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.
December 31, 2022
I’d like to have less long covid in 2023 but that’s not really an actionable resolution.
December 31, 2022
Ugh no…. I’m sorry you’ve been so unwell.
December 31, 2022
Absolutely! Three respiratory infections in just over 12 months, one of which lasted about three months .. I am intent on having a healthier 2023! Happy 2023 .. here’s to a healthier and happier year!
December 31, 2022
Oh no Sharmila, I hadn’t known. Unfortunately – as I’m reminded at the moment – the whole ‘being able to breathe easily’ thing is kinda important!!!
December 31, 2022
Here’s hoping 2023 is a great one for you Deb. I’ve got some fitness goals on my list. Just trying to get back to the fitness levels I had pre covid. Happy New Year to you Deb.
December 31, 2022
Thanks Jen. I hope you have a great new year as well.
December 31, 2022
Hi Deb – I love how you’re sounded more settled and content with this new job. I think the one before it was a good lead-in, and now you’re back full throttle again. As far as the exercise thing goes, it’s hard to find something when you don’t love exercise for exercise’s sake (that would be me too). I’d be happy sitting on my butt all day, but I do find that a walk clears my head and (as I go phone-less) it allows me to just “be” and have thoughts float in and out of my head – and (according to my counsellor husband) it oxygenates my brain and that’s good for my mental health. So, maybe you just need to find something small that isn’t a hassle to do, but allows you to feel like you’ve been a bit physical each day? Good luck with that and Happy New Year! x
December 31, 2022
I’d hoped I’d get some incidental exercise in, being in an office. At least walking from the carpark to the office and around the office, but it’s been pretty busy so I rarely get up from my desk!
December 31, 2022
I love that you’re finding your purpose again. As for the getting fitter and healthier. Yep, that’s top of my list this year…I’m hoping the rest falls into place after that.
December 31, 2022
They’re all linked aren’t they?!
December 31, 2022
Your concept of salvaging me, taking bits of “old mes” and weave in the life experiences you have now, is wonderful and inspiring, and I’m happy to see how you sound so much more content about life. Are you able to fit in some gym days now with your new job? For me, health and fitness is definitely an important part for what I want to achieve in 2023, to continue the fitness routine I have now, getting my body used to running, avoid injuries and I’ll try to improve my nutrition.
January 1, 2023
I’d hoped that the changes that came with the job would bring about some lifestyle changes – having to go into an office and being out of the house more. It hasn’t yet but then again I’ve only been in the new job for a month and was away for two of those weeks. At a minimum I should be able to get some incidental exercise in – just walking from where I park my car to the office, perhaps a 10min walk at lunch etc…
But yes, I do better with routine. Pre seachange I used to go to gym classes 4-5 days a week and it was just something built into my day.
January 1, 2023
Hi Deb I love your attitude to salvaging yourself in 2023. You’ve had a few changes especially in the work area in 2022 so it is good to see you settled. I look forward to reading your posts in 2023 and thank you for always being so honest and showing vulnerability in your writing. Take care and best wishes for 2023. xx
January 1, 2023
Thanks Sue and happy new year!
January 2, 2023
I like the idea of ‘salvaging’ yourself Deb and wish you well. Yes my bingo card has do more activity more consistently so we can only try!! Best of luck with it all and hope you’re feeling better just in time to return to work – that sucks!
January 3, 2023
Yes… less of a ‘new me’ thing than scraping together the remnants of the various versions of me that have existed over time. The ‘best of Debbish’ if you like.
January 4, 2023
It sucks you’ve been so unwell. Apparently, we’re all getting hit harder since lockdowns/covid etc. Here’s to a healthier and more content 2023. I do think trying to salvage more of what was occurring is a good way to go. In a way, my word/phrase is that – to build on last year which for me, was actually quite a lovely year despite some health stuff.
January 4, 2023
Yes, I can’t complain too much about last year either which is why I kinda talked about ‘putting myself back together again’ as I feel it’s started. How scary that so much of that (self-esteem and identity) is job related. Well, not just job related, but I guess about financial security etc as well.
And yes re this cold. It’s day 10 today. But I feel like I’m finally getting better and can see / feel an improvement.