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 😆

@Heyhoherewegoagain blimey- well done you!!

Moving overseas
stopped drinking
body pump
working actively on building my mental resilience by cold water swimming
EDMR
acquired a labrador

Stopped being a yes person and always putting others first.

It’s not the most life changing thing I’ve done, but I had my colours done and started wearing clothes that suit me best and lipstick when I leave the house. It makes me feel really good about myself and how I look in my 40s. I always look really good in photos with lipstick on too.

About 5 years ago, I was stuck in a friendship rut and decided to say yes to all opportunities. I had a very busy year and have since learned that I’m not very extroverted and I enjoy my time at home. But at least I tried!

Learning to fly a small plane.

It's a feeling like no other.

Joined a choir. It's so good for mental health, meeting people from different backgrounds, and keeping my brain alive as there's a lot of learning.

@AceofPentacles

How did you discover Druidry? I'm curious...

Also, agree with PP, weigh lifting, it's lovely being able to lift things I was too weak to pick up before.

Reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. I've struggled with being able to stick to healthy living lifestyle, but he breaks it down with research and discussion on things like habit stacking etc.

If you are thinking of working out with dumbbells, there's no better than Caroline Girvan. Start here:

Became a Samaritan. It truly changed me as a person. I'm not in a brick branch as such, so the way our team bonds is very different, I speak to people face to face. When I had to quit work I kept it on and it was the piece of me I managed to maintain. Even now I'm in a less people-facing role, when I do go back to work, these are the skills that will help.

Divorce. My life has transforms in the years since. My house is now my sanctuary, it’s tidy and mostly clean. I have a wonderful DP. I now wear clothes I like and don’t care about what people think. It makes me happy.

Going back to uni in my mid 50s - whilst two of three children still at home. Getting an MA and becoming self employed.

Started a vegetable patch - got hooked on the simple pleasure of cooking homegrown food, and soon will start a business based on organic growing!

Giving up a very highly paid job with a long commute and setting up my own small business within walking distance from home.

Being able to be in control of my working hours enable me to spend lots of quality time with our son, attend all his school plays, sports days, parents evenings, etc (which I couldn't have done if I'd still been working 2 hours away!). Working close to home (a mile) meant I could walk each way meaning I lost a few stones in weight. Being my own boss meant I could choose the type of work I wanted to do and choose my clients, which made work a lot less stressful as I could weed out the arrogant/ignorant clients and just work for people I actually liked and who respected me.

Yes, massive fall in income was hard at first, but you become accustomed to a simpler life, you don't need a new lease car every three years, you don't need foreign holidays to the Maldives every year, you don't need constant new wardrobes, nor house extensions, nor new sofas every few years.

It's literally changed our lives, and for the better. I'm happier and healthier than ever, son has turned out to be a well rounded, well adjusted adult, etc. Relationship with OH is as solid as ever - we can spend a lot of quality time together as he "down-sized" his job too. Health and happiness is far more important than money.

Thats fascinating, can you tell us a little bit more about it? Never heard of someone doing that before

Retraining to be a midwife ❤️
Weaning of Fluoxetine that I’ve been on for 3 years for “anxiety”, that I have always argued is peri. I feel so much better without it and have my “anxiety” under control by other means

Amazing! Well done to you!

Mine is going back to college at 42 to gain a qualification meaning I have a better job and for the first time ever I’m getting paid more than minimum wage.

@Bristolnewcomer I so want to join our local choir, but too nervous to go myself!

Well done! How did you do it?

Left exdh and emigrated with the children.

Exercise everyday.

Joined 2 gyms
Say yes to every invitation.

Go on no datez. Concentrate on myself....

Amazing xxx

Paying for a personal trainer. My body has changed beyond recognition, I’m strong and proud of my strength, it also has been a great benefit to my mental health and counterbalance to my demanding job.

If she doubled her rates I’d still pay it because the payback has been priceless to me.
Plus, this is the first time in my life I have ever spent significant money just on me.

You drove for 18 years without a licence?! What the fuck?!

Anti depressants. Stopping explaining myself

Stopping working so much at home. I try for work to stay at work

Changed career in my late 30s

Moved overseas on my own to work - I have met so many brilliant people, had so many great experiences, and IT'S SUNNY!

Taken up running and weight training (Caroline Girvan is a miracle worker)

Took up running which became long distance running. Has kept me sane through the loss of my dad.
Getting a dog. This creature brings me more joy than absolutely anything in the world and I love them unconditionally as he does me.