Today’s topic is: “Think about one thing you would like to change about your life, and tell us how you plan to do it.”
For those of you who have been reading my stories, you’ve probably realized that I’m not much of a dreamer. I’m more of a dreamer THEN doer.
For example, five years ago, I realized that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life behind a desk, staring at a computer screen, maintaining a high-stress lifestyle that had very little impact on the bigger picture. So I planned an intentional detour. When my Boston-based corporate job gave me the opportunity, I packed up my stuff, rented my house, and moved to this beautiful hobby farm in southern Minnesota to start a family with my ruggedly handsome husband.
More recently, I decided that I wanted to implement small but impactful changes in my life, so in March of this year, I began monthly resolutions (instead of New Year’s resolutions). Each month, I pick something to try to do every day. The hope is that after 30 days, it becomes part of my routine and continuing to do it thereafter is essentially effortless. So far, my track record is above average. I am now an avid flosser, I average 10,000 steps a day, and I’m 22 days into posting my #DailyGratitude on Twitter. However, the part about practicing yoga at home with my children and removing flour and sugar from my diet only lasted a month.
Here’s how I typically work: Experience a problem. Identify a possible solution. Implement said solution. If it doesn’t fix the problem, reevaluate and try again until the problem is solved. The real trouble comes when I want to change something but I have to rely on others to help me implement it. (I am not what you’d call patient, but I’m continuously working on it.)
About six months ago, I got a bee in my bonnet about building a tiny house that I could use as a writer’s retreat/guest house. And my very handy and skillful husband has agreed to let me help him build it, but not quite yet. First, he had to finish the restoration of our vintage camper van. More recently, I heard him mention something about taking the summer off to travel and relax, so it sounds like this is turning into a fall or winter project. Luckily, the whole house will be constructed inside his shop so at least we won’t have to plan around the weather. But that doesn’t mean I’m not feeling eager to get started on it now!
While I am waiting, I’ll just keep repeating my husband’s favorite saying, “These things take time…”
How do you make changes in your life? Share your tips in the comments.
~ Phoebe DeCook
Phoebe DeCook 