A New Chapter

I don't typically make new years resolutions. And I'm not really certain if that is what this was, but it's the best I can describe it. I dubbed 2011 - The Year of Me.

After focusing on nothing but TTC for two and a half years, I lost myself. I lost that bit that made me, me. It was time again to focus on losing weight, getting healthy, returning to a more positive state of mind, working on my relationship, eliminating stress in my life, and mostly - finding my happiness once again.

Part of what was causing me stress was my job. I have been a manager at a financial services company for the last 4 1/2 years. With 13 employees and my own set of duties, I was constantly on the go. Being busy isn't what bothered me. In fact, it is probably the only part of my job I enjoyed. But, I wasn't being challenged and I'd stopped growing personally or professionally. I was so busy worrying about everyone else and their goals, that I'd put myself on the back burner. If I was even on the stove at all.

In light of 2011 being The Year of Me, that needed to change. I am proud to announce that on Monday (tomorrow), I am starting a new job with my company! A fresh start. It is a completely different line of work, so I have a lot to learn, but I am more than ready for the challenge. There are three major highlights of this new position that I'd like to point out...

#1- It is a fresh start in an area of work I am genuinely interested in.
#2- I get to ditch my cube for an office - with. a. door.
#3- I no longer have any direct reports. That means no more performance evaluations or employee relations issues! (...insert sweet sight of relief...)

Monday marks the start of a new chapter and another item in the win column for me. I am really happy with the progress I've made so far this year. I still have work to do, don't get me wrong. But, all too often I find myself focusing on what we don't have. The baby we haven't brought home. I need to do better at stopping for a moment to give myself some credit for what I have accomplished in a few short months.

My relationship is stronger than it has ever been.
I have lost 24 lbs since the beginning of the year.
I am regularly seeing an acupuncturist to help manage my stress.
I have planned an amazing trip of a lifetime.
Slowly I am still working to eliminate clutter, get organized, and thus stress from my home.

And now... I have replaced a job that caused me anxiety and a great deal of stress and unhappiness, with one that brings me hope, challenge, and the return of my desire to work hard.

If these are the lessons that the higher-powers-that be wanted me to learn by requiring we go through this infertility struggle, I hope they're paying attention. I'm working hard, and I hope to soon be rewarded.

What positive changes have you made in your life? What would you like to commit yourself to now?