Lessons from the Pandemic

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Dear Readers, What the pandemic has taught me.

Summer 2020 Atlantic city

Before the pandemic I had no idea how out of touch with reality I was. My reality a year ago was grinding and not making much progress in areas of my life that truly mattered. I was on a treadmill moving, but going nowhere, or at least I wasn’t seeing the progress for my efforts. I can’t be the only one emerging out of this pandemic a changed person. There is a saying that “ there is a blessing in the storm.” What has happened to this world was more than a bad storm, and regardless of whether our government withheld information about this virus, it came, destroyed, changed course and hit us with a second wave. It’s been 1 years and 2 months, and  we continue to struggle. Although we may have lifted ourselves above the eye of this pandemic there are people who are unable to pick up the pieces and move forward for various reasons. I have used all the available resources to ensure my mental and emotional health. Summer is coming and I looked forward to being outdoors as much as possible. I am thankful for the down time, peace and space to reflect on life. I have pressed the reset button here is what the pandemic has taught me.

1. I am not going back to the same work grind. 

2. I realize I can live on less and save more ( had time to reflect on the ways I was wasting money). 

3. I have a  plan for retirement that’s achievable ( before the pandemic I had no idea how to retire or what was needed to have a successful retirement ). 

4. I am finally in a position to change careers. During the pandemic I took advantage of online classes acquiring the needed certification for my new career. 

5. I will stop delaying traveling starting with this year’s  ( 2021) cross country drive from New York City to California. This has been on my bucket list for 15 years. And yes, I will be blogging about this experience. 

6. I will no longer deny myself any pleasure things like dining out, Broadway plays, weekend getaway, spa treatments, girls night out, spending the holidays with my mother ( she lives in South Carolina).

7. Finally going to adopt a dog I have been wanting to do this for years.I live alone and will welcome a 4 legged companion. I went through the pandemic home alone and it was difficult.

Most importantly, I am kinder to myself. Right now I am happier and peaceful than I have been in years. I am looking forward to the future with better clarity and with an achievable plan. 

To the people of  the blogging community remember this W.I. N. think about What’s Important Now?

Summer 2018 in California
Summer 2020

Thank you for stopping by dragthepen

When the time Comes

Greetings from the mad Dater,

wearing the green

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When is it time for a make over? A chance for a new start,to press the reset button. Life is constantly changing, and lately I’ve been feeling like life is happening without me being an active participate, staying in the same comfort zone due to the fear of  venturing out into the unknown; afraid of rejection.  I’ve styles my hair in the same way for 20 years.  My manner of dressing lacks flair. elegance and sophistication. As time went by I let my appearance go. It doesn’t matter what others think of me because when I look in the mirror, I don’t enjoy looking at the person who is looking back.

So, with that said, I’ve had my  consultation with a hair stylist and the booked  an appointment; discussed with my fashionista girlfriends about my new attire. In the meantime, I have religiously kept my  bi-weekly mani-pedicure  appointment, I am back in the gym and eating healthy again, good-bye sugar and carbs.

It’s time for Change. I am excited. Here are a few before pictures…stay tuned for the after …

WHAT SAY YOU?

Photos taken by aahman_-10

Photos taken by aahman_-2