Wednesday, October 17, 2012

morning walk and news

I am so grateful that I now have the time for morning walks.
That I live in an area where there's still some open land.


This is conservation area just a stone's throw from my house ~
right off a road that gets a decent flow of traffic.


Walking gives you time to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us ~
and clears your mind.
You see ~ almost two weeks ago, I finally left my job.
Yes, voluntarily. In today's scarce job market.
Some of you know that I worked three days/week in a government office.
I had been there for 6-1/2 years.

However, the stress of this job was making me sick ~
physically and mentally.
I had chronic migraines, IBS, and quite often was irritable,
exhausted, anxious, and lashed out at loved ones.
I had been talking about leaving this job for at least two years!
But it finally got to the point where I had to do something,
or I was going to break. The husband and I had a serious talk
about finances and decided that we'd probably be OK.
After all, we live pretty frugally.  There are some expenses
we've cut, and I'll talk about those at another time, in a new post.


 It is amazing how much better I feel already. I've only had one headache
since I've left my job (and that was from eating too much chocolate!)
and the IBS symptoms from stress and anxiety have nearly cleared.
I feel rested, at peace, have time to visit friends and family that I 
didn't get to see often, and time to work on projects around the house.


Oh ~
 and another good thing about living where there are still farmer's fields?
Free cornstalks and cat tails!
Good thing I didn't get shot by Farmer McGregor. ;-)


13 comments:

  1. Hi Melanie;
    Sometimes we have to do what makes our lives better. Good for you! You have given me the incentive to also look to nature to rest and contemplate where I am going and how to get there! Love and Hugs, Nana

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  2. Melanie ~ I am so glad that you took the time to figure out how to live without your job. Sometimes we need to step back and look at whether the job is hurting or helping us. Brave ~ rest, relax and fluff your nest. Time for you to heal ~ Have a wonderful day ;-)

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  3. I love your nature pictures, Melanie! You live in a really pretty area and I can see why you enjoy your walks. They look like they must be very peaceful and they are relieving you of a lot stress. Yay! I need to get out more, walk everyday. I'm just not motivated and I feel like I am growing roots under my kitchen chair...blogging, paying bills, making lists, watching my kids come, eat, chatter and leave. Don't let your life become dormant now that the 9-5 job is over. I really need to get out of my rut and find things I truly love and need to do. You inspire me!

    XO,
    Jane

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  4. Lovely photos, Melanie! And congratulations on having the courage to leave your job. Sounds like you made an excellent decision.
    Mary Alice

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  5. I so happy to hear you are feeling better. I won't lie and say I never worry about how we will make on Jeff's income alone but I am so much happier not going to work.
    Wishing you lots of nice morning walks and very small bills in your mail box.

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  6. What beautiful fall pictures! I love taking the time to go for a walk each day...

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  7. Good for you! It's so important to take care of your well being, so enjoy!

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  8. Melanie, stress can certainly take a toll on the body and I am glad to know that you are feeling better now. Looks like you are enjoying your days and taking time for the important things in life.

    hugs,
    Becky

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  9. Good for you, Melanie! Life is short -- so many people keep running the rat race and literally run themselves into the ground. Making the right decision for you and your sense of well-being and peace is so important. Enjoy every day! Best wishes, Tammy

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  10. That's great Melanie! Stress has such an affect on our bodies! I'm sure being home more days will allow you to cut some expenses and there are a few things you can do online to bring in a little bit of extra spending money.

    Lovely photos! I go for a walk most mornings but my scenery isn't as beautiful as yours!

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  11. I'm glad you made the right decision for you. Still working on my own big choice!

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