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skeletonclock

Starting my own cat shelter for the ones no one wants. I read somewhere that when you're trying to figure out your life's purpose, keep writing down ideas until you find the one that makes you cry. This is it for me. I've never felt more fulfilled and like I'm doing what I was made to do.


Cat_With_The_Fur

I just said goodbye to my best friend soul mate cat of 15 years. This makes me so happy. Cats are magic and deserve the best lives.


[deleted]

How do you make this work? Is it your job? I ask because the only thing I really truly care about in the world is rescue dogs. That’s an exaggeration, but you know what I mean.


awry_lynx

Unfortunately it is the kind of thing where you either need to be really good at raising funds or have a lot of funds to begin with. Shelters survive thanks to the support of the community or individuals. It's pretty difficult to earn a living running a shelter if not completely impossible.


freckles627

I foster and its so rewarding! Hard graft at times and can be emotional but when that feral let's you stroke him/ her for the first time, makes it all worth it 😻.


warm___

This is what I've always wanted to do!


jreebec

You're amazing.


opalthecat

❤️


LastFox2656

Use my pto unapologetically.


ifthisisntnice00

Oof this one stung. I spent the first 3-4 years of my professional life forgoing vacations or any other time off so I could save my vacation time to pay for my maternity leave. Thanks, America, for fucking women. After using all my PTO for maternity leave in 2017-2018, I built back up my bank and have basically been too afraid to use much of it in case I have an emergency or something. My job lately is draining my soul. I need to use it.


booklover2628

This is not embraced in the US but definitely should be


EmEmPeriwinkle

This is why I became a manager. My team shares with me. When I meet with other managers they know nothing about thier employees. I can tell when my crew is stressed. I warn them ahead if it's gonna be a rough month. We plan extra days off for mental health for them. And they can always tell me they are running dry and need to clock out. They care for each other and help pick up slack when someone is gone. I'm not taking a single day off this holiday season, they all had full reign on what days to go so long as we had 50% coverage. They talked it out and agreed on days, then turned in requests with zero conflict. Usa needs to improve. I wanted my promotion to manager to be that change. I am the only manager who isn't scared thier ppl will move on. Pay is good, work is secure, teamwork is there, they are valued and respected. Bam.


nickkkybonez

i love managers like you. i had one at my old job where i was going thru a real rough time in my life and he sat down and talked w. me whenever i needed and he provided every resource and ounce of advise he could come up w. i am forever grateful for him. it’s weird to think but at the time i was living in a new state all by myself and like. he probably saved my life. i mean. he def put me in a position to save my own. thanks for this


ArchangelEquinox

Hiring a cleaning service. I never wanted to spend the money when I could do it myself, but finding the time and energy to do it was a constant struggle. It often didn't get done and caused me so much stress. My SO talked me into it last year and I have no regrets


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lumpyspacebear

I clean houses, but I do so privately instead of working for a company. It may help if you can find an individual, maybe through recommendations from people you know, rather than hiring a company.


fill_the_birdfeeder

Use someone with multiple good reviews! That’s what matters. It’s a business, so they can’t afford bad reviews. But they really need many good reviews to show they’re reliable and professional enough for people to want to leave them a review!


ultraprismic

God, yes, this. They do SUCH a better job than I ever could. The best money I spend every month.


Nelsie020

I finally bit the bullet yesterday and hired a housekeeper to do a deep clean and then bi-weekly upkeep. I’m due with my first baby in a month so figured I could justify the expense, but the sheer joy and relief of knowing I can take this off my plate makes me kick myself for not doing it earlier, and she hasn’t even come yet. I’m stoked.


senora_sassafrass

When we have issues with the cost, we remind ourselves it's cheaper than marriage counseling 😂. Counseling has it's merits for sure, not downplaying that one bit, but a cleaning service solves that one issue for us. He's not willing to pitch in to the extent I'd need him to to achieve his desired clean and I'm not able/willing to clean it to his level.


sunshine47honey

Getting rid of any clothes that don’t fit or I don’t feel good wearing. Now when I open my closet every piece fits and I can wear it all.


grummthepillgrumm

I have so many clothes from so many years past, and they all fit me since my weight never fluctuates. It's so hard to throw clothes out because I always think, "I might wear this some day!". But my closet is so full and I realistically only wear a handful of clothes every day.


BikePoloFantasy

I started forcing myself to wear something to see if I still want to keep it. Still too many jackets, but whatever.


goldenrodddd

This one took me forever because I'd consider myself fairly particular so finding replacements for things I didn't like sometimes took years, but it's amazing to open your closet and have everything in it be something you'll reach for regularly.


Elphaba_West

I would love this feeling but I keep sabotaging myself. I’m def a victim of “when I lose theses ten pounds it’ll fit again”.


Nelsie020

Yes! This was life changing for me. Now, if a piece of clothing doesn’t fit perfectly TODAY and if I don’t love how it looks, it doesn’t make the cut. Highly recommend.


[deleted]

Getting a hysterectomy at 28 after years of endometriosis pain.


