Focus

I don't think I've ever had this much focus. Maybe not since I was a kid. I'm so happy that when I was feeling so depressed and unmotivated at work that mum suggested to me that I go and visit some places in the world. The subconscious thought has always been there, it's just a matter of shaking off fear and comfort.

So these last 2 months I have been planning, reading through guide books, making notes, wishlists and trying to map out my adventure. Planning a trip has helped me in other areas too. I'm doing the dishes every day now (sometimes morning ones too after breakfast) whereas I used to leave them all til I was making coffees with forks and drinking them out of tupperware lids. I'm eating right, chopping out lollies, fizzy drink, juice and biscuits. Most of all McDonalds. Man, that sly company had me in with their new look meals and before I knew it I had justified it as being normal to roll into a drive-thru.

Eating right is almost asking yourself "what can't I do without?" and then getting rid of it. For me it was Coke and chips.

The exercise regime has been fantastic. The regular walks I go on each week with my friend Kath have recommenced and I'm going solo if times aren't suitable. It's a nice 4.8km walk we take an hour to do, through the suburbs and then a small reserve with some nice scrub. Together with the weekend hikes (see reviews when I get the photos!) it keeps me remembering what all of this is for.

The focus goes through other areas of my life, even finances. Major saving mode has kicked in and everything is under the microscope. So no wasted $$ on fast food, more meals at home, making lunch each day. Some of this may sound like commonsense, and it is! I'm still getting over poor man syndrome, having been studying and unemployed for chunks of my life after school so having money is still a buzz.

And it's overcoming fears. I have been facing anxiety problems for a few years now since my body/mind freaked out when I wasn't treating my body/self so well. So to get out there and do all this it's swallowing that massive lump in my throat (and any upchuck), ignoring my swollen hands and sensations, harnessing the hyper-reality of panic and trying to maintain an even focus throughout the day.

I would encourage everyone to get out their and take something up, get rid of a bad habit or give yourself some goals. It's a fantastic experience so far.

Spanish, here we come..