Change

On an unusually introspective day, I made the highly significant decision to rearrange myself into someone new. I was turning 60. As far as I was concerned, I was late in starting the arduous project of becoming a better person.

Choosing to change was a big step in the right direction for me. I decided to grow up and take responsibility for my actions. That would involve changing every little part of me that was lazy and wouldn’t grow up.

If I were ever to progress into a productive person who had high esteem, I would have to work laboriously to get my act together.

First of all, I needed to change my old routine into a more improved routine that better suited my new lifestyle.

Exercising every day instead of watching television was one of the best ways I knew to provide a better and stronger, individualistic-type style of living.

Going outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine was another way to transform a healthier lifestyle.

Although walking was difficult, I walked with the aid of a walker. Every day, I made sure to go outdoors and walk with my trusty walker for at least 30 minutes.

I kept track of the distance I had walked by writing down how many blocks I had traveled on a small tablet.

That way, I kept track of the time and distance to encourage myself to go farther every day I walked.

Back then, I slowly gained my strength and endurance to the point where I could walk with the aid of a walker, all the way to downtown Eureka, and back.

Physical exercise was only one part of the equation.

Working on my mental health challenges was another.

One of the ways I worked on them both was to find a quiet space for relaxation and meditation. I sat by myself and let my mind clear of all the excess chatter.

Tuning into my inner voice, I listened for the productive ways I might be able to meet my many challenges head-on. Then, in word and action, I met my mental health challenges full force, with no holding back for fear of retaliation from others.

It took many years to get to where I am, but now that I am here, I embrace emotional freedom and enjoy the liberation of truly becoming who I love to be.

One of my Allies said I was lucky to know what I wanted out of life. I told them it wasn’t luck at all, but hard work and determination that got me to where I am today.

Now that I have changed, I more completely understand and empathize with those who are working on the difficult process of changing.

I hope they all come to know themselves better and learn to love themselves completely. Change is rarely easy, but it is well worth it to gain a new perspective in life.

After all, the only constant in life is change.