LIVING LIGHTLY - THE HALFWAY MARK
I can't believe that we're already more than halfway through the year! Back at the
beginning of January I chose "Live Lightly" as my Word(s) of the Year, and it's time to check in on how that's going.
At the end of each month I've shared how life is going, but today I thought
I'd do an update on something I've discovered I needed to do to truly begin
living a lighter life.....
SHEDDING UNNECESSARY WEIGHT
The discovery I made about living lightly is that you need to remove what's
weighing you down. If you're struggling under burdens that you've been
carrying for too long, or weight that has settled on you unnoticed, you
have to take the time to figure out what they are and to then remove them
one by one.
There's a few things that I've been working on this year to shed some of
the weight - they're not bad in themselves, but they've been sitting heavily
on my shoulders and I felt that I needed to work on them to free myself and
lighten the load. I'm sharing three of them below:
1. GETTING HEALTHIER
The first hurdle to overcome for me was to get healthier. It wasn't about
shedding a lot of physical weight, or about creating a new eating plan, or
an exercise regime, it was about getting on top of a few chronic health
issues. Number one was having my hip dysplasia sorted out with
a hip replacement
in October last year. This has meant that, since the beginning of the year, I've been able to resume my
daily walks, climb stairs easily, sit and stand and move without pain.
When you remove pain from your life things feel lighter immediately.
Also, this year I've had a couple of other health 'hiccups' that I've been
sorting out. I found out (after a blood test) that one of
my parathyroid glands had a tumour
and I needed to have it removed - after my operation a few weeks ago, I was able to tick that one off the list. In the process of diagnosing the issue,
it came to light that I also have some emphysemal changes in my lungs
(thanks to living the first 20 years of my life with a father who smoked in
the house and car). This helped explain the persistent cough I've had for 25
years or so - and my doctor has prescribed me an inhaler to get on top of
it. I'm already noticing that I'm coughing less - Yay!
2. LEAVING WORK
At the end of May I left my little part-time job. I'd started it last year when my hip was limiting my day to day life and I felt like I needed to do something to occupy my time more intentionally. I think I also needed to prove to myself that I wasn't "broken" from the toxic job I'd been in a few years ago. I really enjoyed the challenges and the changes that re-commencing work brought with it, but I also felt the weight of repsonsibility and the pressure of an excessively busy workplace.Choosing to leave felt right. What had begun as a new interest had slowly become an added weight. I'd stopped enjoying it and realized that I didn't need to be working from a financial aspect - or to prove something to myself, or to anyone else. I'd finally reached a point where I was happy to put down the load and be fully retired - in my own time and on my own terms. Giving my notice and leaving felt right and I could feel myself breathing more easily without the extra weight.
3. DROPPING OUT OF COMMITMENTS
On top of working, I'd always had several other commitments that I'd be juggling at any given time. I'd volunteered in many different areas over the years - teaching Sunday School, running youth groups, leading discussion groups, being the secretary our church/our children's school/and a local community group. Other times I've volunteered with the Red Cross helping families with multiple births, mentored children in the local primary school, covered library books, been parent help when my children were in kindergarten and school, and lately I'd been helping out at my church's mothers and children playgroup.I finally stopped volunteering when my hip failure forced me to, and when the time came to start again I just haven't been able to muster the enthusiasm. I'm realizing that what used to be easy now feels heavy. I stopped attending another long term commitment this year for the same reason - I just feel like I'm done, that I'm weary, and that I need to rest from it all. Volunteering should add to your life - not weigh it down. So, I've dropped out for a while, I'm not frantically trying to replace what I've left behind....I'm just taking it one day at a time - and I feel like I can breathe more easily.
LIVING LIGHTLY FROM HERE ON
Living Lightly has been a great reminder for me over the last six months. I look back and I can see that I've proactively removed some of the things that were weighing me down, and now I look to the months ahead and I'm allowing myself the freedom to discover what I really enjoy, where I can serve with peace and joy, who I can engage with authentically, and shedding the various burdens I've carried with me throughout my life. It's never too late to lose the weight and begin to Live Lightly.WHAT ABOUT YOU?
How's your Word of the Year going? How do you feel about living a life
that feels authentic and real - not one full of responsibilities that
aren't yours to carry? I know that busyness is different for all of us,
but getting the balance right makes such a difference doesn't it?
RELATED POSTS
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You really are living your word of the year. Achieving balance is tough, but you're doing it intentionally.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - I feel like I'm at a bit of a life junction and it's all about taking time to find out which path is the next one to take - and being in the right state of mind to take it :)
DeleteThis so resonates - thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Sheri - I'm glad you found it helpful - I think I've finally reached the point in life when I don't want to be lugging around cares and responsibilities that aren't mine to shoulder. I hope you're finding the same thing too.
