I know it’s been a long time, and I apologize for my absence. There have been a lot of changes in my life, and I wanted to pop in and give you guys an update.
I am still working two jobs; one at a mental health organization, facilitating therapeutic art groups, and the other at a craft store in the frame shop. I work two jobs because financially I have to, but I actually enjoy both of my jobs. I have learned that I’m the type of person who has to get up and leave the house every day. In the past, spending too much time at home negatively affected my mental health, and I think that’s one of the main reasons I struggled so much during COVID.
I’m also back in school! Last June, I started taking classes online, and I am working toward a bachelor’s degree in health science. I have about a year and a half left to go. My friends and family were surprised when I told them my major. I’ve spent most of my life pursuing the arts, so this is quite a change. However, I am absolutely loving my classes! I’m not sure what I want to do with my degree yet, but I am considering applying to grad school.
Unfortunately, two jobs and school leave very little time for writing, but I want you all to know that I still want to be a part of the Freethought Blogs community. Once my life settles down, I plan on writing regularly again.
Another change I want to share is that I’ve lost over eighty pounds. I believe in my last few posts on FtB, I shared that I had knee surgery. Having knee surgery required lots of physical therapy, which led me to work out on my own. I started on a stationary bike in my basement. I noticed I had more energy, so I stuck with it. I was working out a few times a week, but then in December 2024, I decided to try running, and as they say, the rest is history! I run almost every day now. People don’t even recognize me. I went from a size 20 to a size 0, so it is a huge change! Running is my “me” time. I run early in the morning before I wake my daughter up for school. I have a TV set up in front of my treadmill in the basement, so I turn on some trashy reality shows and go to town! Yes, I look different, but I think the biggest change is how I feel. Both my physical and mental health have improved immensely!
I just wanted to let you know that I’m not dead. I’m actually doing really well, and I hope to start writing again once life settles down and I have the time to dedicate to my blog. I feel like you guys have seen the best and worst of me, and I want you to know that I’ve always appreciated the support you’ve shown me.
Good on ya, and happy to see you again.
Very good to hear all of that.
Nice to read you!
It’s really good to hear from you. I enjoy your eclectic posts, whenever you can carve out the time.
Good on ya. Cheers!
It’s great to see you back! Juggling two jobs, especially one focused on therapeutic art groups, sounds incredibly demanding but also rewarding. It’s fascinating that you enjoy both—does facilitating those art groups influence your personal creative process much?
My goodness! How times flies, what with all the events since October of 2024! Anyway, welcome back, even if it’s only dropping in to deliver a quick status report!
😉
Welcome back! It is good to hear from you and even better to hear you’re doing so well! I missed seeing your artwork and hearing about your life.
Congratulations for all the hard work you’ve put in to lose the weight, and congrats on enjoying running! Did you know that sustained running (30-ish minutes or more, depending on the person) lets the brain release its own feel-good chemicals? Endorphins (exogenous morphine) and opioids. Don’t talk about it or people will want to sue the makers of running shoes, treadmills, and running clothes!
Also congrats on learning so much about yourself. You know you need the art to be happy, and you need to leave the house to be happy. That’s not unusual–in the 1950s, housewives trapped in the house turned to alcohol if they couldn’t get valium.
What to do with a degree in health services? You could explore work in a physical therapist’s office, or working (paperwork) in patient care, or community health? If there’s a public health office in your town, you could contact them and ask? What’s equally important is that you’re loving your classes.
Welcome back!
Welcome back, and Happy New Era!
OK
So now what?