As 2023 came to a close, I took a bold step with my Facebook account – trimming down my friends list by about 75%. The remaining 25% comprises individuals with whom I feel comfortable being myself, mainly family and long-time friends.
Additionally, I made the decision to step down from my treasurer role with a volunteer group and conveyed this to the committee at our meeting last week. While the group’s activities are well-intentioned, I’ve realised that I’m not really committed to its mission. If I’m dedicating my time in this way, I’d prefer it to be for a cause that truly resonates with me.
After completing my studies last month, I am currently immersed in home life and undertaking some essential decluttering, getting back to the basics as I work out my next steps forward. I’ve also enrolled in a program called Jobs Academy run by Future Women. It begins next month and seems to be for women like me who have had a break in their career and need help getting back into the workforce.
Interestingly, one of my friends on Facebook shared an article from The Guardian about the concept of journaling something nice from our day, rather than just the things we are grateful for. Fiona, who shared this piece, is an entertaining writer and I believe she would excel at this. While I aspire to become a better writer, I am drawn to the idea of chronicling daily events since my memory is not the best. It would be uplifting to look back and be reminded of the experiences and actions that have shaped my journey. It would also help keep me accountable to myself to ensure I have productive days that aren’t spent lounging in front of the television!
I’ll give it a go, and see how long I can keep it up. This list leaves out a lot of the detailed minutiae from daily life but captures the essential parts.
- Read a little from White Teeth, by Zadie Smith. It is interesting but not a gripping read.
- Scrubbed the back stairs. We are having some furniture delivered this week and I wanted to check the state of the stairs more than anything, since we rarely use them.
- Wandered the garden with my watering can, picked and ate some strawberries.
- Cardio exercise for 30 mins with Paul Eugene YouTube video.
- Sorted clothing for donation to op shop.
- Ran errands at the bank, pharmacy and supermarket. Dropped off clothing at the op shop.
- Late lunch and movie on TV, Amelia 2.0, about a woman whose consciousness is transferred to a robot body after she dies from a brain aneurism. Rather a lightweight exploration of the topic.
- Hubby home from work. Chatted, watched TV, had dinner.
- Played game apps on phone. Visited Facebook, messaged a friend. Wrote this blog post.