DeleteHi Leanne. I'll be interested to see what your new unburdened life will be like. I wish the very best for you. You continue to inspire us all. Thank you! xx Christina Daggett
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - to be honest, I'll be interested to see what this next phase of life will be like too. I want it to feel light and easy and "right" for me - no more doing stuff because it's what I 'should' be doing - it's going to be more about that "right" feeling from now on.
DeleteYou are doing an awesome job lightening up your life and living lightly!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne - it's taken me far too long to realize that I was carrying a lot of stuff that wasn't benefiting my life at all. Letting it go gradually feels really good.
DeleteLeanne,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You know that I can relate to so much of what you have written here...
First, I had my knee replacement surgery which the need for it had significantly limited my mobility and subsequently, my life style. No longer working has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders along with bowing out of volunteering at our church for numerous fund raisers and being in charge of several. And now after losing 50 pounds, getting that "weight" off has increased my mobility, my energy and benefited my general well being....And like yourself, I am now ready to see where this new perspective on life will lead me...My One Little Word for this year is SHINE! I think I have been doing just that so far!
Thanks for sharing! I hope you have a great week!
Thanks so much too for visiting!
Hugs,
Deb
Hi Deb - I love that we're on similar journeys - we've faced similar hiccups and hurdles along the way, but we're rocking this next stage of life. It's amazing how life unfolds when we stop trying to control everything and learn to let go of what's not ours to carry. I'm so impressed with all that weight you've lost - I struggle to kick the extra 5 or so kilos that are annoying me - and you've kicked that to the kerb!
DeleteWhen life starts going in the right direction, a lot falls into place for us doesn't it?
Hello Leanne! I haven't been able to follow you for some time due to the fact that my computer crashed and had to buy a new one and when I try to comment on your blog I ran into some problems. Now that I am able to read your posts and comment I want to say that I missed you and you're quite the trooper. I applaud you! I've been going through some difficult times and I just take life one hour at the time. Health issues will force you to slow down that you like it or not but it shouldn't come to that. We need to unburden ourselves and find joy and contentment in each day. You're my sunshine! Keep on shining bright! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Yvonne! I had wondered where you'd disappeared to (and hoped it was because you were busy getting adjusted to this next stage of life). Sorry to hear about the computer crashing and dying - I hate when that happens because it takes such a lot of mental space to get it all back up and running again. Nice to have you back though and do hope things are improving in your world and that you're managing the grieving and growing process. Sending you a big hug and it's great to hear from you again. x
DeleteHi, Leanne- I agree with Jo that you are living your WOTY brilliantly. Taking time at life's junctions makes sense. I look forward to following your journey from here.
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne, I can relate to this post as I have been at a crossroads for a while and wondering which 'road' to take but in reality, I think I need to look at the issues in a different way. I like the idea of giving up what is weighing me down, so thank you for writing about this topic, as it has helped me look at the issues in a different way.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth - I think sometimes we need to figure out what isn't working and make some changes, before we can begin to put into place the things that we need for the next stage of the journey. Carrying excess baggage is just pointless and tiring - and slows down the journey. Good luck with your next steps :)
DeleteI really needed to hear this: "Volunteering should add to your life - not weigh it down." Right now, one of the volunteer things I agreed to is definitely weighing me down mentally. I agreed to a two year term also, so now I need to figure out how to not let the situation weigh me down! It's going to be about my mindset and reactivity. Because there are aspects of it that do add to my life....just others that take up too much mind-space! Thanks for that great quote.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat - I've felt the same with some of the things I've taken on over the years. When I was younger, I just got on with it....but these days if it's not working then I'm realizing I have to change my mindset, or give it up. I've felt such a sense of obligation to so many things over the years - now I'm trying to find the balance between commitment and being used up - it's a fine line sometimes....
DeleteWell done on letting go of things that were weighing you down Leanne, your WOTY is perfect and you are really showing us how it is resonating in your lifestyle. Onwards and upwards and as lightly as possible! Go you :)
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - I really hope that it's teaching me something. I still have some more work to do on the whole 'lightness' thing, and part of that is to do with taking responsibility for things that aren't mine to carry - I'm still figuring that one out (next time I plan on not being an oldest child!)
DeleteA lot of these words resonated with me. Taking charge of what to let go, to remove the things weighting us down. Those are hard things to do. I am glad your word is working for you and that you are seeing the path forward.
ReplyDeleteHi Bernie - I figured I can't live lightly if I'm carrying around a load all the time. There's a lot of things we can't put down, but at the same time, we can choose to recalibrate now and then and let stuff go. It's helping me focus my energy where it needs to be instead of spreading myself too thin. :)
DeleteGood to hear your health issues are being sorted Leanne. Isn't it great to be at the stage of life that you can choose and not feel any stress over the decisions you make. To me, it's the best part of where I am now.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn - yes, I'm loving that my decisions have less ramifications on others these days. I can check in with my husband and other than that, it's about what feels right for me at the time. I'm loving being "brave" enough to step back from things that aren't working for me - something I'd never have done when I was younger - I'd have just kept on pushing through. I'm too old and wise for that these days!
