What improved your quality of life, so much, you wish you did it sooner?

[piddocktrumperiness]

For me it's a few things:
-Learning what past trauma is and how it plays out in relationships
-Learn to say no to things and people and not feel bad about it
-Realising no one really notices or cares what I do or look like; felt liberated to not always wear lots of makeup, dress in a new outfit or have my roots done, or eat out alone, or do anything alone.
-Not watching much current tv and picking up a book instead
-Listening to James O' Brien on LBC ( I know he's not everyone's cup of tea- but I learned alot)
-Waking up v early to have some me time. This was hard as I was a night owl for many years.
-Declutter and only buy when I need something. To be honest this started as I had to downsize to an empty flat after my divorce and am on not much money but it has helped with not worrying about possessions and all the cleaning involved.
-Divorce my ex husband- biggest impact haha

What improved yours?

Antidepressants, becoming less of a people pleaser, deleting facebook and twitter, caring less about what people think of me.

Thyroxine - finally got my metabolism back.

Ditto divorcing exH. I was in bits when we separated but it's absolutely one of the best things that ever happened to me. My life has improved immeasurably since then.

Buying a dishwasher when I replaced the kitchen. Whyyyyy didn't I get one sooner?! It's fabulous and I love it.

Giving up employment.

Antidepressants
Saying no to things I don't want to do
Moving house
Getting a cat

Giving up alcohol

Working from home

Both have completely changed my life. I feel happiness and contentment every day.

Hysterectomy, losing 30kg, strength training. All in mid 50s. Feel like I’m in my 30s now.

Quitting the Bottle! 2 years sober tomorrow and never felt better or more steadfast in my decision

Congrats! My two years is next Sunday. It's the gift that keep giving.

HRT.
The low carb way of eating.
Learning to sing in a choir.

exercise & stretches

Dog, Divorce, Dishwasher, Parking camera, Botox. In that order.

Counselling. Long term. And putting into practice what I learn from it (self care, boundaries, communication).
ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

Leaving a job with a narcissistic boss.

Reading Marie Kondo. God bless that crazy little Japanese lady, her book somehow reprogrammed my brain and made me completely reconsider how I think about possessions. My life is way easier, tidier and guilt free about them now.

Also leaving London. We now have our own house with lots of space, a proper garden and beautiful places to go on daily walks. We feel properly part of a community which is wonderful.

Moved to a bigger house.

Got a cleaner.

Avoid getting drunk.

Generally avoid drama and have a nice quiet life.

Having a gastric sleeve

Accepting a lower wage for a less stressful job
Getting a cleaner
Making the decision to leave the UK and move away from city living

Also, having children. My life had no purpose before, just one big night out after another, spending lots of money socialising with people I didn't even like that much. Now I get to spend everyday with people I love, living a simpler existence

Hired a cleaner. She's changed our lives!

Waking up v early to have some me time. This was hard as I was a night owl for many years.

OP and a couple of others have said this - I am a night owl who would love to become a morning person, is there a technique to this, or do you just have to force yourself? Do you feel exhausted for a while and then get used to it?

I've tried many, many times, and always go back to getting up at the last minute after a few days!

Getting out of teaching.
HRT
Grey rock.
Saying no to things I don't want to do for people I don't even like

Getting a dog.
Going self-employed.
Moving to the coast.

Getting the swim spa so I'm able to swim everyday outdoor all year round ALONE.

Cutting hours at work
Taking up a creative hobby
Caring less about career
Getting a diagnosis of a long term condition. Crap, but suddenly priorities were crystal clear.

Buying my little dog, shes bought me, my son and the neighbours so much happiness