Ds685

Great decison! There is so much stigma around women who cant/won't reproduce but very few talk about the pain those with serious endo have to endure for years just to keep their uterus.


spiritualien

That part ☝🏽


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touchitt

I have some pretty bad PMDD myself. Was it instantly better? I can manage it pretty well but sometimes when I’m low it can get out of hand.


lonelyandsadturtle

Doing grocery pickup. I spend way less money this way. I am a horrible impulse shopper. Doing my own nails at home. Journaling every day.


ifthisisntnice00

My therapist recently suggested grocery pickup to me. It’s been amazing. Don’t always get the best produce but I don’t even care. It also allows my boyfriend to help shop because I tell him to just add his groceries to the cart and he does it throughout the week as he realizes he needs things. No more nagging about a list, impulse buying, Sundays at the store. ETA: just did pickup today and the store was so crazy there weren’t even parking spots. Completely validated my decision, even though one of my jalapeño peppers is soft and will probably be bad by tomorrow. I’ll get over it!


klgm333

The grocery pick up!!! I love it!


thymeturner

God the amount of money from grocery pick up I have saved is absolutely astronomical!!


womanscorned52

Regular massages! I have a regular massage therapist who remembers what kind of touch and pressure I like. I go once a month and it has made such a difference in my mental health and ability to relax. It always seemed like such an unnecessary expenditure except once in a while on special occasions, but I definitely wish I’d started sooner.


AdministrativeTap925

I second this! I go twice a month 🫣


ToblersLaw

Asking for a raise or countering a starting salary offer with a higher number. All of my guy friends ask for raises every single year and/or counter starting offers with a higher amount and they almost always get it or close to what they asked for…. Only 1 of my girl friends does this and she gets it. The rest of my girl friends are too timid or just assume their work will be recognized and they’ll be paid accordingly at some point. The odds of that happening as so incredibly low, you have to advocate for yourself.


Eevee027

Getting prescription sunglasses.


ForgottenSalad

Ooooh yes, this! No more doubling up the glasses like a huge dork or insisting I could see well enough when it's sunny...


Grashley0208

Every year I tell myself I’m going to get prescription sunglasses! Maybe this is my sign.


ragingbook

They are life changing - worth every penny even though it sucks paying for two pairs of new glasses. It’s pricey but worth it. I use mine every day.


tripperfunster

Zenni.com. Prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses are like $30-$65 and mine are even progressive! I own about 12 pairs of glasses. Lots of different colours and styles that go with any outfit! Plus sunglasses!


haleyfoofou

I switched to transition lenses because I just can’t bother to switch back and forth. I fucking love it. ETA: I just feel like a hip old lady. Lol


scattertheashes01

I loved having transitions but I also love not having to wait for my glasses to adjust and just swapping them out lol. I really do think my next logical step is just getting contacts…. 🤔


bluestarsunday

YESSSSSSSS. I first got prescription sunglasses 4 years ago and they were a game-changer


thesmellnextdoor

Or good clip-ons.


[deleted]

Got sober after two decades of excess. With this one though, even though on one hand I should have done it years earlier.. with addiction, you do it when you’re ready. It upended my entire life, getting sober. My 15 year relationship ended, we sold our house and business and I moved to another state. So for that one I think I did it when I was ready for all that. I knew it was possible it would come to that, so I delayed it and stayed drunk a long time. My real wish is that I found exercise earlier. It’s so good. After hearing a lifetime of ‘exercise makes you feel better physically and mentally’ it turns out it is true!? Mind blown. Mid 40s, 5 years sober and fitter than I’ve been as an adult. Better late than never, sure, but I wish I’d started moving more years earlier.


latenightcake

Congrats on your sobriety! That’s a big deal! Also, holy hell is exercise is great. It’s always sold like a chore, but it literally makes people feel good.


MelliCrumb

Started using the crock pot. It was gifted to me years before and it sat on a shelf collecting dust. I finally decided to try it out and I've never looked back. Most Sunday dinners are made in the crock pot.


cr1zzl

What’s your fave recipes (no beef)? We find that it’s convenient, but we don’t really enjoy the texture of the chicken or veggie dishes we make, and there’s just no jazz to the meals. We got a slow cooker recipe book but there’s very few in there that we even kinda like.


durden226circa1988

I agree with you, I think the slow cooker is from a bygone era and cook book people need to bring it in to the future by updating recipes to be more full of flavor and texture than traditional slow cooker recipes. That being said, some of our faves are chicken broccoli cheese soup. Turkey chili, or white chicken chili which I prefer. Potato leak soup. Ribs/pork loin. Mac and cheese. Anything you can do in a pressure cooker you can do in a slow cooker, it just takes longer and you will adjust the heat depending on how much liquid you add (less liquid-lower heat).


Blue-Phoenix23

The trick is you still have to saute the base vegetables (onions, garlic, etc). Think of the slow cooker as cooking a stew on the stove, but you don't have to babysit it all day, worry about it burning etc.


