Self-Help & Deciding to Make Changes

So it’s been a while, and I am not entirely keeping up with one of my promises to write more I think it’s about time I got back to it.

So What’s Been Happening Recently?

I’ve been trying to keep up with my mental health, constantly up and down: I am looking at finding new ways to improve it, however small.

I Read A Book

Doing what I typically do, procrastinating in front of the computer screen and watching some YouTube videos. I came across a video about books I should read, not remembering which one started it off though I ended up watching several, most suggesting a book called: Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Mr James Clear doesn’t really need my help promoting the book as it has done well for itself already.

Generally, I don’t go for self-help books, but I just thought, what the hell and decided to read it.

The last self-help book I tried to read was a Jordan Peterson book, but I couldn’t finish it. A chapter about lobsters tells you that if you want to achieve things outside, in the real world. You have to start at home first. So clean your room. I could connect with the message but not the story. This book is different. It is straight to the point. Yes, he has some sad stories that lead to realisations. That led to where he is today. But the message is a lot clearer. There’s even a list and summary at the end of each chapter.

The idea behind what he is trying to say is so bloody simple. It is too simple. That I believe everyone knows this. But they don’t completely understand. Or are willing to.

The book

Everybody creates habits that control their life. Good habits and bad habits. Over time depending on the person, bad habits tend to take over and persist. This book teaches you how to use simple techniques to help you create new and maintain those new habits.

Whilst reading this book, I came across a chapter about overthinking and over-planning. You want to do something. But instead of just getting on with it. You sit there for weeks, months, and maybe even years, trying to work out how to do that thing. But never actually doing it.

I had been doing that very same thing for a very long time. So when the realisation finally clicked. I decided to start making some changes.

Change No.1

The first change was a simple one. It would make me feel better about myself, and I wouldn’t have to strain when fastening the button. I bought a pair of jeans. It may sound weird, I know. But the problem was this: My work trousers that my work provides are terrible. I have been wearing them for years. And because I have a gut on me. Whenever I do them up, it feels like I am being squashed into them. Something close to being stabbed. Afterwards, I am fine. It’s just a pain to put them on. Also, they had recently remodelled them, and the pockets are tiny.

That was one of my first decisions to improve my comfort and mental levels. I know I am a little fat. I just didn’t want to feel fat. Not realising until after I bought them. I found that I got the size slightly too big. But I did buy a new belt to help with that. I will be purchasing a slightly smaller size down the road. But until then, my mental health and my gut are happier for it.

Change No.2

This one had been brewing for a long time. Lunches at work. It has always bugged me. I wanted to eat healthier than I was. And as the canteen food was the main meal, I would consume, during a 24hr period. I needed some control over what went into my body.

I had been thinking about it for a long time. But because of the book, I just thought, screw it and went straight into it. I started making my own packed lunch. Yes, I know I should have just got on with it. It’s not that hard. I know. But I was stuck and couldn’t get out of the planning stage.

Planning and thinking! Planning and thinking! And more planning and thinking! It was all I could do. The concept of doing didn’t even occur to me. It wasn’t even possible until I had finished the planning.

The wife is not happy about it. I am using her domain. But this gives me a chance: to experiment and learn how to cook again. Even something as simple as cooking pasta, I have had to learn again from scratch, mainly because I am a lazy cook.

If I can’t, just chuck it in the microwave, make a sandwich or oven a frozen pizza. I wasn’t interested.

I am getting some positive results from my work colleagues, giving me a little boost. And although she won’t admit it. But the wife likes some of my food as well.

I would just like to put it out there and add: Granola. Where the hell have you been? Mixing that with some plain yoghurt and fresh fruit. Holy!

Ideas

Do you have some suggestions on packed lunch meals? Hot or cold, I am still trying to understand what can be reheated or not and how? It will be gratefully received.

Rulez

I do have one rule: No sandwiches. This is because they are too easy to make. Rolls are fine, as I rarely have them but sandwiches. No!

It is helping a lot. I think I am slowly losing weight. I also don’t feel bloated anymore.

