Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Changes


Sometime a few weeks ago, I woke up and realized that I couldn't recognize who I was.
It was just how I looked in the mirror. Something had shifted internally. I then flipped over in my notebook to entries written a few months ago, and it was as if my attitude towards the world, how I formed relationships or processed emotions -- it was as if I was a completely different person. It seems like I'm only now realizing how large that change was.

I guess it all started when I resolved to start saying yes to doing new things and to start making memories even though they might be out of my comfort zone. I started saying yes to going to new places and reconnected with old friends that I hadn't talked to in years. I said yes to a few blind dates that my friends set me up on, and even though nothing really came out of them in a romantic sense, these experiences helped me realize something within myself -- I was reminded that I could give value to a relationship and that I shouldn't compromise my happiness just because I didn't want to be alone. I started going out regularly with friends, and that sometimes doing crazy things is necessary for me to "get out there" and truly have fun. And then I started working, and people who I never would have met at school or otherwise in life have become some of the best people I've met in my life so far.

There are also things that I did out on my own. I started going to the gym again. I talked to people in the weight area (it was extremely intimidating at first, but much to my surprise, everybody was nice). I began writing again.

And slowly I realized that the judgmental, introverted person that I was started to become more outgoing and open with people. I would never have thought that was possible. Sometimes, it still feels strange and frightening, but no longer in a bad way.

So I guess the moral of the story is to keep doing what has worked so far -- to keep pushing myself and surround myself with people who support and accept me (despite my flaws), to start trusting more, and find out who I can be if I never give up. For the first time in a while, I'm excited to see what the future holds.

59 comments:

  1. How wonderful to be excited about the new year! Wishing you all the best! :)

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  2. Good for you! I'm glad people have responded well.

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  3. I hope the new year brings you many exciting adventures.

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  4. A new beginning in this new year sounds great. So happy for you. I'd love to keep in touch with you as a friend, even though it's Online. Congratulations for your success with your writing. Have a lovely week.

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    1. Thank you, Beverly! I would love for us to keep in touch too :)

      -Gina

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  5. Hi, Gina!

    It was so nice of you to drop by Shady's Place. Thank you! I see some familiar faces in your circle of friends, and I know our paths crossed a few years ago because I remember your name. It feels good to get reconnected. Thank you for reaching out.

    The start of a new year is a great time to break old patterns and form new habits. From all indications you have a new outlook on life, a positive attitude, and you are embracing change. You are adding new choices and that is bound to create exciting opportunities. Some of the best times I ever had resulted from going someplace I thought I didn't want to go and doing something I thought I didn't want to do. Other great memories were made as a result of a "busted play" - a plan that fell through at the last minute, forcing me to demonstrate flexibility and improvise. You are building momentum. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Keep that ball rolling and have a tremendous year!

    Please remember that a friend awaits your return to SPMM. Until then, take care, my friend. :)

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Shady! I hope that we remain in contact.

      -Gina

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  6. Thanks for coming by my page. I feel like I've seen you on blogger before but it must of been awhile. Did you have a blog before?

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    1. Yes, I have been on Blogger before. However, that was several years ago, when I ran the blog "Modern World", while I was still in high school. Since then, I've "rebranded" myself in a sense. Good memory!

      -Gina

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  7. Your final sentence says very emphatically that the path you are on now is right for you. Long may it continue - and hooray for the courage it must have taken.

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  8. Thank you so much for stopping on my Focused on Story blog and leaving your link to your blog. So happy to have the chance to read your uplifting, thoughtful blog. You are a brave gal to step out and step up to your new, positive self. You have much to give. I'm glad you can see that too. You go, GRRL!
    JQ Rose

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    1. Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words :)

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  9. Grabbing hold of changes in life broaden us so much more than we can even imagine. Enjoy all the new experiences!

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  10. Writing and working out are the only things that keep me sane. Have you tried morning pages? Great post!

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  11. As we get older we change, it's inevitable. It's nice to get out of one's own comfort zone and try new things once in a while.

