Changes....What are Yours?

[adinva]

I'm so inspired by the really big things others on this board have done. I feel like my changes so far are small by comparison and I'm inspired to dig deeper. Writing them down helps me clarify them so here are my new changes I'm going to work on:

- take care of myself better, health, fitness, grooming, looking good just for myself.

- make fewer assumptions, ask more questions, and really listen to the answers...along with whatever nonverbal communication is coming with them.

- treat relationships as a partnership rather than a battle of the wills. negotiate conflict in a loving and healthy way

- put my family first, stop filling my time with volunteer jobs and pets to surround myself with the affirmation I'm looking for. Be more present for them (need to work on my internet addiction). Work harder at my paying job and be less busy during family time.

- be dependable. Do what I say I'm going to do, waste less breath on aimless plans I don't intend to follow through on.

- be fun to be around. Develop skills and interests (guitar, hiking), pay more attention to current events. Smile more, reach out to friends more.

- be more capable of being on my own. Get back in touch with our finances, get a handle on our spending, be involved in financial decisions, take initiative on car/home maintenance.

- [future goal] Be able to socialize on my own and enjoy getting to know people. I'm honestly anxious about ever dating again - I find dancing embarrassing, bars loud, and meeting new people stressful. Somehow I'm sure I have the potential to find a new love if this doesn't work out. But these skills are on my to do list.