Continuing on with my slightly slack Reverb10 posts:
December 11 –What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)
1. Stress over little, stupid and inconsequential things…
Solution: I really need to find a way of getting out all my frustration. In College, I used to use drama and theatre – but now with work I have so few spare hours for stuff like that. Running helped for the three weeks I did it. I used to go to a great dance class as well – but work has screwed that up too! Bingo! I need to find TIME to de-stress.
2. Worry about the future
Solution: Things have worked out well so far, so I need to stop living in the future and enjoy the present.
3. All those magazines I’ve been saving
Solution: Just throw them out. They sit in the corner, not even looking that pretty. I feel like I might need them someday…but that’s kind of unrealistic.
4. Any sort of paranoia about my weight
Solution: Exercise more. And come to the realisation that yes, I love food. And yes, I am unwilling to sacrifice what I love. So therefore, I must get off my arse more often.
5. Microwaveable Meals
Solution: I’m often working late at night and in an office without a real kitchen. So, I run to Dunnes and grab something to stick in the microwave. Not only are those meals terrible for you – but they taste pretty mediocre and are expensive. I need to start cooking more stuff I can bring in with me!
6. Selfishness
Solution: This is really an attitude change. Being a bit of a drama queen – I tend to think the world revolves around whatever stressful situation I find myself in. So, I need to think of others more often. I also want to undertake some charity work in 2011 – I’m not sure what yet – but I’m looking to help in some way!
7. Being too serious
Solution: They say the best medicine is laughter and I really agree! Sometimes I go a whole week without a proper belly laugh – and that’s just wrong. So I need to make more time to see those people that make me laugh uncontrollably!
8. The reliance on my iPhone and laptop
Solution: I love, love, love to read. But since I started relying on my laptop and iPhone on the bus, in bed, on the train etc – my book list has gone out the window. I need to make more time to pick up a physical book and read instead of facebooking, tweeting and watching episodes of the West Wing.
9. Writing procrastination
Solution: I had this big plan over the summer to start a new writing project. I knew it would take a really long time – but I was really excited about it. I even made the first moves towards my ultimate goal. Those moves have now fallen by the wayside. I need to set more writing goals and work towards this new project. It’s a dream of mine – and I will see it happen!
10. Wreckless spending
Solution: In fairness, I worry a lot about money and I don’t really need to. I save, I don’t spend all the time and if I ever needed help, it’s there for me. But…when I do spend money, I often feel guilty about it. Realistically, I need to plan everything in advance, watch what I’m spending money on and keep it in check. My lateness for instance, results in me getting taxis instead of buses. That’s an overspend of about €9 per trip. Ridiculous. No more taxis!
11. My fear of new things
Solution: I’m lucky enough to have a boyfriend who loves trying new things. Before I met him, I had never tried so many different types of food that normal people think are just part of everyday eating. I had never hiked. I had never joined a public speaking club. I had never gone for a run. I had never been to a jazz club. All these things were brilliant experiences and in order to get over my fear of new things – I need to put my trust in others to recommend things!
How will eliminating these things change my life?
Well for starters, I’d have more time for getting my head in order. More time to get out the frustrations and stress of work. I wouldn’t worry as much, and that’s good for your overall health. I’d probably be fitter and healthier – minus the microwave meals and plus the exercise. I’d be one step closer to achieving my goals as well. I’d have more money and therefore more security – which in turn would lead me to worry less. I’d also laugh much more and help others.
Getting rid of these 11 things would make me happier and healthier. Overall, a much more well rounded person.
