How I made a fresh start by downsizing to the basics in food, health, and money.
When I was thinking of my way of life, I began to wonder if there is any way I could improve my day-to-day, to be better organized, less stressed, less procrastination, and more in control of my actions. I guess this would amount to raising my lifestyle a bit. You see, I am constantly making lists of things to do. Making a plan. Then I lost the list. Or forget where I wrote it down—was it in this diary, or on regular paper? So sometimes I buy a new notebook—just for my day to day lists, of course. But I never have the list where I can see it at a glance.
I work best when I have a very specific list of things to do and when I can check off items as I complete them. But then I put off doing the tasks. I procrastinate. This aggravates me that I do this, but I do not change. Then I start stressing because I am not meeting one goal that I have set for myself. I still have basically the same 3 goals I have had for years, and I mean years, Eat right. Lose weight. Make more money with a side hustle.
So, I just decided to meet myself where I am. Fat. Broke. Suspect health. I judge myself for not having more ‘at my age.’ I wallowed around in that for a while. But now, I’m saying to myself that I just have to start where I am. I have said that before, but I obviously did not mean it. Because things are still the same. I got even fatter because I was drinking too much Bud Light. Oh, my, it hurts to be honest about this. All I can do is just make the changes in my day-to-day.
So, this time, I threw away all my earlier lists. I am writing everything in only one place, because I really do like lists. I am just changing to one notebook. It is actually a journal that I am writing just a few goals.
1. Eat low carbs and plenty of protein at each meal. I have noticed that if I eat protein, I don’t really need a snack. If I do want a snack, I’ll have an apple and dip it in almond butter. Or I’ll eat a boiled egg. Or some cut up strawberries, about ¾ of a cup.
2. Move my body! Every morning, I do 10 minutes of high-intensity movement. A skater-type movement, then lifting one knee to the opposite elbow, then rapid-fire running in place. These 3 movements are done for 2 minutes each, then repeat 2 more times. I’ve been told if you are eating low carbs and plenty of protein then these movements are efficient at burning fat. Well, we will see.
3. Make more money with a side hustle. I do enjoy having a flea market booth, painting old furniture, saving it from the dumpster, and giving it new life.
I have watched many YouTube videos on how to do this and have even taken some courses that have been offered by these folks. I have learned a lot. It is fun to go to garage sales, find bargains and present them in my booth for sale. Folks like old stuff. They also like items that they can use every day. Practical things. Throw pillows, old quilts, lamps, decks of cards, yarn, seasonal things.
I really am getting better at keeping my goals in mind. I always ask myself if the actions I will take today will help me move forward to what I want. That may sound silly and obvious to most of us. But it really helps me to ask myself the basic things. Makes me more mindful. More in the moment of what I’m doing. Is this food I’m about to eat good for me? Will it improve my health, or is it detrimental to me? Can I really afford not to exercise today? When I know that simple movements will keep me alive longer? Can I procrastinate any longer with this furniture thing? This flea market thing? I have found that to sell in your booth, you must keep it full and keep it moving around in your booth. Keeps things fresh.
Just don’t stop with your plans. Keep moving towards your goals. There are only 3 of them. I’ve heard this before – that when you do what you planned to do, it feels really good, like you’re really doing something. Of course, we all know this, but knowing it and doing it are very different. Yay for me! You go for your goals, too. And your day-to-day will be much better.