HAVE A GO
When you are unhappy your world narrows down to getting through each day and going to bed before you get up to do it all again - over, and over, and over, ad nauseum. It's hard to motivate yourself to get out of that rut and the thought of trying something new (for me at least) was just too hard and I really couldn't be bothered.Once I started pulling my socks up and looking for a way to change my mindset, I started thinking about what I'd like to do - and over the last 18 months or so I've tried a few new things that have made big and small changes in my world and all have made a contribution to regaining and retaining happiness.
BLOGGING

One of the first things I did after quitting my job was to go out and buy a bicycle. It had been many, many years since I'd ridden a bike, and it doesn't get as much use as it should, but it marked a point where I had time to do something fun and feel the breeze and the sunshine as I cruised around the neighbourhood. It might be good for exercise, it might make me feel like a five year old, it might make me smile because it has a little woven basket on the handlebars, but really I have it for no purpose other than to make me happy.
Leadlighting (stained glass making) was on my bucket list but I never imagined actually doing it. I'm not remotely crafty or creative and yet it turns out that I loved it. I found an ad in the local paper offering lessons and before I knew it, I was cutting glass, molding lead, soldering, cementing and generally having a great time. I now have a stained glass stairway and it makes me smile every time I look at it - more happiness!
The thing about happiness is that it often comes from investing in others. Once I stopped working I had more time to myself and wanted to do something as a volunteer. The best fit for me has been mentoring a boy at our local primary school. He and I spend an hour together each week and it's so easy but makes a real difference in his life. It makes me happy to see him gaining self confidence and I love that he looks forward to me coming each week especially for him.
DAITH PIERCING
My latest "new thing" was getting my daith pierced. (First up I had to convince my mother that a daith wasn't something rude!) There's a lot of anecdotal evidence that points to a daith piercing helping with migraine relief. I get headaches several times a week - some awful and some not too bad, but I was sooooo tired of them. I thought "what the heck, let's give this a go!" and my daughter decided that it sounded like fun so she'd do hers too. So a couple of weeks ago we went to a professional piercer and did the deed. I think it's reduced my headaches by at least 50% but that could be a placebo thing???? Regardless, it is a cool piercing, it was a mother/daughter bonding time.....and it was something new and out of my comfort zone.IN FUTURE
In the future if an opportunity comes my way to try something new or to tick something off my bucket list, I'm going to do it. I feel like I need to travel some time soon - even if it's not far away - it's just another little box to tick in stepping out of the comfort groove. Same old, same old is good in many ways - I love the security that gives me, but it can lead to being bored or discontent, or unhappy. Sometimes you need to shake things up and stretch yourself and see where life takes you. It is fun and we all need more fun in our lives at times.
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This is so fantastic! I've enjoyed reading your story - about how you got back to you and remembered who you were before all those false beliefs entered the picture. I'd love to connect and have you on my podcast, Let Go Move Forward. More people need to hear your story!
ReplyDeletethanks so much for stopping by to comment Peggy. I thought it would be good to share my story on my blog because so many women have a stage they go through where the wheels fall off - it's getting back up and turning it around that makes it worth the pain. Coming out stronger and happier afterwards is an added bonus. :) I have absolutely no idea about podcasts and how to connect but I'm off to download itunes on my laptop and have a listen to some of yours x
DeleteGood for you. We have a tend as we get older to feel sorry for ourselves and sit and pity away the days. You and I are a lot alike and trying new things can give us the boost we need to go on. The piercing, you are braver than me in this area.
ReplyDeleteIt was worth it to see if the headaches went away - and it was a pretty cool thing to do (I'd never been to a piercing studio before) I think we become so much more interesting if we keep trying new things - and it makes for good conversation!
DeleteThis is cool, I'm sharing it. Popped over twice today, this time for #BlogShareLearn always glad to be here. I like trying new things, depending on the things. lol ;)
ReplyDeleteHope this weekend treats you kindly. :)
Hi Donna - I love all the memes you pop on your blog - they always make me smile and you are obviously open to new stuff to be so clever at it all x
DeleteHow many times can I love this, Leanne?? :) Your stairway is gorgeous, I love the basket on your bike, I never thought of mentoring a child, and you should definitely do the podcast interview!! Let me know after a few months how the piercing affects your headaches. I've never wanted multiple ear piercing, HOWEVER, if it helps the migraines, I might consider it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you loved it all Wendy - the podcast thing scares me a bit - but hey it's something new isn't it? Maybe I'll give it a go if Peggy is serious about it :) Into week four of the piercing and headaches are down by at least 50% and intensity of the few I've had is down by about the same amount. Jury is still out but it's looking good so far!
DeleteThe stained-glass stairway is gorgeous!! All great experiences for your bucket list! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletehttps://meinthemiddlewrites.com/
thanks Mary Lou - it makes me smile when I look at it and that is a definite positive isn't it?
DeleteYou really have stepped out and done some fun things. Had no idea what a daith is. Wear a helmet when you bike!
ReplyDeleteCarol
http://carolcassara.com/responsible-gun-control/
I've got my trusty helmet in the carry basket (had to move the cat so I had somewhere to keep it when it wasn't in use) and now you're a full bottle on daiths :)
DeleteTrying something new stretches us, and makes us think in new ways. I love that you were brave enough to try the piercing! I have been toying with a small tattoo on my foot...we'll see!
ReplyDeleteGo for it - I had a tattoo on my foot a few years ago and I love it. You just have to be sure you pick something you can live with for a long time - piercings are a lot easier to undo :)
DeleteHow exciting, your stairway is so attractive and clever as are all your other new things you are enjoying. We spent yesterday helping another couple, they were very thankful for the help. The thing is, the act of giving gives back so much more pleasure to the giver. How good is that?
ReplyDeleteI know Kathleen - it's win/win isn't it? I love when a good deed makes you feel just as warm and fuzzy as the person you did it for - good on you xx
DeleteThat stained glass stairway is gorgeous! What an accomplishment. And I'm glad you found a cool way to help your migraines :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lois - they both make me smile and I can't ask for much more than that can I?
DeleteLove the staircase. How fun. The daithing looks a little painful though.
ReplyDeleteI think the staircase was more painful than the daith Rebecca - certainly more blood was involved with all the sharp edges :)
DeleteI've never seen a stained glass stairway, and I never knew that part of your ear was a 'daith' or that getting it pierced might help with headaches!! Two new things for me! That stairway is absolutely stunning..... job well done! Having things that make you smile around you is so important, I think. I'm visiting via #Blog Share Learn! Linda. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy I've added to your education Linda and that you liked my staircase - it is so much prettier than the plain railings were. Thanks so much for visiting x
DeleteSo much to love here. Your staircase is amazing! The quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes is inspirational. And so is your whole attitude. THanks for sharing with us on #FridayFrivolity.
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey - thanks so much for the lovely comment and I loved the Oliver Wendell Holmes quote heaps too - who wouldn't want to be stretched a little now and then?
DeleteThat's great! I need to get better at trying things & going for it!
ReplyDeleteIf it intrigues you then it's worth having a go (my new motto!)
DeleteI like your sense of adventure Leanne! Yes, try something new and it can give you happiness and a new perspective.
ReplyDeleteand it doesn't have to be something big or scary - just something new every now and then for a bit of zest in life.
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