I’ve set countless targets over the years, only to abandon them faster than you can say “new goal.” The idea behind having a public blog is simple: by sharing my goals with the world, I’m holding myself accountable. It’s a way to push me into action, to commit to real, meaningful changes in my life—hopefully for the better!
What am I trying to achieve? You know, I spent ages debating what to write on this page. At first, I thought about sharing my backstory—why I started this website and what led me here. But then it hit me: I’m not super comfortable with everyone knowing my life story. So, instead, I’ll focus on the heart of it—what I’m trying to achieve and where I’m headed.
The Never-Ending Cycle of Targets (and Excuses)
Like most people, I’m great at setting targets. Achieving them? Well, that’s a bit hit-and-miss. Some goals I smash, others… let’s just say they quietly disappear into the “too busy” or “not enough time” category. Honestly, whether I was making excuses or just prioritising other things, the outcome was the same: I didn’t get stuff done—whether it was eating better or making time for the things I love. Life always had other plans.
When you’re young, it’s easy to shrug off these missed opportunities. After all, there’s always tomorrow, right? Put on a bit of weight? No big deal—your youthful metabolism has your back. But here’s the thing: time is sneaky. It creeps up on you, and suddenly, tomorrow isn’t as endless as it used to feel.
A Reality Check (Courtesy of Crohn’s and Photophobia)
As time does its thing, health often starts to wobble. For me, Crohn’s disease and photophobia (light sensitivity) have joined the party. Now, my diet is a precision-planned operation, and I have to tiptoe around anything that might trigger a migraine. It’s a challenge, but I’m grateful—there are people dealing with far worse.
Still, these conditions have been a wake-up call. Good health isn’t something you can take for granted. While I couldn’t have avoided Crohn’s or light sensitivity with a perfect lifestyle, it’s clear how much health influences happiness. Losing it can turn life from a joy into a struggle.
A Midlife Perspective Shift
Part of this is about mindset. I admire those who thrive despite tough illnesses—they find joy and purpose no matter what. But I also know I don’t want to be the 70-year-old version of myself, riddled with aches and regrets, wishing I’d made better choices in my 40s. So, priority number one is clear: better health.
Priority Two: Stop Putting Life on Hold
The second big change? Stop saying “tomorrow.” I’m 49, with my 50th birthday looming in just six months. The last five years have been a whirlwind of challenges, especially as the main carer for my autistic daughter. Her mental health struggles—hospital stays and all—have turned life upside down for our family. We’ve had to accept that her future won’t follow the “typical” path of college, career, and relationships. It’s been tough to process, and it’s taken a toll on all of us.
I spent those years laser-focused on her needs, neglecting my own health, hobbies, and happiness. Work and caregiving became my whole identity. If all you do is sit, eat, sleep, and work, something’s got to give. I’m fortunate I’m not severely overweight, but I know if I keep this up, my luck will run out.
More than that, I miss the me who loved life—reading books, exploring new places, and watching movies I’d been excited about. These days, I always have an excuse. But time isn’t infinite. At nearly 50, I’ve realised I probably have more years behind me than ahead. And even if I live to 90, the number of truly active, carefree years left is shrinking fast.
A Plan for Small, Meaningful Changes
I’m not aiming for a dramatic overhaul. That’s how people set themselves up for failure. Instead, I’m going for small, incremental changes—little wins that build momentum.
• Week 1: Exercise for at least 10 minutes every single day. It’s not about going hardcore, just showing up for myself.
• Week 2: Bring back hiking, something I loved but let slip away. Even one good hike will be a victory.
No grand promises or impossible resolutions. Just steady steps toward a healthier, and hopefully a happier me. 😊
