One of my co-workers stopped me in the hall this week and said, "You're just glowing. Will you tell me what's going on?" I think she hoped I would tell her I am pregnant, and as much as I wish that is the reason behind my current countenance, I'm fairly confident I'm not. Instead, what she's seeing is the result of some new changes I'm implementing in my life. Anyone who knows me understands that I live with a certain degree of chaos, and while I'm perfectly okay without what most people consider normal, the absolute lack of structure was taking its toll on me.
Ok, so the worst birthday ever was a contributing factor.
So here goes...
1. Work. When I calculated my earnings in preparation for my tax return, I was shocked to see how much money I made as a freelancer. Even worse was the realization that I was stuck in more debt than ever before with all my credit cards completely maxed out. Now, I'm not afraid to hustle when I have to to pay the bills, but I have been a slave to this part time job just to pay the bills I should be able to cover with my more than reasonable salary. I decided that from now on I have to live on my salary and use the freelance money to pay off the debt. Last week, I made just $36, but it paid off half of one outstanding account. That $36 never felt so liberating, and I'm currently on schedule to knock out my three smallest debts this week and the first credit card by the end of next month. I feel like I have a new spring in my step as I pound out words on the keyboard.
2. Chore cards. During a recent visit with family, I was reminded that maintaining my home is part of my obligation, and obligation is an important part of LOYALTY. I decided to break up home chores into daily tasks and wrote out daily schedules on index cards. I don't always complete everything each day, but I've managed to keep up with them to a certain degree. The result is that my house is clean, and doesn't seem as overwhelming. I love waking up to a clean kitchen and not dealing with mounds of dirt on my floor each week.
3. Rest. I realize that I need some time for rest. This includes actually getting to bed at a decent hour and spending some time not working or doing chores or worrying about them. Part of my new plan is to give myself Sundays off. I may do some freelance work or take care of a few household chores, but Sunday is my day to spend with myself, my loved ones, and my God. I'm also forcing myself to go to bed by midnight. Waking in the morning for work has been easier, and I don't feel the strains of exhausted as much.
4. Exercise. I've given up on complex training schedules that I never seemed to complete. Instead, I have committed to three days of running: a long run on Sunday and some tempo training during the week. I even managed to add some weights to this week's schedule. For the first time in 4 years, I was able to put on newly washed jeans without sucking in too much. My runs are also more productive and don't feel as stressed.
So that's it. I have a simple plan that is letting me finish what I start, gives me permission to let go of what I cannot finish, and provides my life with a semblance of sanity. I still have stuff laying around without a home. I still haven't quite mastered the zero based budget. But, today, my neighbor came over to cut the grass on my property, and as I look out over my property, I'm aware of God's work in our lives. All it takes is a single step in the right direction. Then the remaining doors seem to open so we can continue the work we need to do.
Am I glowing? Absolutely.
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