Keeping it real

[25yearsmlc]

Zeus,

For GAL suggestions, let me mention some of what I did when we lived in the interior of Alaska, even in the winter. I had 3 kids, including a newborn baby born our 2nd month there. (So you know I don't want to hear about how you are or 'too busy' to GAL).


Inertia is the greatest enemy to GAL. Hear yourself resisting GAL and stop the resistance. Overcome the inertia, which is resistance, & you'll be well on your way to a happier more fulfilling life. IMO, the more you overcome inertia, the better your R's will be with ALL people, including your w.

I volunteered at a battered women's shelter.

I coached a girl's softball team, two summers (my older D was on it).
I was on the board of directors for Wrestling, (b/c our son wrestled).
I auditioned for community theater and met some fun creative people. I got cast, too.

I did stand up comedy (and yes, I still do it). I did a whole set once on a MLCs at the Improv. It went very well.

I learned to cross country ski, became a better shooter.

I Learned to hunt big game, to deep sea fish, & I got better at downhill skiing.

I learned to use a snowmobile ("snow machine" to Alaskans)
I loved riding it... it got me outside at a time when most of us wanted to hibernate.

Learned to fly a plane, and I got a pilot's license.

Went skydiving! And I Loved it so much I did it again. And I plan on doing it again, soon!

(Last month a fellow DBer went skydiving and I went to watch and support her. It's powerfully symbolic of us taking a leap of faith, you know?)

Edited a book. (The book ended up on the Best Seller's List. Who knew?)

I Worked out 3-4 times a week, and I really did get in excellent shape. Looking good made a world of difference to me. Found a work out partner and began socializing after the work outs.

(Plus I'd just had our last child so I needed to lose the baby weight. It was NOT easy to do, let alone in the dark, deathly cold of their long LONG winters).

In the winter, I used a tanning booth, which helped me a lot with depression. I felt more energized, and it probably helped my appearance, which also helps us FEEL better.

Saw a therapist and for some months, went on ADs. Very helpful, especially in the winter.

Took a pottery class (very odd for me to do, but I liked it a lot). It also got me out of the house doing something moderately creative and sometimes that was all I could do. It helped.

Joined the Officer's Wives club after 15 years of active duty.

(Man I sure wish I had joined sooner! Met two women there, who remain as life long friends to this day.)

Joined a writer's group
Took a class in Conversational French
Took a class in Italian cooking

There is more, but I just wanted to suggest to you a few things you can do that don't cost much. Other than pilot training, most of these ^^ activities were FREE, or really inexpensive.

Keep going!