Week 3 Review of The Life Makeover

 

 

Time goes by too fast. I haven't updated since my Week 1 Review. So here's a bit of an update!

It's been three weeks since I decided my life needed a complete makeover and started working on some small changes.

So far I haven't noticed much difference in my life. I feel like I need to get out more, I feel like I need to get more organized and that I need to just do more. But, I'm only working on these goals right now.

 

September Goal Update Week 3:

 

Health: Well, so far I have just failed this one! I still have not picked up the exercise bike yet and if I'm being honest with myself, I probably won't any time soon. It's too hard to get around without a car! On the plus side, I do walk a lot.

 

Parenthood: My goal to maintain a good evening routine has been pretty successful so far. We manage to eat dinner, and get ready for bed just fine. And now that I have made Sidney a chore chart that includes bedtime, she's much more willing to go to bed and stay in bed. Recently I've been trying to do more fun activities in the evenings. On Thursdays I get home pretty early so we have more time together to do things. For example, today we went for a walk and collected leaves to use for crafts.

 

Relationships: Over the past year or so I haven't really spent any time with friends, or even family. I've secluded myself and I would like to start going out more. So far I've had my younger cousin and her boyfriend over once, my friend Sarah and I have gotten together a few times and I even went out with my other cousin last weekend. And I'm actually starting to get back in touch more with older friends, thanks to Facebook.

 

Home: I got two new end tables for free. I've changed Sidney's room around, and organized the big closet which is more like a storage unit. Still on the hunt for more furniture and such, but it takes time to find the perfect pieces.

 

Money: Errr... I did make a budget! A very loose budget, so that's probably not very good, but it's technically done... Yeah, I should fix it up more.

 

School: Maintaining good grades, handing in every assignment on time and arriving early every day. Assignments and tests are starting to pick up now so I really need to stay focused.

There's only a few more days left of September and I feel quite happy and confident with my progress so far.

However, October brings new and exciting adventures and I'm going to have to start thinking of new monthly goals. Seeing how things have changed, and reflecting on myself I have a few ideas of what needs to happen next. Time to mind-map again!

Thanks,
Cole

What I Will Be Discussing On My Blog

 

 

 

For the past few years I really didn’t have much direction or any idea of what I wanted in life. The truth is, I’ve been absolutely terrified to do things that make me happy instead of doing what I felt was right.

I felt very confused.

For a long time I felt that I was too different to fit in with the rest of society and that something was very wrong with me. I couldn’t stand the idea of working most of my life to benefit someone else. All I wanted was freedom and hardly anyone I knew could relate to how I felt.

Eventually I discovered that there are a lot of people who feel this way. Mostly through blogs and websites, I came across a ton of people who were working on becoming their own boss and leading a life they made for themselves.

There was a problem though.

Most of these individuals were different than me.

They were either:
a) older 
b) had no children
c) had a spouse who made enough money to support them
d) single and independent
 

Well, I’m 23, I have a daughter, and my husband is in the same boat as me.

We have bills, debt, very little education, and a daughter to support.

I’m not saying that because of these differences I will have a harder time in building my own career and life. It’s difficult for anyone, no matter what their situation. All I’m saying is that I have yet to come across someone in the same situation as myself, who blogs about it.

After 5 years of trying to do things the “right” way and having it fail every time and being completely miserable, I finally said to myself and to my husband, “Okay, that’s it. No more! We’re going to do what we want to now.”

And here’s what I’m currently working on to make that happen:

1. College
I’ve been accepted into a journalism program at college. I’m working on getting funding, or at least a student loan. It took me a long time to figure out what sort of program to go for. I considered business, accounting, photography, fine arts, interior decorating, marketing, and a ton more.

2. Health
After gaining 60 lbs. through stress and depression I finally told myself that it was time to get back to being healthy. I’ve been walking a ton more, and eating a lot healthier. Eventually I will get back into Hatha Yoga and meditation. I’m seeing a counsellor and trying to be more optimistic to conquer this depression.

3. Money
Since I’m going to college I won’t be able to work. Hopefully I can make some money online again, or find some other form of income. My husband is working part-time right now but is looking for a different job. We’re also trying to find ways to save money, which is really hard because we already don’t spend any money as it is. Not to mention, I want to pay off my debt.

4. Photography
I’ve always enjoyed photography but never thought I was very good at it. I still don’t, but I’ve been slowly teaching myself photography in my spare time. Maybe I will even take a couple classes.

5. Writing
Well, after doing a bunch of work I hated I finally admitted to myself that I want to be a writer, hence why I’m going for Journalism. Writing a blog daily has been a lot of fun and a great help at getting better. I also read a lot, and I have been trying to increase my vocabulary as well as doing writing exercises.

I’m finding that there are a lot of people in similar situations as myself.

Going to college, supporting yourself financially, chasing dreams. It’s all very complicated and sometimes writing about it and reading other people’s experiences really helps.

If things work out for me, I will share how I made that possible. If things fail, I will let you know what happened so that maybe you can avoid making the same mistakes.

I’ll be sharing healthy recipes I enjoy, money saving tips I discover, photography advice that works for me, tips and tricks I learn about writing and personal life stories on family, school, friends and most importantly, self discovery.

As well as this being a creative outlet to help keep me sane, and possibly get positive feedback and encouragement I also hope I can inspire others to chase their dreams and live the life they’ve always wanted.

 

Thanks,

Cole