What are the life changing things you've done?

[Softnatural]

Things that have had a big positive impact? Not children/marriage etc, but things that maybe didn't seem that big but have had a big impact.

I've made a few changes lately, but feel there's more work to do. I've got some money to throw at it if that's needed, but they could be big or small.

For me, the best ones have been a decision to say yes to almost everything and buying an Eufy robovac 😆

Well done, you must feel so much better

Got married
Went to university
Had children
Moved abroad

Yes definitely horses for courses this aspect of life! I agree about life stages. I might change again yet!

Becoming a foster parent in my mid 50s.

For me - reading in dead time, like 5/10 minutes waiting to pick up the kids.
For my children - celebrating the changes of season and planning more things to do in advance.
For others - our foodbank had a horrendous shortfall projected for the summer holidays, we donated the amount to cover it.
Paying for for two children's mattresses, they had been relocated to an empty house - social services asked for donations (but received stained ones, so last minute request).

We have / are paying for all our employees to be first aid trained, hope it helps someone at some point.

All of the above have brought me some level of peace.

Interesting thread!

Lived & worked abroad. Life was getting too routine & tedious here in the UK. It completely woke me up & changed my outlook in several ways.

At least PPs have mentioned weight lifting. I don't lift weights as such, but I work out almost daily with quite heavy dumbbells - courtesy of Caroline Girvan on YouTube. Truly life-changing for a nearly 70 year old Granny 😎- I highly recommend it.

I also switched to a very healthy Mediterranean-type low carb diet and drastically reduced my alcohol consumption. I'm so much more energetic, and lost the extra kilos I was carrying.

Lived and worked abroad too. I've made friends from all around the world.

Another one for weight lifting. It makes me feel fantastic and I love seeing myself get stronger. My body hasn't changed as much as i expected, i certainly dont look like ive worked out 6x a week every week for the last 9 months, but I notice the benefits of my improved strength in day to day life.

Taken up puppy raising for guide dogs - it's very rewarding and a good feeling to know I've made a difference to several people's lives.

Started practicing Druidry. The connection with the seasons and elements and the celebrations through the year have given me a new, grounded perspective away from the grind of modern life. And also new friends and linked interests .

Going back to school this autumn. I've been stuck in a rut for years, and pretty much only spending time with my family, rarely having in-person conversation with other adults, but now I spend every day with other people, just being able to have proper conversations every day is life-changing, plus now a future is opening up for me with actual career options.

I took a sabbatical from work and taught in Africa for a year. Truly life changing.

I like the habit stacking idea.

I do this, but only when I brush my teeth. My toothbrush vibrates in 30 second stages and I stand on each leg with my eyes closed for 30 seconds each, heel raise for 30 and do the last one in a ‘malasana’ deep squat.

Exercising daily. Helping my health no end

To actually start a new life without my husband of 25 years and raise the 4 dc myself
Buy my own house and car and then manage to raise them with the values and respect I always wanted them to see

Another one for weights! I don’t have very heavy weights right now but I get up an hour earlier nearly every morning to do it and I don’t even resent it. It’s made me marvel at my body which I thought was lost to mid-life marshmallow softness. I have muscles and tone and ENERGY! I lay down in the bath and couldn’t work out what the bump was on the bottom of the bath…it was my spine 😂

I also go for a walk on my lunch break at work every day that I can. Also, finding hobbies I enjoy. I play piano and paint and draw. It’s so good to have something productive to do with my time.

Learning (from Mumsnet originally) about the grey rock technique and applying it in how I deal with my abusive ex. It feels so empowering. And learning how to deal with him helped me progress in my career as being able to manage and keep control of difficult people is a skill that helps so much

As a perpetual loser of things, getting a car with keyless ignition (so the key is just always attached to a loop inside my bag) and a keypad for my door have both saved so much time and stress.

Could any of the weightlifters on the thread point to a video of an at-home routine that they like?

Passing my driving test. Drove for 18 years without a license. Had a breakdown was very Ill stopped driving. A year later I thought I'm going to use this as a sign to pass my test and did first time. Absolutely life changing for me. Also going on my first holiday abroad in January.

Changing my career in my early 30’s. Completely changed my life in terms of academic achievement and seeing the world

Left abusive exH
Moved overseas
Got a dog
Open University degree (followed by PGCE, 2 Masters and now EdD)

Id be interested to hear more tips for weightlifting too

Since the beginning of August I have started to take control of my life back and finding the new healed version of myself.

I have lost nearly 2 stone, been making the time most days to exercise even if it's only 15-20 mins, got a tattoo, had my eyebrows microbladed. Oh and I've had a massive declutter of my house and got decorators starting tomorrow and then flooring next week and then all new furniture. I've done a lot and it's given me a new lease of life and positive attitude. Also started therapy a few weeks ago

Spent a massive chunk of my savings to pay for a relatively new type of surgery on my foot. (The NHS were not considering any kind of surgery for me, in fact they didn't seem interested in doing anything. I was just expected to live with chronic pain and declining mobility despite only being in my 40s.)

It made a huge difference - I went from struggling to walk to corner shop to being able to clock 10,000 steps without blinking. Last month I danced solidly for 2 hours at a gig. Feel like I've got my life back.

Living in China for 12 years.