many people. In fact, I think if it didn’t change you in some way, I’m not sure what it would take!
How have you changed in the last twelve months?
May 22, 2020 at 9:20 pm
In the last 12 months I’ve changed jobs, become self sufficient, and am also working on myself. On recognizing what makes me happy and weighing out what makes me happy vs what will keep me happy. That’s a fine line to walk haha! I’ve also taken some serious steps to rebuild my faith lately. And I’m enjoying that!
May 24, 2020 at 9:42 am
You have been through a lot in the last 12 months, but it does sound like you are in a good place now 🙂
May 23, 2020 at 12:42 am
Thoughtful post. I remember before children when I did put myself ahead of other stuff. Then it all changed. I think you’re still amidst growing children so don’t worry too much if your second goal takes, say, a decade to achieve!
May 24, 2020 at 1:13 pm
Oh, Jacqui, I love my Barbarians beyond belief, but I am looking forward to the day they look after themselves.
May 23, 2020 at 5:19 am
Well, I sent my younger son to college in August and was an empty nester for a while, until he moved back home when the pandemic closed everything in March. I’m also working through helping my mom downsize and move out of her house…I wish she shared your opinion (as I do) that stuff is just stuff! I’m trying to be more patient and less anxious and realize how little I can actually control! This is all hard-earned change for me!
May 24, 2020 at 1:15 pm
I have so much “stuff” lining the hallway of the house at the moment because I can’t take it anywhere to get rid of it! I can’t wait until charity shops etc can reopen. I love that we’ve had the chance to cull but I hate that it is just sitting there *literally* gathering dust *sigh*.
May 23, 2020 at 5:54 am
I think you should revisit this question next year. Because it’ll be interesting to see how this pandemic has changed all of us.
May 24, 2020 at 1:17 pm
That’s a really good idea – I’ll have to try and remember though…
May 23, 2020 at 11:19 pm
This year I have had to start spending half of each week with my Mum, who needs 24/7 care or she forgets to eat, drinks too much fluid and forgets her tablets. It’s a job I share with my sister. When I’m home I have a desperate urge to go for a long walk in the fresh air, and so have been getting behind in other things. I need to be self disciplined, something I haven’t really needed before.
May 24, 2020 at 2:31 pm
That’s tough, having to care for your mum like that (and I’m sure seeing her like that too). I’m the opposite. I’m usually very self-disciplined, but probably for the last year and a half I’ve been struggling with it.
May 24, 2020 at 10:38 am
Haha not so great a place but hopefully it will be getting better ☺️☺️
May 24, 2020 at 2:31 pm
I hope so too, GF!