Ways you upped your game in life

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCUM will love this...

After 15 years as a SAHM, returned to the workforce. I know I was getting too focused about house things like home improvement, minor repairs, room makeovers...and DH couldnt be less interested AND we didn't have extra money with the one income. Now I'm working and no longer, clean, cook, chaperone, grocery shop and everything else I was solely responsible for over a decade. It's DH's turn to help.

I've never stayed at home, but that's exactly what I would fear would happen, universe gets small, and you carry it all on your shoulders. Working creates lots of options - in more ways than one.

SAHMs lose their minds, in one way or another. Not worth it.

[Anonymous]

Started taking uber a lot more. I don't enjoy driving or hunting for parking.

Shorter commute (commute only about 15 minutes each way).

I realize that driving and traffic were stressing me out. It makes me really nervous and anxious.

[Anonymous]

Pre-prep meals so that I don't have to do it all when I actually start cooking. I am my own Blue Apron, with no extra money, wasteful packaging or lag time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pre-prep meals so that I don't have to do it all when I actually start cooking. I am my own Blue Apron, with no extra money, wasteful packaging or lag time.

That's awesome. I would love to get motivated / organized enough to do that

[Anonymous]

Such a great thread.

I chose a telecommuting job, that brought my stress levels lower, in quantum levels

Recognizing small things that make me happy and pursuing it. E.g.: growing flowers

I've stopped basing my happiness on situations, people etc. I am shifting my attitude towards developing an attitude of happiness in general, fueled by small daily improvements to my life.

Stopped caring about what/ how people think.

[Anonymous]

Meditation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DCUM will love this...

After 15 years as a SAHM, returned to the workforce. I know I was getting too focused about house things like home improvement, minor repairs, room makeovers...and DH couldnt be less interested AND we didn't have extra money with the one income. Now I'm working and no longer, clean, cook, chaperone, grocery shop and everything else I was solely responsible for over a decade. It's DH's turn to help.

I've never stayed at home, but that's exactly what I would fear would happen, universe gets small, and you carry it all on your shoulders. Working creates lots of options - in more ways than one.

SAHMs lose their minds, in one way or another. Not worth it.

Not true. I am so much happier now that I SAH. I have time to do the things I want to do and I'm not at the whims of a petty boss. SAH is not for everyone, but I am much more involved in my community than when I worked for pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre-prep meals so that I don't have to do it all when I actually start cooking. I am my own Blue Apron, with no extra money, wasteful packaging or lag time.

That's awesome. I would love to get motivated / organized enough to do that

PP here. I usually do it the night before. I have the kitchen to myself, I watch "Real Housewives" on my iPad, and I knock it out: salad gets made, meat gets marinated, veggies are trimmed, etc. I do everything I can do ahead. Sometimes, I'll even come back to the house after I drop the kids off at daycare to set the table and other last-minute things. (Or I put something in a crock pot while DH takes the kids to daycare.) Sometimes it stinks, because I am tired at night, but I am ALWAYS so glad I did it the next day. I also make large quantities so we have leftovers to freeze or to eat later in the week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre-prep meals so that I don't have to do it all when I actually start cooking. I am my own Blue Apron, with no extra money, wasteful packaging or lag time.

That's awesome. I would love to get motivated / organized enough to do that

PP here. I usually do it the night before. I have the kitchen to myself, I watch "Real Housewives" on my iPad, and I knock it out: salad gets made, meat gets marinated, veggies are trimmed, etc. I do everything I can do ahead. Sometimes, I'll even come back to the house after I drop the kids off at daycare to set the table and other last-minute things. (Or I put something in a crock pot while DH takes the kids to daycare.) Sometimes it stinks, because I am tired at night, but I am ALWAYS so glad I did it the next day. I also make large quantities so we have leftovers to freeze or to eat later in the week.

I do a version of this on Sundays. Put on NPR or this American life, and prep food to cook during the week (e.g. Prep and marinate chicken, chop veggies, etc)

[Anonymous]

I am a black thumb city person. Started a garden reno and plant pretty things. Hated it at first, but over couple of years it grew on me so much that it became the best way to relax. It is very peaceful activity and garden forums are so friendly, I enjoy interacting with people there.
I stopped pushing myself to other people standards (read "rat races") and distanced myself from toxic competitive "friendships". I don't need to hear "oh, you renovated your kitchen? I have to top it when I redo mine!"
I choose people who talk to my very heart, whom I click with, and things that make me smile - $$$$ and not at all.
I started running with my faithful partner, my dog, go out with a few but real friends who will take a bullet for me (mutual), and devote more time to my BF.
Life became good.

[Anonymous]

Started going on a nightly 3 mile walk with my husband.

Stopped taking 270 to and from work. My drive takes longer now (through backroads) but I never touch an interstate and my stress level is lower.

[Anonymous]

1. Started taking care of my mental health (meds and therapy).
2. Being ok with "throwing in the towel" on things that just don't work for me and my family. For example, my kids were in an extracurricular activity on the other side of town that they needed to get to 2-3 times per week. It was stressful to battle traffic after work to get there - and I realized that my kids weren't that excited about the activity and DH and I weren't thrilled with the coaching. So we called if quits - and we are all quite happy with fewer activities/shorter commute each week.
3. Using the subscribe option at Target and Amazon to get household supplies. Saves time and ensures that we don't run out of items that we need.

[Anonymous]

I love this thread. I don't have anything big to contribute, but whenever I've made a positive change in my life it has started very very small and grown. For example, just trying to run to the top of a nearby hill a few times a week became a regular hardcore exercise habit. I think making tiny changes is easier.

[Anonymous]

I live in the District. I make sure that I get out in nature, away from other people, 3-4 times a week. Hiking or biking or kayaking or trail running.

Different strokes -- I would never be content with working out on equipment in the basement. This thread is interesting

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stopped being flaky and stopped being late.

I started investing in my friendships more. I live overseas and my friends are all scattered around (my closest friends live in NYC, DC, SF, London, and Shanghai) and these long-term friendships are really important to me. I make a point to reach out and see how everyone's doing regularly.

I raised my standard of cleanliness for my home. By keeping the house neater, my mood tends to be better overall and I have more energy (I'm not kidding).

I'm already pretty minimalist, but now I regularly get rid of things rather than doing a big purge. More manageable.

I refuse to engage in drama with anyone, ever.

I stopped being self-deprecating. It's not to say I act like a cocky a**hole, I just started to realize my value and worth and no longer present myself that way.

If I don't feel it, I don't do it. Friendships, undertakings, books, whatever - life is too short.

This is a great list.