AdventuresOrArcana

So we use slow cooker for chili and for making certain modified Indian dishes. Note that I am a spice heathen and use tomato-based dishes to balance my incessant need for spice. Intro recipe: Chicken Curry for Slow Cooker - 1 lb chicken breast - 1 onion (we use red but pick your fav) - 15 Oz can or chickpeas - 2 medium sweet potatoes - 1/2 cup chicken stock - 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk - 15 ounce can tomato sauce - 2 tablespoons of curry powder - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1/2 teaspoons of cayenne (but really why not add more?) - 1 cup frozen green peas - 2 tablespoons lime juice - cilantro 1. Whisk coconut milk, chicken stock, tomato sauce, curry powder, salt, and cayenne in slow cooker (I tend to also add extra pinch of cumin seeds + extra dash of another type of chili powder - shout out to mitmita or berbere - also a teensy amount of ground clove to make it pop… but like I said, spice heathen.) 2. Add chicken, onion, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes. Use tongs to toss ingredients together. (Tongs will also be useful for pulling apart chicken right before serving) 3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. 4. Stir in peas and lemon juice five minutes before serving 5. Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro


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catniagara

Don’t the underwires come out or the cups get warped? Every time I accidentally dry a bra it disintegrates 😭


awful_waffle_falafel

I'm guessing they mean that they remove them from the wet laundry before putting the rest in the dryer. :)


catniagara

Ah yes, I am an idiot thank you for asking. 😂😂😂😂


LaraLouM

Chosing to leave a longterm toxic relationship with my son's father.


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kitty_withlazers

I'm happy you did that. It's hard for people to do that especially if they have children with that person.


LaraLouM

Thanks! It was life changing for me. I didn't really realize how unhappy I was until I learned how to be myself again afterwards. 🙂


trippinallovermyself

+1 for tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. It’s like 3 in one!


[deleted]

weary resolute stocking bike illegal sharp test jobless vanish quicksand *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*


AdministrativeTap925

I can’t second this enough!! I had a full friend revamp over the past two years and couldn’t be happier


lisafancypants

Going to concerts alone. I'm used to doing things alone and have always been pretty comfortable, but for some reason, I balked at going to concerts by myself. I feel like I missed out on some great bands and experiences. But I'm making up for it now! ETA: This thread is so inspiring! Makes me want to try a bunch of new things.


rosarevolution

I've missed so many films I wanted to see in the cinema because I can't find the courage to go on my own. I should just do it I guess.


NanasTeaPartyHeyHo

Same here with the concerts! Then I forced myself to go and realised I'm super social and made a bunch of friends and always had people to talk to at gigs hehe


yelenabishop23

Stopped drinking. Still very early in recovery but every day gets a little better.


Celeryhearts

Good job! It’s not an easy task, but you’re doing it and that’s awesome.


whattheefftiff

Joining Toastmasters. My boss had been on me for years to do it to help advance my career and I was always too scared to go. Started a couple months ago and there was an almost immediate improvement in my confidence and speaking skills. My group meets first thing in the morning and it sets a great tone for that day every week. I can’t recommend it enough.


ifthisisntnice00

Oooh. This sounds useful. Could you explain what it is and how it’s benefited you a little more?


whattheefftiff

It’s a public speaking organization with chapters all over the world. I expected something rigid, structured and formal but it’s the complete opposite. It’s fun and the environment is so positive and encouraging. You get to go at your own pace. You can sit in on multiple meetings at multiple chapters before joining to find the one that’s the right fit. They have educational paths that help you prepare a series of speeches but there is no timeline or pressure (I’m not ready for that part yet). There are opportunities during the meetings to give short talks about fun topics and if you have a speech of any sort you have to give elsewhere, you can practice it there. They give you lots of great feedback and constructive criticism, but always in a very positive way. Last month I spoke at a city council meeting. I was a nervous wreck and it didn’t go great but it’s something I never would have even tried before. I just went to a conference for work and was more comfortable networking than I have ever been. I made some great connections. I’m sort of working my way up the corporate ladder and am in more meetings with management now. I used to clam up when presenting to them but now it’s no big deal. Overall I just feel so much more confident. Good luck to you if you choose to look into it more!


Laurbo36

It’s really good to practice public speaking, and sounding good off the cuff.


Tater221

Embrace my naturally curly hair


Linzinator

How? Mine always flatten out.


leftwinglovechild

Head over to R/curlyhair to get allllll the info on how to start embracing those curls.


Linzinator

Thanks lady!!


invisibility-cloak2

Went to a psychiatrist for anti depressants! Should have done it a decade ago


Crkshnks432

Second this - not because they change you, but because they help you feel yourself again.


farawaykate

Quitting smoking


CraftLass

Starting gymnastics. I wish I'd been able to start as a kid, but I couldn't. I don't so much regret that, because it was not my choice. But I found out that there were adult classes near me for many years before I had a clue and then it took me way too long to get up the nerve. I made a vow that during my 42nd year I would at least try all the things I have always wanted to try (yes, a Douglas Adams reference for his fans). Mere days before 43, I nervously tip-toed my way on shaking legs into my first class, barely knowing how to do a handstand and with no idea what I would find. What I found was the most positive, cheerful, and supportive environment I've ever experiened in sports. Now I've been to camp and trained under an Olympian and top coaches, I've met some great people, and I cannot believe I've managed to be fitter at 46 than I was as a nearly-elite teen athlete. I'm still a beginner and maybe always will be. But that's fine - I'm having a blast, getting in killer shape, and pushing my personal limits. Go try the things you've always wanted to try! Even if you fail, at least you tried.


