I used to. I used to write posts. I used to play roller derby. I used to visit family. I used to write letters. I used to exercise. I used to cook. I used to clean. I used to.
It's so easy to get caught in "I used to", and it can get quite depressing. Then you remember. I stopped writing posts because I was busy with work and few people read them, anyway. I stopped playing roller derby because of drama, financial issues, and work was busy. I stopped visiting family because, well, they suck. I stopped writing letters because I no longer had recipients for them. I stopped exercising because work got busy and I got sick (FOR SIX WEEKS!) I stopped cooking because I stopped cleaning and I stopped cleaning because I was sick (did I mention for six weeks?).
I still play video games. I sing. I think about things I want to write, but I just don't sit down and write them. I enjoy my job, so the fact that it sucks so much time from other things is really not a bad thing. Plus, it gives me money to do the things I enjoy. So, if I'm being totally honest with myself, there are only three things on that list that I need to start doing, again: cooking, cleaning, and exercising. And, when there's time, maybe I'll write a post or two.
I'm not writing this for my benefit, but for yours. Don't get caught in the "I used to" trap. Don't look at the reasons why you stopped doing things as excuses; if you're making excuses to not do things, it's probably something you don't want to do, anyway. And that's okay. If there are things on your list that you really need to do, focus on those things and ignore the rest. Take each thing one at a time. Do the thing that makes the most sense, first. Make it a habit. Then add something new slowly. Too much at once can burn you out and make you feel like a failure, again.
And remember: You don't have to wait until January to make changes. You don't need to set goals and deadlines (although they help me). And you definitely don't need to beat yourself up over it. I hope none of you regret all the delicious food you ate, yesterday.
It's so easy to get caught in "I used to", and it can get quite depressing. Then you remember. I stopped writing posts because I was busy with work and few people read them, anyway. I stopped playing roller derby because of drama, financial issues, and work was busy. I stopped visiting family because, well, they suck. I stopped writing letters because I no longer had recipients for them. I stopped exercising because work got busy and I got sick (FOR SIX WEEKS!) I stopped cooking because I stopped cleaning and I stopped cleaning because I was sick (did I mention for six weeks?).
I still play video games. I sing. I think about things I want to write, but I just don't sit down and write them. I enjoy my job, so the fact that it sucks so much time from other things is really not a bad thing. Plus, it gives me money to do the things I enjoy. So, if I'm being totally honest with myself, there are only three things on that list that I need to start doing, again: cooking, cleaning, and exercising. And, when there's time, maybe I'll write a post or two.
I'm not writing this for my benefit, but for yours. Don't get caught in the "I used to" trap. Don't look at the reasons why you stopped doing things as excuses; if you're making excuses to not do things, it's probably something you don't want to do, anyway. And that's okay. If there are things on your list that you really need to do, focus on those things and ignore the rest. Take each thing one at a time. Do the thing that makes the most sense, first. Make it a habit. Then add something new slowly. Too much at once can burn you out and make you feel like a failure, again.
And remember: You don't have to wait until January to make changes. You don't need to set goals and deadlines (although they help me). And you definitely don't need to beat yourself up over it. I hope none of you regret all the delicious food you ate, yesterday.
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I guess I should get my ass off the couch, eh?