Embracing Change: My Ongoing Self-Care Journey

This week, I’ve been reflecting on my personal goals—thinking about my home, body, work, and wardrobe. I’m getting close to finishing my purple sweater, and my closet is coming along nicely, which makes me feel more organized and in control. I’ve also been preparing for my esthetician practical and state exam, and I’m really enjoying this semester of college. It’s nice to feel productive in some areas of my life.

I’ve made headway in organizing, too. This week, I went through my purses and accessories, decluttering and simplifying, which gave me a sense of accomplishment. I’m donating two more boxes of items to Goodwill, and it feels great to release things I no longer need. But while I’m making progress in those areas, I’ve been struggling with my body and energy levels. Lately, I’ve found myself exhausted after what I would consider a “normal” level of activity, and it’s been frustrating.

After some reflection, I realized that I’m coming out of an extended period of intense stress and anxiety. For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m finally decompressing. My body is telling me that I need to slow down and recover. I know that my sedentary lifestyle hasn’t helped my stamina, and I’ve decided it’s time to make some changes—but the hard part is figuring out where to start.

When it comes to building new habits, I’ve learned that recognizing the patterns behind them is key. Whether it’s overeating, forgetting daily tasks, or sticking to a schedule, habits form from repetition and emotional triggers. For me, there’s a large emotional aspect to creating new habits. I need to understand how they will fit into my life and how my current routines will work around them. I’ve been reflecting on this in the context of my health goals. I want to improve my physical well-being, but it’s not just about fitness—it’s also about reclaiming my energy and taking care of my mind.

One wake-up call was being told by my doctor that I’m prediabetic. It was the push I needed to start cleaning up my eating habits. This year, I’ve been learning what it’s like to live with little or no sugar. Initially, going cold turkey was tough—at one point, I even experienced brain fog as my body adjusted to the drastic change. But it taught me an important lesson: real change takes time and commitment. My health is worth the effort.

Now, I feel ready to take things to the next level. Beyond sugar, I’m looking at how I can incorporate more physical activity into my routine in a sustainable way. I’ve always thought exercise meant pushing myself to the limit, but now I’m learning that gentle movement—like stretching, walking, or yoga—can be just as beneficial, especially during times of recovery. I’m also rethinking my relationship with rest. Sometimes, self-care is about listening to your body and giving it the time it needs to heal.

As I continue working on my health goals, I’m also focusing on how my surroundings impact my well-being. Clearing out my closet has been about more than just organizing—it's a symbolic way of clearing out mental clutter too. Simplifying my space helps me simplify my thoughts. There’s something therapeutic about letting go of things that no longer serve you, whether it’s old clothes, worn-out beliefs, or outdated habits.

And here’s something else I’ve learned: just because I fall off the wagon doesn’t mean I’ve failed. It simply means I need to make corrections and get back on track. One day, week, or even month is just a small bump in the grand timeline of life. What matters most is that I keep moving forward, learning from those moments, and trusting myself to make the necessary adjustments.

Moving forward, my goals are simple but significant: maintain my progress, be gentle with myself, and stay open to new routines. Small changes add up, and I’m learning that self-care is a journey, not a destination.