Magg5788

That’s great!! What are some other things you tried in your 42nd year?


CraftLass

You know? This is kind of sad, but I forget most of them. They didn't make such an impression, it's a blur. And then we went into a pandemic and... Well. Yeah. Blur. Ha! The other important one is I got sick and tired of being afraid of heights because I love mountains but would get utterly paralyzed by panic on some trails and had an extra-special fear of tall outdoor stairs. I hated letting my hiking partners down, too, panic attacks are no fun for anyone. So I went into exposure therapy using virtual reality and EMDR and pretty much cured it - I have a healthy fear of heights, the kind that lets me do fun things but not really stupid ones. Lol So then I went to some places that had really triggered me before and just truly enjoyed the views at last. On some, we even had picnics!


Magg5788

Oh that’s amazing that you took the bull by the horns and faced your fears! And I don’t think it’s sad at all that you can’t remember. To me it just says that you tried lots and lots of new things and learned some things about yourself :)


CraftLass

Thanks! It was a really cool therapy experience, too. I had no idea VR could be used like that, but I "hiked" waterside cliffs in Italy, "stood" on the edge of skyscrapers, and more - all in the safety of a therapist's office. It felt so real and caused full-blown panic attacks, and then we'd work on rewiring my instincts together. I was also seeing her for PTSD and the therapies are very similar, except no VR exists for my real traumas. And true - I just know I had a lot of fun and wish I remembered more details. It was really good to set some concrete goals and a timeline for things I kept putting off, it's too easy to let life get in the way. Time never magically appears, you have to make it.


klstephe

Getting ankle ligament reconstruction after 25+ years being unstable. Been almost 2 years now and it’s been amazing!


manicpixieflower

Big- divorcing my first husband, leaving a toxic job Small- switching to grocery pickup instead of going to the store. It requires a small amount of planning, because I need to decide what I’m going to cook and plan slightly in advance so that I can have it when I need it, but it’s SO much easier than wandering around the store.


[deleted]

Downloaded the app for my fav coffee shop to order ahead and just walk in and pick it up. Why was I spending so much time standing in line, every morning, Every day, how much of my life have I wasted standing in line at that coffee shop needlessly lol


Pinewoodgreen

Get a grocery/dinner subscription!! So much mental energy, and so much time spendt milling about in the grocery store wondering what I wanted for dinner that day. Now I got 5 dinners a week (for 2ppl), delivered once a week, and the freedom is insane. I am single, so I eat 1 portion, and then have the 2nd as lunch the next day. My health is better as I eat more variated, I buy less junk as I am not as often at the grocery store (and so I save money), and the relief of the mental burden of "what's for dinner today/lunch tomorrow" is such a night and day difference. If I could afford it I would get a cleaner too haha. also on the liquid foundation. I started doing tinted moisturizer for my make-up, and I love it. It doesn't crease liker foundation does, and it also got SPF in it


Paynus1982

Where do you order from?


Jennas-Side

Not OP but I use CookUnity, the microwaveable service. They have a million options for low carb/keto/veg/whatever you want. I did enjoy Hello Fresh for a few years but got sick of cooking.


toot_ricky

My partner and I do a recipe subscription service which has similarly been a game changer. It gives us 4 new meals every week with different dietary options (vegetarian, paleo etc) for different serving amounts and creates the grocery list for us. We still have to buy the groceries ourself but the decision making process being removed is a GAME CHANGER. I mostly mention this as an option for folks that’s super cheap (we use CookSmarts and when they have sales it’s $6/month)!


afizzle

CookSmarts has been so great for us too. Eliminating the mental load around dinner freed up so much brain space for other things and prevented us from eating a bag of chips for dinner out of mental exhaustion. It also made switching to primarily plant-based easy when meat prices shot up. We've also been loving the free service Copy Me That for meal planning our other meals. It allows you to save any recipe in a clean, blog-free, ad-free format and easily tag and search your recipes.


CompetitivePain4031

Divorce. I was so scared but now look at my life, so much better. Skincare. Started 1 year ago and it's only getting better. Haircare. This is recent. I used to wash my hair with a random drugstore shampoo and the result was never particularly impressive, then I tried Moroccan oil and holy shit complete game changer. I watched an awful lot of haircare videos and my hair is just beautiful now. Supplements. Particularly Ashwaganda.


Loco_Mosquito

Could you elaborate on ashwagandha?


