Today marks Day 22 of Frost's 30 Day Optimism Challenge. You can play catch up by starting with my intro to this series and following the "next" link from there.
Today Frost asks participants to "Write Down A Goal Related To Your Emotional Health".
As they explain it:
"Taking care of yourself in this busy world can be a challenge. Maybe you need to find your work-life balance, or maybe you just need some quiet time regularly to unwind. Whatever it is, write it down and go for it."
In 2015, there being only one November 2015 in my life, with no do-overs, I decided, on the spur of the moment, to go for it and, despite my work schedule, doctor and vet appointments and concerns about paying bills and putting food on my table, week to week, write a daily series of posts on the topic of "Never Giving Up."
I had no idea where it would lead me or if anyone would read a word of it, much less share it around.
I wasn't even sure I'd manage 30 posts! But I did!
A check, this moring, of my Shareaholic shows, amazingly, that all of the series, except one, were shared on Facebook...a total of 110 times combined, including several that were shared 6, 7, and 9 times.
I invite readers to check the series out, share and comment.
On Never Giving Up - The Series
I live alone, my only companions are 3 cats.
In the 6 years I have lived in Houston I have been unable to build much of a social life, or a collection of friends and associates, or other connections.
Working the 3-to-closing shift every day, for most of my 5 years at Wal-Mart, and not having fixed days off, meant little opportunity to do things and go places, even if doing so was free, much less make a connection with people and organizations.
While I like many of my co-workers and trust a few of them enough to accept rides to the bus stop or home, from time to time, there has never been a chance to do more, or build more complex relationships.
Goals for emotional health and well-being? Me?
My sense of humor and creativity have helped me so much in my life, especially during hugely stressful times.
So has my love of reading.
So has getting out and about in the world, going places, doing things, finding inspiration in what I see and do.
There has not been a lot of that since I moved here, at least not as much as I had hoped for.
I took a number of walks last Summer thru Winter and lots of photos, but without a computer, I could not share on my blog.
For me, getting a handle on where I stand, health-wise, is the first step toward emotional, as well as physical well-being.
Even with medical insurance, thru work, I may not be able to afford much beyond a physical and a few blood tests, but it is a start.
My emotional health has always been helped by taking walks and long, long, bike rides, going to interesting places and attending free and affordable events when I could.
Starting this week I will have a more "Have a Life" friendly work schedule: Fri-Sun/Sat-Mon = 2-11pm, 2 varied weekdays = 8am-5pm and 2 varied weekdays off.
While not a fixed schedule it is an effort to allow me to try to have a life.
I have a week vacation next month and will have a paid day off to attend a free symposium on cycling and pedestrian issues at Rice U. at the end of Sept.
Finding time for walks and bike rides, alone, and with others, not only will help me physically but emotionally and creatively as well and maybe help build connections.
Making myself more secure, financially, though harder to accomplish, will help relieve stress.
Another stress reliever? Clothes shopping...a little anyway, as I want to try to put something in my savings. I have a huge 2nd quarter bonus due, with the next payday on the 6th, and need some new cargo shorts and a few shirts.
A dinner, to celebrate anniversaries, may be doable, as well, 6 yrs. in Houston and 5 at my job.
Doing a Google Search for "goals for emotional health" gives one more ideas to consider.
NEXT UP: Opt For Optimism Challenge: Day 23
Comments