Chapter 1: The Start of My Transformation

Let the transformation commence, everyone!

Photo by Rhett Wesley on Unsplash

According to TikTok, which seems to hold all the answers, Jupiter transitioned into Taurus on May 14th, and it’s believed this will bring positive shifts for us Leos who have faced struggles over the past couple of years. While I may not fully grasp the intricacies of astrology, I do know that in these two years, I've endured a divorce, purchased a home, navigated financial strain while raising my kids through the chaos of separation, taken on a challenging new job, dated extensively, and recently faced a heart-wrenching breakup.

Despite the tumult, I’m ready to embrace whatever uplifting energy the stars might offer. After a period of excessive sleeping and introspection following my recent breakup, I’ve crafted a plan to revitalize my life. With the chaos settling, I’m determined to pursue happiness.

While adopting healthier eating habits or exploring new experiences may not pose the biggest hurdles, the real challenge lies in breaking free from years of autopilot living and overcoming ingrained self-criticism that fuels many of my unhealthy behaviors.

Getting outdoors has proven to be quite the challenge, which seems ironic given that I pay a premium to reside in sunny Southern California. Before my divorce and the pandemic, I hardly considered outdoor activities since leaving the house was a daily routine, filled with work commitments and kids’ events. Now, working entirely from home means I only see my children for half of their lives (an acknowledgment that still stings). I’ve grown accustomed to having everything delivered, often choosing convenience over physical store visits, allowing me to avoid the sun for days on end.

My collection of premium Korean sunscreen and a variety of sun hats—most of which are stashed in my car—attest to my less-than-friendly relationship with the sun. It's time to mend that bond.

My initial goal is to spend a minimum of ten minutes outside each day. Simple enough, right? Not for someone who feels more like a nocturnal creature. Just yesterday, I sat on my porch enjoying a sandwich for lunch—small steps count, and it felt good.

I’ve also signed up for two golf lessons through different women’s golf groups. Despite my lack of athletic prowess, I refuse to subject myself to any misery by pretending to be a beach volleyball pro. Golf not only provides a reason to step outside and soak up some sun, but it also pushes me beyond my comfort zone. I’m a creature of habit, and the routines I’ve built aren’t benefiting me. Plus, learning new skills is essential for mental agility, and my brain could use the stimulation.

This week, I made it to the gym—a rarity since I’ve converted my garage into a makeshift workout space. With a membership costing just $49 a year (thanks to a grandfathered rate at 24 Hour Fitness), I can’t complain about the gym’s quality, despite it being less than ideal. Last night, I took my kids to Planet Fitness, which was offering a promotion: only $10 a month. That fits my budget, it's conveniently located, and surprisingly, it’s a really nice gym considering the low fee. Cleanliness and a “Judgment-Free Zone” sign make it much more inviting.

Tomorrow marks my first "Date Thursday" since launching my new plan. This entails dressing up and going out on non-kid days, whether it's for a genuine date or simply a solo outing. I’ve already arranged to meet friends, ticking off that requirement for this week.

Cutting back on sugar will be a significant hurdle. I’ve already indulged in five Ferrero Rocher chocolates today, and it’s still morning. I’ll postpone that challenge until I’ve better integrated my other goals into my daily life.

And then there’s hydration. Water isn’t my favorite, but I've refilled my bottle. Fingers crossed I can stick with it today.

Two additional areas I aim to consistently engage with are my complete beauty routine and reading.

When it comes to anti-aging, I’m quite dedicated. It’s practically a hobby for me. However, when my kids are around, I tend to prioritize their needs over an hour of beauty treatments like using my NuFace device, especially since I only have them for half the time. For now, I’ll focus on derma rolling and facial peels during my kid-free days—better than nothing.

My reading list is extensive, largely due to my habit of scrolling through social media at night instead of reading. Perhaps I’ll commit to at least thirty minutes of reading before bed.

Speaking of sleep, I need to evaluate my current habits. Averaging just three to four hours a night is accelerating the aging process more than any of my other bad habits. If I can aim to be in bed by midnight, I’ll be on the right track.

Time to take a deep breath.

Let the journey of transformation begin!

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