The benefits of slowing down and making some lifestyle changes

Sometimes you need to take a step back - take a step outside yourself and look within yourself. When you do this it is easier to see what changes need to be made. Sometimes the change can be small and other times the change can be quite drastic.

Just as the clouds change and draw our attention to the sky, lifestyle changes can bring our attention back to the important things. Back to the basics. 

Change allows us to see things from a different perspective. What is causing so much stress? What can I do to relax more? Do I really need that in my life? Sometimes we are forced to make changes due to financial situations, but the changes that we make because we want to change something - those are the best kind of changes.

Over the past week I have made some drastic lifestyle changes. I have made a conscious effort to remove stress and all drama from my life. I've decided to slow down a bit and spend more time reflecting on the important things. Now while these things may not be important to you, they are important to me. It does not matter how many times people tell you to change something, the change will not matter, nor will the change become a permanent lifestyle change unless you make the decision to change yourself.

First things first, I had to remove what was causing me the most stress and taking away from the peace I so badly wanted in my life. Getting rid of the drama and "fake" friends was top on my list.
Removing the drama was actually very easy. Just the click of a mouse - delete, unfriend, unfollow. While this may sound harsh, it was necessary and needed. Taking time for me - well, that was a simple as getting up a little earlier to enjoy the sunrise. Eating better has also made a significant difference in how my son and I feel. Diet and exercise, even if it is just walking to watch the sunset have brought a sense of peace to my days.

Slowing down meant taking time to read and spending less time on the internet. Less time watching television. Canceling cable took care of wasted time and saved me over $100 a month. A co-worker gave me a great book to read, Financial Peace Revisited by Dave Ramsey, and I have never felt better about spending or saving money.

Most importantly, I learned that I had to make the changes for myself. I am 42 years old and shouldn't have to answer to anyone but myself. Therefore, I am slowing down and enjoying the lifestyle changes I chose.

Whatever the case may be, change is always good.

What changes can you make in your life to be happier?