How have you changed your life

[OrangeBananaFish]

I'm stuck in a rut and very unhappy with life right now. I know I need some sort of overhaul, something to change, but what?

10 years ago we moved house from one area to another 50 miles away and that isn't an option right now (kids settled plus I like living here). I'm not wanting to leave DH and currently in a FT job so not sure how to go about changing things that way (not sure what I want to do and retraining really isn't an option - no money)

So I'm asking you in what ways have you changed your life for the better? From the big to the small.

Please no advice, just experiences.

I’ve said in several posts that I can see how decluttering could be enormously positive for many reasons. I don’t think that decluttering aged 50 ‘so there’s less for the family to do when you die’ (quoting the poster who raised it) is one of them.

I’m not going to detail the thread anymore but that’s not exactly what you said @Bathtoy. Decluttering sounds fine.

@SkiingIsHeaven

Stopped worrying about what the school mum's thought of me and stopped being upset for being left out of get togethers that they were having.

So much happier now.

I hear ya, sistah!

Finally left ex-H, moved out, moved jobs and area. Met now H, gave up work and became a foster parent. It was rough and scary while in the thick of it but have never been happier than I am now.

Two years ago I was feeling miserable. Single after a bad breakup, home educating my kids as local schools are rubbish, difficult care relationship with elderly parent, diagnosed with severe health conditions so could only manage a part-time job and endless DIY to do on our house. Then I had a bad accident at the start of first lockdown, a life-changing one. I have had four surgeries since then. While sat at home in the pandemic, I decided I wanted to take the accident as a warning that I was doing life wrong. I helped to start a charity, I met a man through it who is now my boyfriend, I took up meditation, my carer duties finished as elderly parent died (sad but took the burden away), moved house, and started a new business. Four surgeries later, my injuries are incurable and some may feel sorry for that. I don't as I take the event as a warning about how I was living life wrong, and had no time for me or what I wanted. I am a happier person now.

Had DS1. Got an autism diagnosis. Had CBT.

These three things together brought about a massive change in me.

Try learning French etc. You can order books online and there are lots of tutors too. Best decision I have ever made so far in my life really.

Dig deep into your psyche and find yourself. Future learn do some amazing courses, take a look at their website for more information.

@SkiingIsHeaven Amen to that! Well done. I'm on my way but still struggling a little. I keep having to remind myself that as an introvert, I would end up saying no to a lot of these extra social things anyway.

@DirtyDancing

I started to accept contentment in most areas of my life

I feel society is geared towards always wanting and wishing for the next better thing- a better car, the bigger house, the next promotion. I decided to stop wanting all the time and start enjoying. It started with saying at work, I'm happy in my current role/ grade. No one says that. People always talk about ambition. I also don't want a bigger house, despite the fact we our home isn't massive and a little squashed sometimes. It's okay to want a little, but not to forsake allowing myself to be content.

I am getting a new car next year (electric) as I think it's important. But I'm saving and waiting for it and get excited about getting one.

This is very true and something I have recently pondered over.

Quit my corporate management job and took a massive pay cut to work as a 999 call assessor. My previous job was 50 hrs a week and I never got to see my son, I've always wanted to work for the ambulance service and aspire to be a paramedic, so I took this job for experience and to work my way into the student para programme. I work shifts now, see my boy all the time and am much happier.

needtogetfit21

A Pilates Bar aka Pilates Stick doesn't take up much room at home and there are varied exercises so you don't get bored.

Pilates Ring takes up even less storage space!

I went part-time at work and we got a dog. I also changed my schedule so I get up early (6am) which helps me get everything done rather than racing around first thing.

I'm out walking for at least an hour every day now and have met so many nice people. I have time for me and leave the stress behind at work. I also workout for at least an hour every day too and all these things have been so good for my well-being. Plus I just love my dog and there is something about owning a dog that keeps you grounded and puts life into perspective...especially when that dog is a big, hairy and slightly disobedient one.

Following with interest. Great thread OP x

I started to run
Stopped drinking
Stopped using drugs
Worked for ten years to learn about why I ended up addicted
Overcame significant trauma as a result of childhood sexual abuse
Overcame panic attacks
Learned to mostly love life and appreciate my own self
Left my job and set up my own business.
Leaving awful bosses was the biggest thing for me, you just cant trade off working for difficult people just for money.

Dont let anything hold you back 💪

[quote BlankTimes]needtogetfit21

A Pilates Bar aka Pilates Stick doesn't take up much room at home and there are varied exercises so you don't get bored.

Pilates Ring takes up even less storage space!

[/quote] Ooo thank you

@Colin56

I started to run Stopped drinking Stopped using drugs Worked for ten years to learn about why I ended up addicted Overcame significant trauma as a result of childhood sexual abuse Overcame panic attacks Learned to mostly love life and appreciate my own self Left my job and set up my own business. Leaving awful bosses was the biggest thing for me, you just cant trade off working for difficult people just for money.

Dont let anything hold you back 💪

💐 well done you, an inspiration overcoming such difficulties x

@Colin56

I started to run Stopped drinking Stopped using drugs Worked for ten years to learn about why I ended up addicted Overcame significant trauma as a result of childhood sexual abuse Overcame panic attacks Learned to mostly love life and appreciate my own self Left my job and set up my own business. Leaving awful bosses was the biggest thing for me, you just cant trade off working for difficult people just for money.

Dont let anything hold you back 💪

Well done you! That’s really inspirational. 👏👏👏

@SunnySideDownBriefly

I went part-time at work and we got a dog. I also changed my schedule so I get up early (6am) which helps me get everything done rather than racing around first thing.

I'm out walking for at least an hour every day now and have met so many nice people. I have time for me and leave the stress behind at work. I also workout for at least an hour every day too and all these things have been so good for my well-being. Plus I just love my dog and there is something about owning a dog that keeps you grounded and puts life into perspective...especially when that dog is a big, hairy and slightly disobedient one.

Aw! How lovely! What sort of dog?