The title of this post is fairly dramatic, but it’s how I really feel.  I’ve been absent from blogging for quite some time.  It’s not because I don’t have anything to say…believe me I have plenty to say.  The problem is that I’ve been very overwhelmed and most of it has been small things.  I think I can attribute most of it to coming back from my long, 9 1/2 week, vacation.  My time away jolted me.  It caused me to rethink EVERYTHING in my life.  I haven’t been living the life I really wanted.  I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere.

There have been some things holding me back from my true life.  Over the course of this summer, I’ve been working through each one of them.  Nothing has been solved yet, but everything is moving towards resolution.  That movement alone is enough for me to feel energized.  The more success I have the more success I feel coming my way.

Earlier this year, I created a “bucket list” of things I wanted to do this year.  Many of them I’ve accomplished and some I haven’t.  the unaccomplished items are small in nature and what I’ve accomplished in lieu of them has been even better.

You might be wondering what “things” have been holding me back and what am I doing about it.

• Financial Freedom – I’m not over-extended, but I do have some debt.  My first course of action was to create a plan to be debt free.  I used Mint.com to get started.  I can’t believe I hadn’t used this tool before.  I LOVE it (but more about it in a later post).  Aside from my house (which I already owe significantly less than what it’s worth), all my bills will be paid off early next year…this includes my car.
• Weight – My achilles hill has been my weight for years!  I’ve gained and lost the same pounds many times.  I’ve created a plan (along with a pretty chart) to track my goals and progress.  I’m doing great so far and I expect to be at my goal weight sometime between December or May.  Why the wide range?  My current trajectory will get me there by December or earlier, however I’m a realist and I know that issues are likely to arise as I get close to my goal weight.
• Organization – I’ve had a few spots in my house that have needed attention for a while.  Lately I’ve been biting them off one at a time.  I organized my master closet, laundry room, office, and pantry in the last few weeks.  I thrive in organized places and the rewards have been beyond my expectations.  Life is calmer.
• Stress – A lot of my stress in life can be traced back to finances and weight.  It’s not because they are the triggers, but I certainly handle other stressful situations better if those things are in check.  Lately, my stress level has decreased in direct relation to getting plans in place for my finances and weight.  It’s a great feeling.

These all started as small steps and have snowballed into huge accomplishments which continue to pay rewards daily.  I look forward to the day, early next year, when I’m debt free, at my goal weight, and all my spaces are organized.  I see a major celebration in my near future.

Do unattended to goals cause you stress?  If so, are there small steps you can take now to start the snowball effect?