Simplfy Week #1
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 9:19PM So at the Home Life Simplified site, there is a 52 weeks to simplify your life challenge. So what the heck, why don't I just dive right in to that? Some might say that getting a divorce and moving into a small apartment is simplifying one's life enough. But those who know me well, know that I love a challenge. Here's my response to this week's challenge:
Week #1 Challenge: Create a list of everything that went “right” in 2011
What energised you?
In late summer I purchased a new car. This was a unique experience because it was the first car that I ever bought for myself. After much research and several test drives, I finally settled on a Honda Insight. I negotiated down to the price I wanted and also negotiated to a very good interest rate. It was pretty exhilarating to have done this all by myself and to know that I was responsible for making it happen.
What made you feel happy?
Spending time with my family, especially my nieces. Especially the week that my sister and her daughters spent here in Kansas City with me. Sure there were four of us crammed into my two bedroom apartment during the hottest week of the year...but we sure had fun. I even went on a terrifying roller coaster with nine year old Adriana and lived to tell the tale.
What made you feel at peace?
Knowing that I was on my own again and responsible for only me. Having my own space in which I could do whatever I pleased.
What positive people lifted you up?
My sister, my friends, my therapist, my parents.
What filled your “tank”?
Spending quiet time all by myself, knitting, spinning or just being. I was also lucky enough to get away this past year on a couple of fiber related retreats.
What worked to bring your family together?
I think my divorce really helped my appreciate my family more and they all seemed to rally around me.
What is something that made you feel excited to dive right in?
My friend Tim and I started a knitting challenge in July and while I haven’t been always as on track as I would have liked, I have stuck with it.
What did you learn (positive things)?
Over the past year I’ve learned who my true friends are and that the only person I can truly rely on is myself. Sure these are things I probably already knew. But I think I really had some hard lessons this year in actually learning them firsthand. I've learned to trust my instincts more. And I have learned to really love being with myself.
What are you grateful for?
I am so grateful for my health, my family and my friends.
Simplify
Reader Comments (4)
It sounds like you had a great year - I am in awe of your car buying experience, i can only imagine how empowering that must have felt for you!
Nice to find your blog via the SYL12 challenge that Deb is hosting.
Sounds like your year last year had quite a few positives- it also really looks as though you did things that you enjoyed and spent time with the people that matter to you most which I am sure was very special.
I hope you enjoy the challenge and get a lot out of it!
A tough year, but you came out on top!
I love the things that filled your tank - it sounds as though they were much needed quiet times.
I think your year is filled with strength and self awareness and self care! That is awesome! It is amazing what we can do when we need to - i have actually never lived on my own and tend to rely on my husband more than I should. I am starting with small things but know I need to be more self reliant and aware of things that i tend to ask him to "own". Good on you for getting that car on our terms!