Sunday, September 25, 2016

Balance




The autumn equinox has come and gone, and now we've entered the second (dark) half of the year. For about a week, the days and nights are roughly of equal length, and after that the year starts descending rapidly to its conclusion. It's bittersweet to me. I prefer the coming of spring and summer, but understand that we eventually have to pay for all those long, light summer days and short nights. The bill comes due in the fall. It's all about restoring balance to the year.

I've been regaining balance in my personal life, too. I realized yesterday that I've been feeling physically and emotionally better this past week than I have for a very long time.

I've been taking a very low maintenance dose of my antidepressant medication again. My dental drama that led to two root canals and $1000 in out of pocket costs this summer is finally over, dealt with, and paid for.  The cooler weather in September has meant more and longer walks (every day again!) for me and Gregg and the dogs.  I use a pedometer app on my phone to count my daily steps and aim to exceed 10,000 a day. More exercise makes me feel so good that I've found myself feeling motivated to eat better, too. I've been planning healthful meals, cooking more, and packing work lunches again. Every morning and night, I take vitamin D and fish oil tablets, and I'm drinking a lot more water. Taking better care of myself is something I've been neglecting for far too long. It's been kind of shocking how quickly just a little bit of effort makes me feel so much better.

Speaking of things that make my life better.....some of you who read here regularly may remember that I recently vowed to complain less about my job, and even occasional readers have probably at least figured out that I really don't like my job and have been looking for a new one. So I decided that I would try to not complain about it for a week (not even to myself). Well, a week turned into two weeks, and then continued on, and I'm finally learning to stop myself when I want to be pointlessly negative. I've starting trying to attract more positivity into my work life by being more positive whenever I can. For instance, I do meet lots of interesting people at my job, and I make enough money to live on, and my health benefits there are pretty good...there's plenty of nice things to say about it and I feel so much better when I focus on them rather than the dozens of things I hate about it. Complaining less and making the effort to be more positive has been like setting down a heavy load I didn't even know I'd been carrying. Now the search for a new job doesn't feel so urgent, and I've been focusing on finding something better rather than just something else. I'm still actively looking, but with a much lighter heart. Actually, I'm doing almost everything concerning work with a lighter heart these days.

Life seems to be regaining some balance for me this year as the autumn equinox rolls past. I hope that everyone reading is having an equally nice transition into fall.




19 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer. I am pleased for you that you are feeling better. Keep up the positive thoughts and keep it goingxx

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  2. Yes ! you are on the way. I think negativity is such a soul killer. I think you know what to do and just keep it up. I am very happy for you.
    I used to do all sorts of tricks to make myself feel better. Sounds weird but I would pretend I was happy, no lie ! Once a week I would buy myself flowers. I would just look at my world and say it was beautiful. I made time for my art, my best friends. Taught the dog a new trick (very fun) and brushed their hair. That was so calming. Really played with the children, what they wanted to play.
    I didn't have a bad job like you but I had a marriage that was going bad and the death of a child.
    Whenever I had stress or depression sneaking in I use the rubberband on the wrist trick.
    If anyone can turn themselves around it is you. Big hug !

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thank you for the thoughtful reply! You're always so kind. :)

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    2. I hope you will find a new job soon.

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  3. I've always believed that a good, vigorous walk in the countryside can be an effective antidote to many of life's troubles. So glad to hear you're feeling more contented Jennifer but I am anxious about the antidepressant medication. It would be great if you could live without it.

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    1. Unfortunately, I inherited a genetic chemical imbalance in my brain (from my dad) that causes OCD. Without a small maintenance dose of Zoloft, I run the risk of being overtaken by anxiety as well as obsessions and compulsive behaviors. I'm better off with it, I'm afraid.

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  4. Like YP I think a long walk can cleanse the mind; my half-hour morning walk with Bok sets me up for the day.

    Someone once told me that if you want people to like you, you should flatter them. It works. Perhaps you should mention this to your boss.

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    1. My boss is hopeless. But I don't care...one day soon I'll move on to something better! :) And there's nothing like a long walk with a good dog (or two)!

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  5. It's wonderful to read about the positive changes in your life, Jennifer! You are right - it doesn't even take all that much of an effort to reap benefits.
    I especially like your changed approach to life. As you say, your boss is hopeless, and you're still looking for something better, but in the meantime, you can make your life so much easier by focusing on the positive aspects of your job.
    Before I started to work for RJ, my worklife was nowhere near as good (and well-paid) as it is now, but like you, concentrating on the parts I liked helped enormously.

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  6. This post is so positive! You are a positive, smiling and lovely person Jennifer (I see that in your profile picture and in this year's birthday picture) I like the nice things you always say in your comments here and in other blogs. So I know you will keep this positivity going. A hug x
    Greetings Maria x

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  7. Hello Jennifer!
    I see that I made you laugh on Meike's blog, From My Mental Library, so you have made my day! :-)
    There is a great song by Chas & Dave called "Mustn't Grumble". It's a good one! SURROUND yourself, as much as possible, with positive people...that is my advice! Good luck to you!

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  8. Hello Jennifer!
    I see that I made you laugh on Meike's blog, From My Mental Library, so you have made my day! :-)
    There is a great song by Chas & Dave called "Mustn't Grumble". It's a good one! SURROUND yourself, as much as possible, with positive people...that is my advice! Good luck to you!

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  9. Life is all about balance isn't it? I have always suffered from anxiety to some degree, I used to think everyone felt the same. Exercise is definitely a good stress buster. Tomorrow, when I start my flights to Hong Kong and Sydney, my anxiety levels are going to be sky high! Keep thinking positive Jennifer, that job will come along when you are least expecting it.

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  10. Great uplifting post. I have not felt like doing much as of late, illness has slowed me down to the point of just surviving. I think I will take a walk in the early morning, thank you Jennifer

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    1. I'm so sorry that you've been unwell. I noticed that your blog hasn't been updated in some time and was starting to worry. Please try to keep us updated when you feel up to it!

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  11. So pleased to hear that positive thinking is having such a good effect Jennifer. Can you persuade your work colleagues to try it too?
    Nothing better than a walk on a crisp autumn day with your dogs along for company. I take our two out just turned 7 a.m., when it's still quite dark and we're the only ones around - no people and no cars. The best, and coolest part of the day.

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  12. I am glad you have a lighter heart these days. Focusing on the good when you seek and find it and walking your dogs will help keep that heart of yours light.

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  13. I sure like your positive attitude --which I know isn't easy. I'm past the retirement extremity of the work-spectrum but it doesn't end there, nor does the encouraging strength of posts like this one. Following.

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