1FitChic

One of the women leading the assertiveness course I am attending had a look at the goals I’ve drafted, and suggested that my ‘go out five days out of seven’ was a good one. I’ve been through periods where I havent been out of the house at all, which is ridiculously stupid because I am well aware how very much better I feel when I do go out. Fresh air, seeing people about, bustle of town, change of scenery from these rather nice but too familiar four walls! So this is a priority one. If I have a good reason to go out, I’m far more likely to get myself ready and go – so planning ahead is key here.

For different reasons, my social life has ground to a rather sorry halt. I havent missed it too much, having been busy studying for my degree, but now I’ve graduated (hurray!), it’s becoming ever more evident that I’m uncomfortable with the quiet nights without focus. One inspiring way of putting it, that I read, was something along the lines of ‘how long are you going to make that future best friend/partner wait to enjoy your company?’. I’ve met some lovely people over the years, who seemed to enjoy my company, but I’ve been dreadful at recognising when I’m liked, and at maintaining friendships when I do realise. This is not going to happen again! From now on, I will not let opportunities slip away, nor neglect to keep in touch (which probably is caused by low self-esteem, or whatever). Nor will I let the past, or even recent events, knock my confidence and lead me to hiding away instead of going out there and enjoying life.

Come the new year, I’m going to be stepping out and letting the world see me! My current favourite saying is ‘dare to make mistakes’, difficult experiences have led me to be so scared of making mistakes – since reading that quote I feel more relaxed about not always getting ‘it’ right – because, in most instances, it really doesn’t matter if you do make mistakes.

The most obvious way for me to do this is to become involved with the local ‘transition town’ initiatives that are spreading across the country. It seems a positive, empowering way to gain the skills and strengthen communities ahead of any significant change we might face – and fun too, with a number of social get togethers! I’ve been aware of it for a while, but until now have not attended meetings or become part of one of the many groups they have. All this will change come the new year…