Has you life changed in the past year? How? Good or Bad?
How are you doing. Thought it might be time for a check-in.
Myself, July 2012-Today has been the strangest time of my life. And, my life is radically different from where I was a year ago, so much so that I feel almost like a totally different guy.
In the summer of 2012, I had "problems" -- I don't really want to go into that in detail, some of you will recall. I recall in detail, but wish I could forget.
However, coming out of the other side of what felt to me like trial by fire, like my own personal-scale 9/11 in some ways (not that I want to diminish 9/11 in any way, I am reminded of the lyrics of 'Ordinary World' by Duran Duran - "Here, beside the tales of Holy war and Holy need, ours is just a little sorrowed talk"
, I can tell you the following:
I used to be very passive. I floated along on the current of life, letting things happen to me, accepting them, and not fighting back. Not now, I am very proactive, and I stick up for myself in a way I didn't even think I could. My mantra when it comes down to it is "Oh, Hell No! Fuck that shit!"
I was really out of shape. I've lost about 50 lbs, and back almost to my best weight of like 20 years ago. I joined a gym, work out like a demon now 6/7 days a week, often twice a day. I am doing things I never thought possible. I now run, and swim, and in 2014, I plan on taking training for and competing in a amateur triathlon.
To go with the above, I totally changed my diet. I eat much better food, as much organic as possible, very few carbs, even fewer simple carbs, no junk food, a biggie for me, no regular pop, although I have had a hard time giving up diet and succumb semi-often. When I shop, my cart is full basically of produce, meat, and dairy. I hardly ever even go down the central aisles any more.
I don't feel like a loser any more. I feel like a winner. Not in a Charlie Sheen way, either. I have learned I am so much more outgoing, social, friendly, responsible, than I thought I could be.
Along with diet and exercise, I made a commitment to my physical health in other ways, by getting every possible thing wrong with me treated and under control or resolved. Still a rocky road, I have some looming issues, but getting there, and I WILL get there.
I take time to do what I want to do, for myself. If I want to go fishing some night after work, but there is laundry and dishes, well, they wait until I get home, or the next day if absolutely necessary. The "old me" was a slave to routine chores, and I took very little time for fun.
I have more balance in my life.
I take more pride in my appearance. I always had to look presentable, because I have a white-collar, office job that involves interacting with clients. But, now, I dress to look sharp and try to always look my best. And, people have noticed that along with the improved physique and attitude.
So, how about you? Any big life-altering events in 2013? Or, even earlier. Tell us your tales.
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Arrived April 1st, making me the greatest April Fool of all time.
Definitely a change for the better.
I am so glad to hear of how well you're doing! Thank you for telling us about it.
As for me, I learned last August that the treatment worked and I was cured of hepatitis c. 
Our boss, a national leader in the field, bailed on us for a fancy job with the state. So now we're just one of 28 similar agencies around the state. Nothing special. And I'm trapped in a transit-unfriendly city that I'm convinced wants to be L.A. when it grows up. 
In the words of the immortal Tennessee Tuxedo, "GET ME OUT OF HERE!!"
finally just got a BIG promotion I've been working toward for years. It wasn't that I actually did anything different, but I've been functioning differently at work, dressing better and with a different mindset, and that made all the difference. Finally will be able to get my family out of debt and on the right track financially (though that part will still take a few years).
Also, my kids are 1 and 3 and there is nothing more amazing in the world in my entire life than them. They make every new year amazing in ways I could never describe.
Thanks for asking! Glad your year is going good as well *high five*