DeleteHi Leanne, it's been a tough year for you health wise but thank goodness it's behind you now. I think that letting go of things that no longer feel right for us is such a good thing to do. We need to reduce stress as we grow older and embrace more of what lights us up and makes us feel good, and relaxed! You've reminded me that I actually chose a WOTY this year (I'd forgotten) and it was ENOUGH. I think I have embraced my reasons for choosing this word to some degree by taking better care of myself. We went on a good long decent holiday and we had a short beach getaway earlier in the year. I still need to be kinder to myself - too self critical and I still worry too much what others think of me but not as bad as I used to be. I'm kinder to myself generally. It's tough times for me and I'm doing a bloody good job of looking after my Mum. I think my Dad would be proud and that's all that really matters to me. I hope the rest of your year is fabulous and you're healthy and well and feeling light and happy! xo
ReplyDeleteHi Min - I think you're doing an amazing job juggling your family commitments with caring for your mum. It's a big deal to be the "sandwich generation" where we have responsibilities at both ends of the spectrum - to love and honour your mum by caring for her during these more difficult times speaks volumes about your caring nature.
DeleteI'm hoping that this is the end of my health issues for a while - I still need to take calcium and Vit D for the forseeable future until everything evens out, but that's small potatoes compared with surgery and hospital stays!
I love how you've gradually shed things which add responsibility and pressure. You need all the energy you can to heal. I'm learning to do the same and it's so freeing!
ReplyDeleteHi Corinne - I think your #WOTY "Heal" is such an excellent one - because there's so many aspects of our lives that need to heal before we can move forward and truly grow into ourselves. I'm finding atm that I need to shed some layers to make room for whatever is next. Previously I would have been worried about what was on the horizon - and not being prepared, now I'm happier to just go with the flow and see what appears and allow it to happen in its own time - definitely a sign of healing for me!
DeleteThis is such a powerful and honest post about giving up what weighs you down. I admire your courage and wisdom to let go of the things that no longer serve you and focus on what brings you joy and peace. I can relate to your struggles with perfectionism, comparison, and self-doubt, and I agree that they are not worth our time and energy. You have inspired me to reflect on my own life and see what I can give up to lighten my load and live more authentically.
ReplyDeleteHi Supraja - I'm so glad I could be an encouragement for you in your own journey. I think it's something a lot of us need to work through - so many of us set the bar so high for ourselves and expect to be all things to all people. I'm finally realizing that I'm finite and I need to use the energy I have in ways that grow me and bring joy - rather than on trying to control my circumstances or other people. I'm getting better at "you do you and I'll do me" these days.
DeleteI nodded quite a bit reading this Leanne as I too am facing some significant changes to my life moving forward. It's something that I will share over time, but I am BECOMING someone who is more in tune with her needs rather than others and more!! Glad that the physical health matters are being managed. I'm off to get a health care plan for a physio for my shoulder and back next week. I think I have CARRIED enough..lol. Great to see you sharing a post from your blog on this week’s Wednesday’s Words and Pics Link Up at Denyse Whelan Blogs To Connect. I hope to see you next week too. Warm wishes, Denyse.
ReplyDeleteHi Denyse - I can read between the lines on your blog that you're on a new path and enjoying the journey - it feels like coming back home has freed you up to figure out what else will make you happy and bring contentment. I think living contentedly is the key to a joyful and authentic life. Glad to hear that you're looking after yourself physically too - carrying an injury is a recipe for long term pain and gets in the way of embracing the new things in your life.
DeleteIt's interesting the things that we notice when we are in tune with ourselves. My year has had some insights as well and some of them come with that feeling that suggests it's just the right thing. Certain ones I can commit to without pause, but a couple other require some changes and a bit of time to reach the end goal. Have you heard the quote by Cavine Yambo? "Whatever flows flows, whatever crashes crashes. Yes, it is always what it is!"
ReplyDeleteThanks for the virtual coffee, Leanne.
Hi Shari - I like the idea of flowing and allowing what doesn't fit any longer to fall behind (and crash and burn if necessary!) It feels for me like now is a time of allowing life to unfold, rather than trying to force it to become something that may not end up being a good fit. Being patient during the process is the biggest challenge.