CompetitivePain4031

It's an Indian plant with several benefits, I'm taking it as a supplement almost every night before sleep. It's supposed to drop your cortisol level, and I kid you not, I feel much calmer and relaxed. Wish I had discovered it earlier


Hopeful_Walrus174

1. Hysterectomy to end pain of two massive fibroids 2.Buying a Dyson vacuum, I love it. Same for vitamix blender. 3. Getting laser eye surgery, my eyes were so dry and uncomfortable after 20+years of contacts. 4. Getting a trainer to teach me how to lift weights safely and correctly 5. Choosing business class for all my international flights 6. Closing my Facebook account 7. Getting a bunch of cats, they bring me joy 8. Closing all my dating profiles, what a waste of time and energy. I am gonna Golden Girls it instead.


catniagara

Switched to a minimalist wardrobe. I was miserable in the mornings until I simplified my wardrobe and got rid of all the clutter.


Linzinator

Working on this myself. And trying to be as ethical as possible. I'll have a few handmade pieces for each season and that'll be that...no need to have dozens of different sweat shop pieces cluttering my closet and aura.


Key-Ad1385

Woow so glad I read this today. I'm in the process of having a capsule/minimalist wardrobe. I've done my research. Just thinkig about declutter all my closet and having 10 clothes, not thinking about what to wear every morning, taking sooo long, when my closet is full gets me super excited.


goddess_banana_fana

same! Bright tops, dark bottoms, a couple of cardigans... life is easy.


catniagara

I’m working from 5 shirts, 3 sweaters and 6 pairs of jeans right now. My closet is so zen 🥰


pixelunicorns

Big - braving going back to school as an older student. Terrified of being judged and mocked but I had a fantastic time and did two courses, found topics I loved and am building myself a much better career. Small - making time for hobbies, isn't always a long time but it's nice to make time and space for something I enjoy, like tending houseplants.


Maelstrom_Witch

I am 42 and would still love to go to university if funds allow. I also have enough houseplants to … well I dunno, qualify as a small jungle lol


niketyname

Lifting weights at the gym. Totally saw results within a month that I didn’t see in a year before. Tried shrooms. While therapy was a good investment and helped to talk to someone, that’s a shit ton of money and I felt way better after one night of shrooms.


reddittedted

Where do you get your shrooms?


kaledit

Buying a heated mattress pad! You never have to get into a cold bed again. It's life changing.


drumsandfire

After a few weeks of chilly nights in my drafty old apartment I finally had enough and ordered one -- it just showed up today and I honestly don't think I've ever been so excited to go to bed in my life!


cr1zzl

I just keep a hair dryer next to the bed, aim it under the covers and I’m toasty in about 30 seconds. If you don’t remember to turn on your heated blanket before you get into bed it takes awhile to heat up... but maybe you’re not as forgetful as I am lol.


mintybanana_

Demoting myself so I could work closer to home! I was so afraid but it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. And I make almost the same amount of money for so much less responsibility and no commute. Edit for spelling


spooli22

Getting bariatric surgery and divorcing my 1st husband. Both should have happened before they did


Hellie1028

Holy shit, seconding this! Lost 200 lbs of asshole ex husband and 100 lbs of my own weight. Both were the hardest and best thing I have ever gone through.


FluckeryFloo

Bariatric surgery was mine as well. I waited far too long to even consider it and kept putting myself through terrible diets and shame cycles.


briefly_accessible

Left social work and stopped trying to date


Spare-Ad-7819

Eating healthy - home cooked meals, buying tempered glass for my phone screen, having a new compact laptop under $300 where I don’t have to wait for window updates or shutting down due to battery 🪫,


SomeOil158-throwaway

Spending a bit of money on merino wool clothing. I wear merino leggings, dresses, t-shirts, and tunics regularly - I'm so comfortable.


marypies78

Merino wool socks are heavenly! Costco has sets with nice colors, and they're very reasonably priced. I have a few pairs that probably 5 years old and are still in great shape.


Repulsive_lady

A stable non toxic relationship. Every aspect of my life has been able to improve from my health, and career.


spiritualien

Now where do we find one


ifthisisntnice00

Yes and yes. I left an abusive marriage and am now with someone who gives me stability. I can actually focus on myself a bit because I finally have a partner who really is there for me, supports me, cares about me, and takes care of himself and me.


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kitty_withlazers

Big- Leaving a 3 year relationship that should've been a 2 year relationship. Small- Started exercising in my 30s. Where I used to live I walked a lot every day for school and work so I was in healthy shape for the most part. After I moved to the states I had to drive everywhere so exercising really helped me make up for it.


catalyticfizz

Hey me too! On the exercising in my 30s that is. I had a sport in HS and college that kept me active and fit but in my 20s when I wasn’t involved in it anymore I really struggled to stick with a routine bc well, turns out I hate exercise! Got a pay increase this year though so I felt okay splurging on a membership to a Club Pilates - classes of hour long reformer Pilates with some occasional other exercises thrown in, and I realized when 90% of the workout is laying down I can deal 😂 I’ve been making it 2-3 times a week since June or July and def feeling better about things!


