“Just because you fail once, it doesn’t mean you’re going to fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself because if you don’t, then who will? So keep your head high, keep your chin up and most importantly, keep smiling because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”  ~ Marilyn Monroe

A little more than three years ago, I endeavored to change my life in a significant way. The process continues, but since I made that fateful decision I lost my job, my cat and my heart. I can honestly say, however, that it’s been the best three years of my life.

Each of those not so positive experiences offered opportunities for self-discovery, allowed me to practice new skills I had acquired, and ultimately pointed me in directions I had not considered or would not have known about otherwise. Interestingly, I have realized that many of us set out to make changes in our lives, and yet are unprepared or caught off guard when change actually happens.

Prior to the start of my journey, those who knew me would have described me as a happy person. I was happy, but I was also a severely overweight workaholic whose social circle consisted solely of co-workers who kept the same insane schedule. I loved my work and never felt bothered by the 10 or 12 hour days and weekends I worked. It was familiar and comfortable and I excelled, but it was also an avoidance technique; an acceptable excuse for hiding from life, love and other deep personal connections.

In February 2011 I finally resolved to change my ways and become healthier, create balance in my life and maximize my happiness. I started by figuring out how to eat healthy at the office. A year later I had developed a circle of friends that had no association with my job. Having a social circle motivated me to work less and make time for fun. And most importantly, I finally realized that in order to increase my happiness I had to be willing to make myself my top priority which would ultimately improve all the other areas of my life. The process hasn’t been smooth or easy, but I feel more alive and happier than I have in twenty years. I’m excited by the unlimited possibilities the future holds.

My journey continues and with all things in life I have my ongoing successes and my setbacks. I look forward to moving along in the process and sharing some of my experiences and listening to what you have to share. In concluding this inaugural post, I have noted a few of the nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned so far. I hope there may be something here that resonates with you and I invite you to let me know what you think and to share some nuggets of your own. I’m listening.

• Putting yourself first without guilt is the most important step, but also the hardest.
• No one will love you more than you love yourself
• Allow yourself to be surprised by life
• Don’t try to control the uncontrollable
• Learn to feel beautiful
• Don’t let age define you
• Address your fears
• Try something new every day
• Make time for fun
• Find beauty in the everyday
• Live an active life
• Bless and Release
• Start by putting your thought/idea out to the Universe while keeping your mind open to the possibilities
• To be happy is a great decision