DeleteI love how you're intentionally walking yourself through this year with kindness and compassion paired with sheer determination. Establishing goals, holding boundaries, and putting yourself first! You're rocking your words of the year and I'm here for it! Cheers to an awesome weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteHi Melis - thank you so much for your encouraging workds - because that's exactly what I'm trying to do. Intentional is becoming a word for me too - something that I'll probably blog more about in the weeks ahead. Waiting to see what's next without trying to force it into existance, and thinking it through before leaping in!
DeleteCongratulations on doing so well achieving your goals.
ReplyDeleteThanks - sometimes it feels a little backwards before going forwards - finding out what needs to be removed to make room for what's coming in the future.
DeleteIt can take a bit of time to work out what we want and need on any given day. Good that you are finding the path that fits best. #WeekendCoffeeShare
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia - it's actually quite difficult to figure out what's next when there's nothing that "has" to be added. I feel like I don't want to rush into filling the gaps, but I also don't want to be left with too much empty space - finding the balance is the challenge.
DeleteGood for you, Leanne. It's good to have goals and push yourself, but it's also good to relax and let go of a few things. In the two years we have lived here, I have lightened my load considerably. Sometimes I think I need to add to it, then we start a new project - like the kitchen and now I'm writing a study guide to accompany our pastor's weekly sermons. If you are going to be flexible, you have to travel lightly through life. :) Love you post and all the comments.
ReplyDeleteHi Marsha - I think I'm probably where you were a couple of years ago. I feel like I've finally let a few things go that weren't working well for me, and now I need to figure out what I want to pick up in their place. I don't want my whole life to be about doing nothing (that appeals but only for the short term). I'd like to find interests that appeal to me - and that others don't necessarily have to understand - and that's the next challenge.
DeleteIt's wonderful that you're finding balance and lightening your load. It can be really hard to do that, especially when there's such a wealth of interesting activities one can be involved in. I struggle because I'm interested in everything and I want to help, but the older I get, the more rest I need (physical and mental). I'm currently wrestling with whether to say yes to a new volunteer commitment, and your post is helping me consider that opportunity through a different lens. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet - I feel like there's lots of opportunities.....but very few hold a lot of appeal for me atm. I'm being very careful not to jump into something just to fill time or to feel productive. I think I need to pause and just take it a day at a time right now. It's strange to not have a dozen commitments competing with each other - and I'm getting used to being less "busy" these days.
DeleteHi Leanne, Thank you for your weekend coffee share. You’re rocking your WOTY. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you’re free to reassess and choose what’s next.
ReplyDeleteThat's it exactly Natalie - filling my days with things that take up time but don't resonate with me seems to be such a waste. I think I'm finally allowing myself the space to be more intentional about what I want to take on into the future.
DeleteI was so glad when I read that you had given up your part-time job because you were ready to. It served its purpose and then it was time to close that chapter. I am debating about subbing next year. Most of my assignments last year made me very anxious. There's plenty of that in life without finding ways to add unnecessary stress.
ReplyDeleteI had a real 'hit-bottom' day yesterday and cried for most of the day. Today I am better, but there are a lot of things I need to set aside emotionally and mentally so I am not weighed down by them. Our church message for some weeks now have been FEAR NOT. But I am still afraid and worried many days about health problems, my step-son's mental illness. I do know that exercise helps me to let things go for a bit. I need to do more of that and less worrying.
Hi Leslie - I'm so sorry that life is tough at the moment for you. I want to give you a big, long hug and tell you it will be okay (maybe not okay in the exact way we'd like it to be, but okay in the way the bigger picture unfolds). It's so hard to step back and let life unfold - we have this desperate desire to try to steer it into calmer waters don't we? Hang in there and trust that God has things in hand. x
DeleteAs far as work goes, I loved that I stepped back into the workforce and that I made a valuable contribution, but I also realized that I don't want to be so busy that I'm stressed and have a headache the next day. I don't need that in my life anymore, I didn't love it enough to want to keep putting myself out there - I want to be home, I want to live a quiet and peaceful life, I just want to be retired now. I hope you figure out what you really want to do too. x
So good leanne! I agree...we cannot continue to carry "stuff". It doesn't serve us well at all! So glad you're moving around so much easier. Yay! I'm so glad you're doing what is best for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Kirstin - I think if we can say we're doing what works well for our mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing then we're on the right path aren't we?
DeleteI love this. I can relate so much to what you are saying. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure - it's such a feeling of relief to let go of the baggage that holds us back :)
DeleteHi Leanne. I can honestly say that after retirement, everything that I've ever wanted to do just keeps falling nicely into place and I've never been happier. I'm so glad that everything is working for you too and that you are happy and living a fulfilling life. xx Christina Daggett
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - my life isn't quite as adventurous as yours, but it suits me perfectly - and I'm grateful every day for this lovely life I've ended up living. Neither of us got to where we are by accident - hard work and good stewardship has brought with it some wonderful outcomes. x
Delete