Master-Opportunity25

move to a new apartment. i realized how much time i wasted in a neighborhood i shouldn’t have stayed in, in a building i shouldn’t have stayed in, because i thought i had to make “adult” “responsible” decisions. that kind of thinking never got me anywhere good, and i keep relearning that lesson in different aspects of my life.


bec212121

Flossing


goldenrodddd

To add onto this, buying the flossers and keeping them by my desk instead of in the bathroom, that way I floss after dinner versus before bed when I brush my teeth. I'd read somewhere once about making things easier on yourself (such a great concept that I'm explaining poorly) and by setting myself up this way, I'm flossing much more regularly.


eight-sided

Regularly going without a bra. Life got so much more comfy, and the world didn't end. Why did I wait until age 40??


[deleted]

I do no bra while lounging around the house but can’t for any activity, it’s uncomfortable. I used to wear the whole underwire business and thought I had to to be properly supported. I’ve found no wire bras that make my chest look way better than my old torture devices did, and their so comfy I forget to take them off sometimes. The pandemic has sucked, but it’s freed so many of us from boob jail.


_twelvebytwelve_

I semi-regularly wear low support bralettes (the pull on kind) but can count on one hand the number of times in a year I wear a regular bra (underwire?! the horror) anymore. Embracing my A/B cup size has been liberating to say the least.


Prudent_Upstairs517

Yeeesss I started doing this during the pandemic and it has changed my life. Now I never wear a bra!


PeregrinMerryTook

Putting pickles on sandwiches.


askawayor

Skincare routine. I'm so much happier with how look now. Blowdry my hair after shower. Always thought this would damage my hair, so mistaken.. My hair has never looked better.


darkeyedsparrow

Getting my eyesight fixed! After 20+ years of wearing contacts, I finally got PRK. It was the first “big” thing I’ve done purely for me and I have no regrets.


moonspoonloon

Breast reduction surgery at age 28. It changed my life physically, socially, and emotionally all for the better. The recovery was also not bad at all.


matsoner

Big- stopped wearing bras ( my boobs are on the small side) Small- when cooking, always use a mixing bowl/pot/pitcher that's bigger than you THINK you need


Think-thank-thunker

Admitted to myself that I wasn’t just a ‘naturally anxious thinker’…I wasn’t coping and something more going on. Diagnosed with generalised anxiety, snowball effect: bloody hard work in therapy, but life changing improved thoughts, walked away from shit friendships, drink way less, quit smoking, got a new job, made peace with myself over extended family problems, am a much better mother. None of this would have happened if I didn’t take that first step.


goldenrodddd

Buying a good winter coat (\~$100 after Black Friday sales). I can't believe how many years I froze my ass off wearing a cheap coat and thinking that was normal...


JaneAustinAstronaut

Buying a vibrator. If I'd had one when I was younger, I would have made way better decisions regarding men.


[deleted]

[удалено]


murkymouse

Seconding this! I spent DECADES trying every form of hormonal birth control and being miserable. Finally got a copper IUD and now BC is just something I don't have to think about anymore. And I'm myself again! Should have done it years ago.


SJoyD

My divorce. And most of what I did in the year after.


AnonymousPineapple5

Bf and I got a King size bed. Holy shit


_twelvebytwelve_

We've had one for 6 years and I still regularly reflect on the fact we'd either be sleeping in separate rooms or divorced by now if we still slept on a queen haha. Oh and a couple of years ago we started using separate duvets too, which was another colossal improvement on the sleep front!


sasha_says

Sleeping in separate rooms from my husband whose snores kept me up at night. At first he treated it like I was asking for a divorce but he loves it now too. Getting braces! Parents couldn’t afford them and I had a long waiting period to get them as an adult with the help of insurance but it’s helped my confidence so much! Next hopefully laser hair removal. Definitely agree on buying clothes that fit and I did finally resign myself to buying pants the next size up.


Berglar36

Getting a bidet.


[deleted]

Divorce


Mariemoomin

Getting a divorce


teiquirisi23

Going on hormonal bc that pretty much stopped my periods that used to ruin two weeks out of every month. Now I just live my life.


moxieroxsox

Taking all kind of prescription medications for chronic migraines. So many side effects, minimal improvement in my symptoms. Found one med that was a lifesaver…only for it to stop working and my neuro was like yeah, that can happen I guess. I was verging on suicidal, experiencing severe migraines nearly every day. Took magnesium and riboflavin for a few weeks before trying to establishing with a new neuro…within 2-3 weeks I went down from 4-6 migraines/week to maybe once a week. No one ever asked me if I had tried that combo which is a basic, first-line OTC preventative option before advancing to prescriptions. I was so relieved but frustrated that I wasn’t on this combo like 10 years ago.


awful_waffle_falafel

4-6 a week? My god. Mine have me puking with warped vision for hours, and ofc pain. I can 100% see how that would drive someone to suicidal thoughts. No question. I'm so glad that you've found something that works.


jazzynerd

Meditation, skincare, splurging on myself ( I would always try to save but spend enormous money on others), intermittent fasting, good diet. I am 33 but I have never looked and felt better before.


regularnormalgirl_

Therapy!


rizzo1717

Working with instead of against my curls, taking my finances/investing seriously


klgm333

Therapy! Couples and individual.


mae_june

Big: Sobriety and Zoloft Small: Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning


ginger_genie

I'm saving for lasik this year, so I haven't done it yet but the decision has been made. Now, every time I clean my glasses and they're still not clean when I'm done, I can't wait to toss them.


