On Valentine's Day, I gave myself some love. I'm feeling better about being a single person and I am more than ever focused on what it is I want from life. That got me to thinking:
what do I want life to be like a year from now?
First and foremost, I want to feel okay on my own. I want to be able to attend movies, concerts, and other events solo and have a great time. I want to be able to say hello to strangers and start conversations. I want to explore all of the things I want to do without worrying about my safety, how I look, or whether I am the only single person there. I will leave myself open to approach, because the goal is to feel comfortable out in the world. I want to open my mind and heart to the possibility of finding new friends, new experiences, a new way of seeing my life.
In one year, I am sure that I will live completely alone. So, do I keep this house, or find a smaller one? Do I stay in Austin or do I move a little further out of the city? I think I may take this one year by year, depending on how I feel about my life situation. How do I manage the quantity of my things, whether I move or stay? Before moving, I will need to pare down the amount of stuff I own. So, in one year I want to have a better idea of whether I stay here or go.
In one year I want to be able to say I got rid of the remaining items that I have no use for. Namely, the Baja, the Cricut, the camping gear, the guns, and any tools I do not use or want. I was hanging onto certain things thinking that my kids would be in relationships, with families and houses, but it doesn't look like that's happening and I'm not going to be a storage facility. I have boxes of stuff to send to 2 extended family members. I want to say I emptied the garage out except for what I absolutely wanted and I repainted it and it's DONE.
In Feb. 2026, I want to be able to say that I got several big things done at Rustown whether I am selling or not. Some of the maintenance items are doable by me and I have a schedule set up for that. The garage, carpet, and a new fridge are on part of my plans. I want to look back on my list and feel proud.
Lastly,
I want to have made so much progress in therapy that it tapers off into maintenance sessions. I appreciate and am grateful for all of the help the therapist has given me, and inspired me to give myself. I want to be able to say I made great strides in 2025. This is something I plan to work hard at, investing the time and effort into myself.
This sounds like a list of resolutions, and maybe it is. My goal is to stop just surviving - I want to thrive. I think it's fitting that March is the month where I focus my efforts on self-love and care. See you in 2026, February.
I love your list and the thought that went into it. Such good goals for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm trying to hold myself accountable.
DeleteGreat list of goals. I have some that are similar. I booked a trip by myself for the first time to celebrate what would have been our 40th anniversary. I am looking forward to it. I also am considering buying a single ticket to a musical series. So unlike me to do on my own but I think I'm ready at 8+ years as a widow.
ReplyDeleteIts hard to get out there alone, but after awhile, it feels normal.
DeleteGina, I wish you all the best. Concerts are so fun to attend. Sing, dance, and just be free! Self-love is so important, and it sounds like you are on a beautiful journey. ♡
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm finding my way and have lots to look forward to.
DeleteHaving yearly goals is a great idea. Do them while you physically can. Enjoy being in your little world. I still find it hard to travel far. So much going on in today's world.
ReplyDeleteI treated myself to a Valentine dinner at a local restaurant. I mentioned to the waitress I was treating myself V dinner. A few minutes later, she came back and sat at my table and said thank you. I've just lost my fiance recently and when you said that, I realized that's me. I had a cry and had to come back and tell you. You have encouraged me to treat myself tonight.
So we never know when we get out there, what we might do for someone else.
Your journey will have it's ups and downs as I am sure you have experienced already. Having a plan and moving forward .... that's what's important. I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a thriving Feb 2026 but bet you will achieve much of that sooner!
ReplyDeleteI sure hope so! I feel like I am truly moving forward. (:
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