So, what
does this whole thing mean, “Taking my life back?” For me it means that I will
do what I need to do to become me again. I will say “yes” to the parts of my
life that will bring me joy and contentment. I will say “no” to all of those
activities that take away from my life mission.
Taking
Back My Life Plan:
1. I will up my game on yoga and Nia, not
necessarily to lose weight, although it does work wonders on that when I
actually go, but to get that mindset that I had back when I was consistently
going. As hokey as it sounds, becoming more centered. Balanced. I miss the more
spiritual me that was around in Spring 2014, before I quit my job, started a
business, got another job, started dating, then breaking up with a guy I really
liked. I want to be that introspective woman who knew who she was and was
actually writing. I credit yoga and Nia for those.
2. Saying “no” to people and
organizations that will pull my time away from my main work: my writing, the
library, Fort Worth Writer’s Boot Camp, Sleeping Panther Press, my home, and
reading. Of course, I will make time for the occasional social outing, but I
will not join more organizations. I just don’t have enough hours in the day to
accomplish more, even if the group is something I know I’m going to love! I’ll
offer my services, though, which won’t require me to attend multiple meetings.
3. Make time for writing and reading. My
business office has relocated to my home and all of my writing sessions and
critique groups are now meeting at The Last Word Bookstore. This is a saving
grace for me since I was constantly worried that I wouldn’t have access to the
spaces I reserved at my office location. It also means that I will have more
time to relax. Strange enough, I have a hard time concentrating on writing if I
have something else nagging on my brain.
4. Build my businesses. Both businesses are finally making money and may end the year in the black! Yay!
Now I just need to continue the momentum. I think the Boot Camp may be having a
boost thanks to New Year’s Resolutions time, but I’ll take it where I can get
it! Sleeping Panther Press is just starting out, but I need to focus on getting
the next book out and Panther City Review 2017.
5. I will take better care of my home. I
am just not happy living in a messy place, so I will work to make it a livable
environment.
6. Learn French. Duolingo, the free language
learning app, was my friend for a few months, helping me get ready for that trip
to France I plan on taking…eventually. My use of the app dropped off around
Thanksgiving. I still haven’t picked it back up, but I will! I need my French lessons!
7. I will do my best to be in bed before
10pm. I must. I function better writing and get more done at 5am than I do at
5pm, so going to bed before 10pm will ensure that I get plenty of rest.
8. Eating better. Cooking at home. This
will be good for my health and pocketbook!
9. Pay off debt. Maybe not all of it, but
a huge chunk. When I started my business, I had no idea how much debt I’d end
up getting in. I really had no clue how this was going to affect my personal
debt. I can knock it out, especially if I don’t spend like a maniac!
10. Enjoy my life. I only have one. Take
time to relax. Breathe. Don’t stress or obsess over things I haven’t done. Just
do them, then enjoy the time I have left.
Taking
back my life. It’s easier than it sounds. I already do many of these items, I
just need to be more consistent. That must be the word of the year for me: Consistency.
Narrow down or eliminate anything that does not fit into these items. I hope to
be able to lead a simpler, more fulfilled life.