I began 2010 by giving myself the gift of a year. It was a huge step, spurred on by my dear friend the Late Bloomer Bride and chronicled periodically on this blog. My gift to myself became a year of focus on taking care of me (something I’d sadly neglected) and realized was high time I did it. It wasn’t easy, it was a year of backsliding and reality checks, all of them culminating in a huge decision made and executed by the end of 2010.
Realizing that my job and travel had much to do with not taking care of myself, I jettisoned it and began Jaggers Communications at the beginning of 2011.
That decision, and every decision after it has been a continuation of that watershed year. Early this year I joined Weight Watchers for the first time in my life. I’ve joined a gym and have been working out like it’s a new religion.
There’s not this “end game” where there’s one specific goal or another I’ve got to reach. It’s a series of small steps and ideas that reveal themselves along the way. When I gave myself the gift of a year, it was intended to be a single year, but what I really did was give myself a life, and for that I will always be grateful.
I’m delighted when I hear from those of you who were inspired by the original post and the original year as it evolved. I’m giddy over the women I know who chose to take a year of their own. I hope that this post reaches someone else who will have an epiphany and decide, right here and now, to take it on (please tell me if that’s you!).
Beautiful!
It’s a gorgeous sentiment and really seems to be paying off! Have you decided to continue the “year?” If so, is it as an extended exercise, or a function of having incorporated self-care as an ongoing part of life?
I’m a qualitative-oriented process person and I’m curious to know more about how you experienced the year. Did it feel burdensome? Did you feel shy? Are you feeling the benefits (beyond acknowledging them intellectually)? Was there a point where the work of it was exceeded by the perceived benefit? Was it a linear experience? Did you notice changes in the kinds of people you attracted and to whom you were attracted?
I don’t mean these to be leading questions and you don’t need to answer any of them. They’re intended, merely, as examples of the qualitative bits and pieces that I find fascinating. We humans do such beautiful, layered work.
I am so glad you decided to give yourself this gift! You are a precious gift yourself to so many people — myself included, of course. 🙂 Keep up the great work.
Joined Jenny Craig. 6 1/2 weeks -20 lb. I have always been inspired by you. I learned so much leaning on appliances. I still love you.
You’re right; this is one “goal” you won’t be able to cross off your To Do List, but it’s probably the most important one you can set.