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    1. It is. You never know what might be out there!

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  12. It's amazing how nice people generally are. It's hard to get out there, but it gets easier. Nice how things are changing for you.

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  13. It's good to surround ourselves with good and like-minded people.

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  14. The last paragraph in your post says it all, Gina! I was living in California just as I turned 24 ~ My whole life was ahead of me then, and I couldn't imagine what it would turn out like. Push yourself and surround yourself with supportive people. It may get hard at times, but you'll be surprised at how far you go! Good luck and take care!

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  15. Saying yes to new things.....what a great way to expand your horizons!

    Elsie

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  16. It's always best to keep open to new possibilities. As a person who has difficulty with change, that's something I continually have to work on.
    Thanks for visiting me at Deliver Me

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  17. Congrats on the changes and happy new year!

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  18. That's great you're stepping out there and trying new things. You never know what you'll find out until you do it. =)

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  19. It's always good to reach beyond our comfort zone. Wishing you an amazing 2019.

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  20. Woot! I'm happy you're seeing positive changes in your life, and liking the result! That's awesome!

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  21. Congratulations on saying yes and challenging your comfort zone. Writing will definitely help you on that journey as well! Wishing you all the best!

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  22. This feels uplifting and inspiring to read. When we forge through comfort zones, the rewards are many and unexpected (in a really good way, right). Keep doing you.

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  23. Thumbs up for your accomplishments.
    May 2019 be the most rewarding year yet:)

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  24. I remember you from your older blog. :) The changes that are happening in your life are exciting, and I'm excited for you. It's called growing up. I don't mean that condescendingly, either. Lots of people don't start to understand who they are and what they want until they're much older... if ever, so it's like they stay stuck in an adolescent kinda rut. But not YOU! Sounds to me like you're on a terrific path. Good for you!!! You've got this, girl!

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  25. Good for you! Stepping outside of our comfort zones is hard!!! I have to force myself to do social things with hubby who is not an introvert like me. Hard - but mostly worth it :P

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  26. There was a time in my life when I felt very isolated and thought it was just how things were meant to be, but then, I started venturing out of my shell and I realized, like you did, that the world can be a fun place. And as for the blog, I was scared to death to put myself out there, but I never regretted that either.

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  27. I have found that it's better to do what makes you happy, not what you (or, worse, others) think you SHOULD do to make yourself happy. Generally works for me.

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  28. What an uplifting post. I too, have insecurities that sometimes get in my way. Well, get in my way a lot! I too, am learning to push outside my "safety box" and try new things. Thanks for dropping by my blog! Sorry it took me so long to get to yours, but I'm thankful I came, as your message touched me.

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  29. You're well on your way to a happier you, and who better deserves it? I look forward to more of your posts. Keep smiling!

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  30. Congrats on slowly discovering who you are and what you want! Realizing that the world and life are full of opportunities is an amazing thing. Enjoy jumping in and exploring what your life has to offer! :-)

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  31. Hello Gina! This is my first time here, so I'll follow your blog. Bravo to you for discovering that life is full of adventure when you try something new. More power to you. Go for it! All the luck in 2019!
    http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com

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  32. Way to approach your anxiety, Gina! That's inspiring.

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  33. So proud of you! You deserve a group of people who accept you for you are and the healthier person you want to be. Many props to you, and may this a better year than last!

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  34. I have heard that saying yes can make a difference. Good for you!

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  35. Hi and a belated Happy New Year!
    I think the hardest thing for anyone to do is to step out of their comfort zone. I know it is for me. I fear what I think will happen and the majority of the time it never happens. Good for you that you stepped out of the boat and started walking out your journey by conquering the fears within. Fear might be there and it might even be real but you can conquer it when you square shoulders and discover the strength that will help you overcome.
    All the best for 2019 and thank you very much for visiting my blog.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G at http://ww.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com

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  36. How wonderful that you're stepping out of your comfort zone. Congratulations!

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