Figure out what I need

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK I NEED

...I think.

Not a small topic, this one, so that probably sounded arrogant, so to rephrase: I think I’m close to some major realizations about my needs and wants, especially in regards to a relationship. Coming to terms with them is something entirely different.

i’ve been very laid back since arriving home last year… no immediate plans to work or do anything ambitious (quite the opposite from my usual nature!)... i just wanted to gently ease myself back into a NZ lifestyle and some healthy routines. turns out it was just what i needed ;)

its given me the space to reflect on what i most essentially need and gradually incorporate them into my life. subsequently i think my mental health has been the best its been for a while!

so far i’ve been able to establish my most important needs as:

• conciousness of what i put into my body
  
  • taking aloe vera juice to help digestion and vitamin tablets to remedy being rundown
  • eating my 5plus a day of fruit and veges
  • reducing my intake of dairy (in morning) and carbs (in evening) becos these were causing me all manners of digestive probs
  • snacking whenever i’m hungry and ignoring the socially imposed routine of 3 square meals a day (so keeping my metabolism going)
  • drinking plenty of water (pray dont tell uncle enore!!)
  • not drinking much alcohol (i may have a btl or 2 beers a week now which is considerably insane for the average alky-kiwi… pack me up and send me off to the looney bin cos i insist on only drinking water when i go out now too! of course it’s always good to have a sober driver tho)
  • and the latest thing i’ve found detrimental is anything heavy in sugar (has me bouncing off the walls for an hour and then i crash and get quite irritable) – so no softdrinks or “pop” as i got used to calling it in canada ;)

• conscious of what i do with my body
  
  • daily cardio activity – running for now (seems to benefit me even more mentally than it does physically)
  • participate in a social/team sport weekly – hockey for now
  • regular autonomous tranquil/calming activities – yoga, meditation & swimming at the pool
  • regular outdoor experiences – swimming at the beach for now. would also like to do some hiking & biking etc
  • making sleep a top priority! as the saying goes early to bed, early to rise but if i stay up late i need to allow myself the time to recover the next day!

and a few other needs that help keep me balanced and happy:

• being patient and accepting of myself and whatever progress i make, however small, becos guilt and self condemnation really doesnt help motivate me or build confidence!
• being organised and giving myself plenty of time to get ready for things so i’m not frantic and stressing at the last minute
• making time for my friends (even if its just sending a txt to keep in touch!) so i dont feel isolated
• allowing time and space to be alone
  
  • to reward myself with activities i enjoy (music) and look after myself (a bit of pampering is always good!)
  • for mental and emotional processing (either thru writing or self counsel)
• enjoy something really funny that has me laughing uncontrollably!! i cant remember the last time i got snagged in a giggle-fit – really must remedy that :)

its not a static list – i expect i’ll make a few edits. and its nothing particularly revelatory (pretty much the same ole stuff we all mull over here on 43T from time to time). and i guess i’ve known alot of these things for a while. its just only recently i’ve realised it personally and begun taking actions. and its all had really good effects so its not an onerous committment for me to keep on doing it in the future! it just feels like a lifestyle that suits me. a life that i need :)