Has you life changed in the past year? How? Good or Bad? [View all]

[Denninmi]

How are you doing. Thought it might be time for a check-in.

Myself, July 2012-Today has been the strangest time of my life. And, my life is radically different from where I was a year ago, so much so that I feel almost like a totally different guy.

In the summer of 2012, I had "problems" -- I don't really want to go into that in detail, some of you will recall. I recall in detail, but wish I could forget.

However, coming out of the other side of what felt to me like trial by fire, like my own personal-scale 9/11 in some ways (not that I want to diminish 9/11 in any way, I am reminded of the lyrics of 'Ordinary World' by Duran Duran - "Here, beside the tales of Holy war and Holy need, ours is just a little sorrowed talk&quot , I can tell you the following:

I used to be very passive. I floated along on the current of life, letting things happen to me, accepting them, and not fighting back. Not now, I am very proactive, and I stick up for myself in a way I didn't even think I could. My mantra when it comes down to it is "Oh, Hell No! Fuck that shit!"

I was really out of shape. I've lost about 50 lbs, and back almost to my best weight of like 20 years ago. I joined a gym, work out like a demon now 6/7 days a week, often twice a day. I am doing things I never thought possible. I now run, and swim, and in 2014, I plan on taking training for and competing in a amateur triathlon.

To go with the above, I totally changed my diet. I eat much better food, as much organic as possible, very few carbs, even fewer simple carbs, no junk food, a biggie for me, no regular pop, although I have had a hard time giving up diet and succumb semi-often. When I shop, my cart is full basically of produce, meat, and dairy. I hardly ever even go down the central aisles any more.

I don't feel like a loser any more. I feel like a winner. Not in a Charlie Sheen way, either. I have learned I am so much more outgoing, social, friendly, responsible, than I thought I could be.

Along with diet and exercise, I made a commitment to my physical health in other ways, by getting every possible thing wrong with me treated and under control or resolved. Still a rocky road, I have some looming issues, but getting there, and I WILL get there.

I take time to do what I want to do, for myself. If I want to go fishing some night after work, but there is laundry and dishes, well, they wait until I get home, or the next day if absolutely necessary. The "old me" was a slave to routine chores, and I took very little time for fun.

I have more balance in my life.

I take more pride in my appearance. I always had to look presentable, because I have a white-collar, office job that involves interacting with clients. But, now, I dress to look sharp and try to always look my best. And, people have noticed that along with the improved physique and attitude.

So, how about you? Any big life-altering events in 2013? Or, even earlier. Tell us your tales.