Well June was one helluva month. Things are better now, but I still see that there is plenty of room for improvement. One of the main things that I want to do is concentrate on myself a little more. You know, do things JUST for me. I’ve been talking with NYSoonerGirl who is a huge fan of MMA. I’ve been reading about Jobo’s love of Barre 9 for awhile now. Then there’s One Twenty Five who has recently found herself a CrossFit convert. All of those girls are doing something just for them. All of those girls seem to love the physical aspect of their chosen form of exercise. All of those girls seem so much happier now than they were before they found their “thing.”
So I’ve been making a list of things that I can do for myself. I’m like a professional list maker so I have tons of things on my list. But there’s no way I can actually focus on more than a few things and still see the benefits. Here’s what I narrowed it down to…
CrossFit. I picked this one for a couple of reasons. 1) I think I need something to really challenge me, not something that I can master very quickly, 2) The reviews all made it look like such a fun team environment, 3) It’s not super close to my place, but it’s within a 10-15 minute drive and has plenty of parking (rare for Chicago). ***Note: I still have to pick a location and go check it out. There are about 3 gyms that look good right around the same area. Also I probably won’t start this until August due to all that I’ve got going on in July.
Volunteering. I still need to narrow this down. I want to do it for three reasons. 1) I really want to help people who are less fortunate than I am, 2) I selfishly think this will help me put my own problems in perspective, 3) I want to connect with humanity. I’m thinking that I would really like to do something with kids. I’ve always considered being a Big Sister, but I think I’d thrive better in a group environment. Plus, I wouldn’t want to disappoint some poor girl if I end up moving away or not being able to fulfill my commitment after a year or so. Maybe the Boys and Girls club…or Jobs for Youth…or the free children’s hospital where I spent some time as a baby. The hospital is my first choice, but I also think it would be hardest one to get.
Eating right. This one obviously isn’t an activity. Well, I guess it kind of is… Anyway, I find myself thriving when I’m putting healthy things into my body. This has slipped quite a bit in the past year since I’ve started spending about half my nights at J’s place. I’ve gone grocery shopping (besides picking up frozen pizza) about twice in the past 6 months. Yeah…seriously. I need to find a way to make this a priority regardless of where I am. I truly believe you are what you eat. My poor eating habits could be contributing to my lack of true happiness lately.
Saving money. About two years ago, I had managed to pay down all of my debt. I even built up a small little savings account that I was proud of. Since then, I have spiraled out of control with my spending habits. I was making progress at the beginning of the year, but things have swiftly gone downhill. The main reason is probably my new apartment. Originally I was going to move to save money. But then I started thinking about how much more space I could get for just a little bit more. Well…a little bit more is possibly understating it. I also had a lot of moving expenses and new furnishings to buy. Another reason is that I’ve been spending more money in my relationship. When J used to travel several times a month, I would buy food (like frozen pizzas) to eat by myself. Now that he’s home more, we order takeout or go out to eat a lot more. Since we’re about a year in, he has stopped paying for everything (at my insistence). Anyway, eating at restaurants in Chicago adds up. Then there’s his birthday which I went a little overboard for. Um, there’s also some new summer clothes that I have recently purchased. Aaaaand, I put quite a bit of money into fixing my car. The point is, I need to control my spending and start saving more money.
I hope that’s a doable list. I really think focusing on the above four things will help contribute significantly to my happiness. Here’s hoping I can get motivated and stay that way!
This is an AWESOME LIST!!! I think this will be great – shift your focus. FOCUS ON YOU! You deserve it. And please try a barre studio out there! I almost went to Barre Bee Fit when I was out for a trip a few months ago, I think it might be a goodie for you. Just sayin
Thanks, I think so! I may try to find a barre class. I like new things! We shall see! Thanks for the suggestion
Sounds like you are in a good place right now. I vote for the hospital also. I wouldn’t think it would be difficult to get in but perhaps to be working with the children might be a little harder? I still think they would be happy to have you regardless of which area you want to volunteer in.
I am in a better place. The goal is to get to a very good place. I would love to volunteer at the hospital working with the children. They said that there are limited opportunities doing that. It’s worth a shot thought!
I have been so MIA lately. You sound like you’re doing well and I couldn’t be happier about that
Without “soccer mom” I have had trouble keeping up…but you sound like you’re exactly where you need to be 
Best of luck!
Don’t worry, I’ve been MIA too until recently. I do miss reading your blog though. Thanks for the sweet comment!
Good for you to take some time to focus on you! I think it is a great idea and can do wonders for yourself!
I’m hoping it helps me get my confidence back and just plain be happy again. Now I just have to stay motivated.
If you haven’t tried CrossFit by the time I visit, I’ll drag you there myself!
Seriously though, if you want a buddy to try something new with, I am more than willing when I come out! I know it’s a bit far out, but it’s something to keep in mind. MMA and Muay Thai have made such a big difference in my life and my happiness that I can’t help but wish for that for those I care about. You will find your thing! I promise!
I LOVE this!! I think this is a great list that most anyone should aspire to! We should all take this good of care of ourselves, mind, body and spirit!