Becoming a Better Bean

Day 1

Appropriate I think.

I'm going to use this thread to post daily on my self-improvement journey. Today I believe that I can't change anyone else, I can only change myself.

Today I would like to start my exercise plan. This is something I'm doing for me. Nobody else. I have to make an effort to not really put much effort into everyone else. For example, even though the actions of others don't agree with me, it's not my can of worms. It's up to them to figure it out and make a change. Not me.

Simplicity is key. I am going to make an effort to put my phone aside (but I will post updates here) and do other more productive things.

This year is all about me.

It sounds to me like you are off to a good start.

Thanks!

Day 2

Today, I went to the gym for a bit of a light cardio workout. Eventually I want to add weights and a running program, but I need to start off slowly. If I add too much at once, I just get sore and overwhelmed. At any rate, I made that start, and I'm super happy.

I also made another huge accomplishment. I actually washed and styled my hair, and made myself presentable before going out and running some errands. I'm by no means a high maintenance gal, but I really put no effort into my appearance as of late.

Tomorrow I want to keep up with the exercise and feeling good about myself. Tonight, I'm going to add one more thing (if I can). I have sinus problems, and I usually have to take something at night. Sometimes, I take things to make me sleep. Tonight I am not going to take anything to try and get into a better sleep pattern.

Day 3

My smart phone is always within arms reach.

I really need to curb this habit. There are reasons I will not give it up, and that is because I enjoy texting my mother who lives far away from me (and I miss her). Otherwise, do I really need it for games, news updates, etc?

No.

My goal is to put the phone away. Starting now. I will not use it to check updates, check Twitter, play games. I will use it for communication only.

You have said what you are going to do, but what do you want to be as a result of these actions? What is a better bean going to look like? But you are right - you cannot stress over other other people's problems although you can be kind.

Good idea. Set goals. Get started. Taking care of yourself for your sake.

How did it go with the phone? I wish someone would take my internet away!

Day 3

Back to old habits.

Today I woke up after a horrible sleep. I absolutely dread going to work today. I do not like my job. Problem is, I spent tens of thousands of dollars to get a fancy pants degree, I'm in debt up to my eyeballs from this degree, and to top it all off, I have a job that I find extremely boring that pays peanuts. Hard to be positive about something like that.

I suppose I have to focus on the positives. This is not my forever job, just a stepping stone to something else. I wish there was an easier way to drag myself out of bed every morning and really put on a happy face. I have yet to find one.

In the meantime I will work on things in my control - healthy eating, fitness, appearance, etc.

The phone thing actually went well!

I do have an image of what the Better Bean will look like and be. Even though it's petty, the BB will be 10 lb lighter and be in better shape. The BB will take care of her appearance more. The BB will be full of joy and zest for life. The BB won't be dreading what is around the next corner.

The BB will be confident and happy and proud.

I sometimes wish I could run away and start over, I really do. But there would be people I miss dearly. There's also people I wish I could sit down and tell them - "the reason your life is so miserable is because of ...." It's so obvious. But, to each their own, and while their lives are miserable they will make everyone else's lives miserable too.

That's awesome! I'm going to try to limit internet and kindle use today. I have a long list of things to do and will be curious to see how many I actually do.

What a terrific image of a better bean - none of it sounds petty to me. Hope it goes well - small steps at a time are sensible, and don't beat yourself up over any lapses, patience.

How were things yesterday? I was able to limit my internet use and get quite a bit done, but I still have a long way to go. I think I will try it again today. I know that I do so much better if I write out a plan for the day, even if I don't actually do everything I want.