Page 5 | What are the life changing things you've done?

Softnatural · 2023-10-09T16:43:42+00:00

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 😆

Takeabreather23 · 09/10/2023 22:52

Tribevibes · 09/10/2023 18:19

Completing an OU degree.

Can I ask what you did and what/ if you plan to do with it ?

theedgeofthecloud · 10/10/2023 00:10

dressedforcomfort · 09/10/2023 19:34

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.

I would love to know more about this, would you mind elaborating? I've a foot riddled with all sorts of issues including osteoarthritis and the pain is starting to really affect me and my mobility. Thanks so much. Great thread!

PaminaMozart · 10/10/2023 00:23

Whatsgoingon12345 · 09/10/2023 22:32

*PaminaMozart · Today 18:47

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 found this - and many other suggestions on here super inspirational. This especially because I’ve just turned 60. I’m amazed at the mental battle of ‘being old’ I’m so very proud of all the trailblazers like you that are proving anything over 50 isn’t ancient.
I’ve just looked up Caroline Girvan, and gosh! Well, I’ll give it a go, if it works for you I’m game.
I’m suddenly losing a lot of strength , feeling aches and depressed. I need to re evaluate my life, marriage, all of it. Working on stopping booze after a particular stressful time it had crept up. Already feel better.
great thread!

Oh yes, definitely give Caroline a go. I started 4 years ago with 3kg dumbells and worked my way up to 12kg. I'm fitter now than in my 40s - and it shows. Got myself new skis last year as my old ones just weren't fast enough😎

dressedforcomfort · 10/10/2023 15:45

@theedgeofthecloud I had plantar plate repair surgery. Had bad ligament damage due to have flat feet and poor foot mechanics and it was past the point where it would heal naturally. Was also starting to cause arthritis in my toe and prognosis was it would get steadily worse (left untreated eventually my toes would set in a 'claw' position.) Was in constant pain and toes kept dislocating.

Cost close to 3k in total. Surgery took about 45mins. Had choice of general or local anaesthetic. Went for local. Two weeks of bed rest followed by 6 weeks on crutches. Totally back to normal level of activity now. Although basically have to live in trainers these days - no pretty heels for me.

beachcomber70 · 10/10/2023 16:42

Given birth to 2 [now adult] sons.
Parted with financial abusive husband.
Bought my own house.
Paid off mortgage by downsizing.
Walked away from a close 'friend' situation which was dragging me down.
An inheritance means I'll never have to worry about money/bills again.
Now truly free and at peace.

theedgeofthecloud · 10/10/2023 18:21

dressedforcomfort · 10/10/2023 15:45

@theedgeofthecloud I had plantar plate repair surgery. Had bad ligament damage due to have flat feet and poor foot mechanics and it was past the point where it would heal naturally. Was also starting to cause arthritis in my toe and prognosis was it would get steadily worse (left untreated eventually my toes would set in a 'claw' position.) Was in constant pain and toes kept dislocating.

Cost close to 3k in total. Surgery took about 45mins. Had choice of general or local anaesthetic. Went for local. Two weeks of bed rest followed by 6 weeks on crutches. Totally back to normal level of activity now. Although basically have to live in trainers these days - no pretty heels for me.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I will look into it. That really does sound life changing for you! 🙂

ehb102 · 11/10/2023 09:53

I stopped thinking anyone in the UK would help me and started paying for my surgeries. I have to travel abroad for my lipoedema fat removal surgeries. I can walk better now I don't have huge lobes of fat between my thighs. My gait is hugely changed. My lifting improved.

Myneedycat · 09/02/2024 07:40

Caszekey · 09/10/2023 22:40

Which bit? I volunteer for Festival Branch so our work is face to face at large events, music festivals and rallies, a few sporting events. Nowadays I'm more support for fellow vols. Starting it just put people in my life I'd never have met, we're an odd family 😂, I've spoken to people I'd never have spoken to, . I grew a different layer to my onion.

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Really inspiring .

Myneedycat · 09/02/2024 07:43

PaminaMozart · 09/10/2023 20:05

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

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Where is the best place to get dumbbells and what type?

SideshowAuntSallyx · 09/02/2024 07:49

Joining a gym back in 2019, I actually stuck with it, bar 6 months last year when I hit peri-menopause and went into a hole after realising I was getting old(i didn't expect to feel so depressed). But I go at least 4 times a week. My aim is to get back to 6 times a week every week.

I've just got back from holiday and it's shown me there's more to life and I need to go out and grab it as it won't come to me if I just sit in my own little bubble.

FrogSplash · 09/02/2024 07:55

Virtual commute paired with school run that means I walk around 4-5km a day most weekdays and then signing up to a yoga app for £8 a month that I use to work out a few times a week. Paired with drinking more water and cutting back snacking I'm six stone down and feel so much better in myself.

PaminaMozart · 09/02/2024 08:21

Myneedycat · 09/02/2024 07:43

Where is the best place to get dumbbells and what type?

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I get rubber hex dumbbells. I've bought them from Factory Weights, Argos and JD Sports.

Some people like adjustable dumbbells, which obviously work out cheaper in the long run, but I find them too bulky, and changing them during a workout is a bit of a faff.

Startingagainandagain · 09/02/2024 08:34

Moving from London to a small seaside town
Accepting that I am neurodivergent and stopping beating myself up for being different and not being able to do some of the things other people find really easy to do
cut off toxic people from my life
started Pilates once a week
Got a cat
bought a small terrace house on my own
Really got into decorating/painting my house and upcycling furnitures and objects (as all I could afford was stuff from charity shops after young the house!)
listening to 10 minute guided meditation to relax morning and before sleep.

Still a work in progress as work is still causing stress but I am working on finding a new job.

C1239 · 09/02/2024 17:43

This is a lovely thread.

Myneedycat · 09/02/2024 21:06

PaminaMozart · 09/02/2024 08:21

I get rubber hex dumbbells. I've bought them from Factory Weights, Argos and JD Sports.

Some people like adjustable dumbbells, which obviously work out cheaper in the long run, but I find them too bulky, and changing them during a workout is a bit of a faff.

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Thanks so much

Stoufer · 19/02/2024 09:30

Very inspiring thread - thanks all. Definitely given me food for thought about some changes I need to make :)

Whataretalkingabout · 19/02/2024 22:09

Fantastic thread!

Josephinehetty · 20/02/2024 11:01

Went back to Uni in my mid-50s. Did a one year MA and became self employed.

Rocknrollstar · 20/02/2024 11:41

Going to uni at the age of 31. Never looked back.

Whatsgoingon12345 · 25/02/2024 22:00

*Josephinehetty · 20/02/2024 11:01

Went back to Uni in my mid-50s. Did a one year MA and became self employed*

Thats amazing. Im mid 50s too and a bit lost to say the least, what did you study, if you dont mind me asking? Not that I want to copy! Just that i thought i was Too Old.

Whatsgoingon12345 · 25/02/2024 22:01

and well done all! Truly amazing acheivements, you all rock for sure x