This past year has seen me settling into new full-time work and finding my financial feet again. My job with a not-for-profit was fairly low-key and I was able to work from home – on someone else’s dime rather than as a contractor working for myself. There was a lot I enjoyed about my job and some stuff I didn’t. I’ve mentioned before it wasn’t necessarily as challenging as I’d hoped so, just after my one-year anniversary I successfully applied for something that would take me back into the type of work I did pre-seachange.

Back then it was pretty full-on. My life was mostly about work and little else. And that seemed normal. I’d maybe see friends on the weekend, but my weeks were all about work. I’m hoping it’s different this time. I’m hoping I’ve learned my lesson and there’s more balance – that I put my needs and those of my loved ones ahead of my professional commitments.

It feels like another turning point however. The past 4-5 years in particular have been challenging given I’ve found it harder than expected to find relevant jobs in regional Queensland. I feel like I’ve scraped along rock-bottom a few times, not quite hitting it and rendering myself unable to continue, but getting close.

So as 2023 looms I’m hoping that – career-wise and professionally – I’m back on track. Where I expected to be in 2013, but far more appreciative of what I’d previously taken for granted. I’ve realised…

in some ways I’m ‘salvaging’ me. Taking the best bits from old me-s… those I’ve been over various stages of my life. Garnered and sewn together now by experience and wisdom perhaps.

I’m no longer one for new year’s resolutions. I realise it kinda goes without saying that what I really want – each and every year – is to be happy. Or at least feel some contentment with my life.

Though having said that… I’m writing this post-Christmas 2022 and feeling unwell. I think it’s just a summer cold but as I wheeze and struggle to catch my breath I’m reminded that – yet again – I’ve let myself become unfit and unhealthy. Pre-seachange I went to a gym class 4-5 times a week, but in the 10 years since I’ve not re-entered regular exercise. I’ve tried a few things but nothing’s ‘stuck’. Not even the desire or motivation to walk regularly.

So – though I refuse to call it a resolution (because then I’d become a cliche!) – I’m hoping the new year will help me to bring about some changes to my new and slowly improving (salvaged) life.

Anyone else have ‘get fitter/healthier’ on their 2023 bingo card?

Quote from Peaceful Barb via Facebook.