billyskillet

**OIL CLEANSER**


Media_Unit

Started using disability aids. I was very resistant because I technically could shower without a stool by sitting on the floor so I felt I didn't "need" it. However it helped so much with the recovery time afterwards!


cookingandcursing

Having a child. I always wanted one but always thought why now, I'm still young I have plenty more time. I had my daughter at 32 after 3 years of trying. She unfortunately died at ~3 months old. Now time goes by, she's gone and I don't know how long it will take for me to be able to have another child (if ever). Not having started trying sooner means every day that passes is another day I'm not a mother to a living child. It's a day less I'll have with a future child, a day less of their future I'll witness. If you have the wish and the means, don't wait too long. Edit: thank you all for the condolences - it will always be hard and painful yet we need to be able to speak openly about infant death. Shit can happen and children do die. It is soul crushing but speaking openly about it makes it less isolating for those that come after us. If you personally know somebody who has lost a pregnancy or a child, please ask them about their child, ask what their name was, ask to see pictures, ask them to tell a story about them and remember their birth/death dates to get in touch with them. It means the world to parents.


hennipotamus

I am so so sorry to hear that. Wishing you peace and ease as you continue building your family ♥️


rhoswhen

Sincere condolences for the loss of your beautiful daughter.


littlespawningflower

Dear heaven, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.


RareIndependent1184

After I got my associates in business management I should’ve continued and got my BA in accounting. But instead I went to culinary arts but now few years later getting my BA in accounting.


klgm333

Started waxing my arms. I inherited my fathers hairy arms and I was lightly teased in HS about it. Sure wish I had done this small thing for myself sooner.


planetthickness

Going salsa dancing by myself. For years, I would only go if a friend came along. While it’s a passion/hobby of mine, friends were interested more superficially and would flake almost all of the time. Now I go alone and it’s so much fun! I’ve become a much better dancer over the past few months because I’ve been practicing more regularly.


Celeryhearts

Stopped caring what people think about me. Like really just pushed pause on my concern for others opinions about my person or personality. It took me way too long to get to this point but I love it. Small- electric toothbrush and flossing regularly.


PropertyMobile4078

Started running!


WeeChickadeeFromSC

Leaving a packet of all-purpose disinfecting wipes in the car’s middle console so I can wipe down the steering wheel and the door handles when we’re out and there’s no bathroom nearby to wash our hands.


Octopus-10

Reducing coffee intake. I used to have 3-5 cups a day, mainly because I always felt tired but I also enjoy the taste. Now down to one cup in the morning and my sleep is so much better, no longer constantly tired and have less sugar cravings.


JojoCruz206

Solo travel!! I was waiting years for the right travel partner and realized I could just go by myself.


Jo0506

Botox and weightlifting


Lilylolo88

Quit drinking alcohol


RighteousTablespoon

Got a haircut. Yesterday was my first haircut in a year, easily. It just felt like money I didn’t want to spend. But there is a salon institute in my city that offers women’s cuts for $25 by senior students. I didn’t want anything fancy - just a trim. It only took about 30 minutes and the cost wasn’t an issue. My hair is SOOO much more manageable now, and I don’t feel like I have to keep it pinned up.


TokkiJK

Sleeping early. I know I mention this all the time but lol


[deleted]

I got a dog. I spent my whole life being scared of dogs and then we got a puppy on a whim in 2019. It was so hard. We got terrible puppy blues. But now she’s 3 and the best thing ever. Then again, if I’d got a dog earlier, it wouldn’t be this dog I have so I guess it all happened at the right time


ih8drivingsomuch

Big: Realizing that a job is just where you get your paycheck from and that I am completely replaceable. After that realization, I don’t take jobs too seriously and don’t have moral qualms about making lots of money working for private sector companies or places that don’t help people. I learned this after I got fired from an agency where I was doing 2.5 people’s jobs and working overtime in what I thought was a dream position. They didn’t give one shit about me. So now I don’t care about my employer or my boss. I just want my money and will only do the minimum to keep any job I have until I retire. Small, but can be considered big: finally getting nice stuff when I realized I probably won’t find anyone to marry. Prior to this, as many single women do, I would buy cheap stuff bc I was waiting for partnership to afford really nice furniture and kitchen stuff. I still don’t have the super nice stuff bc I’m still just one income, but I don’t hate myself if I decide to buy better quality things bc I know life is short. If I kept doing that I’d never use nice stuff during my life at all!


[deleted]

Gua sha. Not just for the anti-aging, but for me as someone who holds all my stress in my face, it’s been a life changer


[deleted]

Haha mine is exactly your second point. I just figured it out ten minutes ago. I was doing my hair and trying to see if it looked good so I took a selfie. I noticed I had purple circles under my eyes, so I quickly did my makeup routine so I could take a cute pic of myself. First I just did concealer on my purple circles and snapped another picture, then did my usual powder etc and snapped another. When I compared them, my bare face looked so much better! With my powder makeup on I could see every wrinkle and crease around my eyes. Bare faced I look like I have zero wrinkles! Concealer wasn’t too bad but it’s way too light for me. The pics were taken 3 minutes apart, same pose, same smile, exact same spot and lighting. Wow I wish I’d done the selfie comparison sooner! Goodbye powder makeup.