Trying something else

Because of the packed lunches, I tried something different. I know it’s not a big deal. But to me, it is a significant change. I tried eating my lunch on the picnic tables outside the main entrance. Because I work nights, all I get all night long is artificial lights. And because of that, I have been suffering from eye strain.

Just going outside, even though I sit in an area with outside lighting. It’s minimal compared to inside the building. I got to enjoy the peace and quiet. No background noise. Well, a little from the lorries driving around. I am going to do it again.

More New Things

Because of my procrastination, I viewed a few other things. That can help me progress, not just with my mental health but hopefully with my writing.

Journalling

One of those new ways is to start writing in a journal. Every day… Well, nearly every day. I have missed one or two days. I sit down with my notebook and write about anything I like. And I mean anything. Mainly I write about my day and how I am feeling about it.

This helps me. By clearing my head of lingering thoughts. Although not perfect. It settles me down for the day ahead. Or after a long night at work.

I found this notebook in the back of one of my drawers. When I decide to have a spring clean. I think I’ve had it since the Doctor Who Experience when it was in London for the first time back in 2011.

Writing Equipment

Because of the writing journey, I decided after watching an interview with one of my favourite writers Neil Gaiman. I will add it below.

Neil discusses his love for fountain pens. So I thought I would give it a go. Neil mentions a cheapish brand called Lamy. After doing my own research, I ended up with a slightly cheaper version from a company I have used before, Faber Castell.

Faber Castell is a German company who have been in business for a few hundred years. So they have plenty of experience producing good writing and art supplies.

The pens work fine. I bought the medium nibs version, as I didn’t know if I wanted to use the fine or bold nibs. There are many in the range, so I chose in the middle. And I am enjoying the novelty of using something I have felt for some reason that only posh people use. The Grip 2011 and the cheaper school plus model feel pretty much the same, not knowing if they are meant to feel different, but to me, they don’t. I don’t care, as I’m enjoying the experience.

Jinhao

I did buy one other pen from China from a company called Jinhao. Like most things in China, the pen is a copy of another brand.

This is the Jinhao 82: trying this pen out, I found it is not as good as the Faber Castells pens. It is still usable. But you can notice the difference between the two brands. It feels just a little bit rougher on the paper compared to the Castell. I am going to keep it in my collection, hoping to add more. One major problem with fountain pens. To get a really decent pen. You generally would have to spend a small fortune. The ones I picked out were beginner-level pens. So they didn’t cost the earth.

The Jinhao was the cheapest out of the lot, just over half the price of the school plus.

Notebooks

To help me with my writing, I carry a notebook with me. When I am out and about and also when I am at work. Knowing I could use my phone but writing on a piece of paper. It just feels better. Try it out. You may like it. And those who do, understand.

I was thinking of getting a new one for work. It isn’t in the best shape. But I wasn’t in a rush until I came across a thing called the Travelers Notebook.

It is sort of like a Filofax from the 80s. You can still buy them if you are interested. This one doesn’t have any ring binder. They can be used for anything. Research, collaging, writing, drawing, anything you can think of. There are a number of accessories you can add to them to make them your own.

There is a company called Travelers Company: this is the original company that started it all off.

Made in Japan, they have created all the parts needed for you to help create your own, and of course, it comes at a price.

Over time other companies have stepped up with their versions.

My Travelers Notebook

I, of course, didn’t go for the branded company and decided to find alternatives from Aliexpress.

Above are my Notebooks. They come in four sizes. But I chose the standard size for home and when I am travelling and the passport size for when I am at work. I have tried looking for the person I bought this from on Aliexpress. But I have had no luck.

Update: I found it. HATIMRY

I have taken my passport-sized notebook internals out to show what I have in it with some of the accessories I have bought.

So from the top left of photo one: A square lined notebook. The leather cover of the notebook. Pocket card number one. Bronze pen holder. 2023 yearly diary. A lined notebook. A canvas pocket card. Another pocket card. A blank notebook. The next photo shows everything turned over.

This is a work in progress. The final form is not yet known to me. So until then, I will continue to use and play with it. It is a thick boy.

I didn’t realise I had done so much. I will end this blog here and start part 2. Hope to see you there. CLICK!