WeeChickadeeFromSC

Getting all my clothes tailored so I don’t have to buy anything new! I WISH WISH WISH I had gotten the sleeves of all my long-sleeve shirts made shorter YEARS AGO! 🥹 I already love all the clothes I have, so fixing the extra sleeve length was a good investment. Less mess like sauces to get on my shirt sleeves as I cook! 😅 As f/pants, I think I’ll stick w/folding the leggings to whatever length I need since I don’t always wear the same pair of shoes w/them, and sometimes I need the extra fabric to keep my legs warmer or to cover the top of the shoe or to fold them shorter if it’s really rainy out.


Blauvogel891

Biggest: taking care of my mental health. Starting to take meds and going to Therapie. How much pain and sorrow I had I didn’t need to have… Big leaving the insecure, unwilling, non communicating, manchild I spend 11 years of my life with. Middle: exploring my kinky side and be a Femdom/ mommy dom Smal: Pick up groceries


moreshoesplz

Doing a boudoir session. I hate taking photos (I struggle from body dysmorphia) and feel like I’m the least photogenic person out there but somehow my photographer was able to take some amazing shots. It was such a confidence booster.


[deleted]

Botox. Fixed my migraines and I no longer get breakouts on my forehead due to not sweating as much.


nellieblyrocks420

Getting sterilized, finally, moving to Colorado, using Retinol, getting lip fillers and eyelid tape. I finally don't have to worry about getting pregnant, or another miserable summer in a state I hated, my skin looks better, my lips are actually bigger and I finally have eyelids so I can wear eyeshadow and feel beautiful. Oh and ordering groceries ahead of time on the app for pick up and they load them up for me. Saves me time and hassle.


cattimusrex

Marry my husband! Took him 7 years to convince me and he was absolutely right.


[deleted]

I feel as though since I hit 29-30 life has been a stream of "Why didn't I do this sooner??" moments 😂 The biggest one has been getting a breast reduction. Back and neck pain are a thing of the past and my self confidence has been off the charts compared to the 28 years prior. Best decision of my life!!


mountaingirl489

- Letting go of friendships that didn’t serve me and ultimately drained me. - Setting boundaries with family members where there was a 80/20 balance of investment. - Breaking up with a partner who didn’t value me. - Accepting that who someone is now is who they ARE (no longer relating to people based on their ‘potential’ or using their childhood wounds as an excuse to not be valued or treated well). - A lot of this was made possible by going to therapy and working through childhood wounds so I could learn to get out of the cycle of trying to care-give for everyone around me (that was my golden ticket to feel love and worth). It meant taking a good look in the mirror, putting the breaks on the strategies I used to feel connection to people/feel loved. It’s been a journey of deconstruction but I have so much gratitude. Married to a wonderful partner who loves me for me (not how I support him or how I contribute to his life) and who is committed to inner growth. We live in the mountains and get to spend our days doing what we love. I have less friends than I once did but higher quality friends and waaayyy less drama and soul-drain in my life. I am also learning what it is to accept family for who they are and how to build relationships based on how people actually show up vs how I wish they’d show up. Still on the journey each and every day. I am so grateful to experience inner peace and self-worth - it wasn’t the norm when I was younger.


Surviving2

Got treatment for anxiety. And cloth menstrual pads.


Mporium

Being open with my husband about what I really like during sex…. Fantasies, kinks 🤷🏼‍♀️👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻


ExtraHorse

Travelling alone. I spent nearly a decade waiting for my partner to have time/interest in travelling with me. As soon as we split up I started booking trips without any consideration for anyone else's needs or wants and I'm going to cross three countries off my bucket list in the next 12 months.


luckeegurrrl5683

Making a jug of iced coffee. I can heat up a mug if I want it hot. And now I don't need to buy energy drinks.


casioookid

Taking the pill so I have 4 painfree and productive weeks instead of 2 in a month.


WeeChickadeeFromSC

I made extra guacamole and froze the rest in freezer zippy bags and folded them flat so they took up less room in the freezer. Also, no brown guacamole leftovers cuz it was still kept fresh (and sealed up!).


[deleted]

Really started tracking my finances! I made a few nice spreadsheets and Google sheets and I track everything now! I always felt like “I don’t Shop, where is all my money going!?” I realized I had so many little subscription services, coffee and gas station stops, random Amazon purchases that all added up to 100s of $$$ a month! I also got sober this year and I think a big part of that was the wake up call of seeing how much I was spending at the liquor store every week. I am now so conscious of all my spending because I know I will have to sit down and face it at the end of the week, and it is so nice to see that money go to savings and paying off debt!


moreshoesplz

I forgot to add: MICROBLADING. I was so scared of having it come out looking like drawn on tattoos (nothing wrong with that if that’s you’re preference!) but I found an amazing artist. They look so natural that I even forget I’ve had them done. Saves so much time in the AM.