Testing 123, Testing… Additional Data

 

Would I truly be willing to do my large monthly grocery shopping trip, the one where I fill in any pantry gaps and refill the produce drawer, using the bus and walking?  Even if it was windy and looked like it might rain?  Or it did rain?  Using a backpack and two Trader Joes shopping bags?  Walking a fair distance from the bus station to Winco and then back again?  Do I have the strength in my arms to carry home two heavier bags of groceries?  Yup.  It turns out that I do and the only way I know this is I tried it.  Several times.

 

Can I figure out how go to the mall on the bus and be able to go to the various shops in the surrounding area to acquire the things that I need to clothe myself?  Do some gift shopping?  Treat myself to lunch out while I’m at it?  Or pack a snack instead?  Yes, I can and I’ve done it twice now.  It may take me a while to get there instead of the fifteen minute drive I’m used to, but it certainly can be done and I definitely get more exercise doing it this way.  Plus it’s fun!

 

Can I meet friends at restaurants for lunch or dinner simply by walking?  How about riding my bike to the post office to buy stamps?  Or walk there too?  How about walking to my cardiologist’s office to schedule my annual visit?  Or go?  How about walking and/or riding the bus to and from the airport to fly out and travel?  Travel on my own?  Be safe? Have a good time?  It turns out that I’m quite capable of doing all of those things too.

 

Am I able to plant and grow stuff in my backyard, preserve what I harvest and make a substantial contribution to my pantry and LTFS?  Did I learn from what worked and what didn’t so I can make improvements next year?  It turns out that I can do just that.

 

Am I able to shop for food and clothe myself with minimal resources?  I had a $50 a month grocery budget and no budget this year for clothing.  Yet I fed myself well and was even able to add some clothing items to my closet including two pair of pants, a pair of pajamas, socks, bras, underwear, a couple new tops and a lightweight jacket.  All of these items replaced items I had worn out.

 

I really tested myself a lot this past year.  In addition to the things I’ve already mentioned I also learned that I can now be my own person, live alone, travel alone, do and be whatever I choose and do so guilt-free.  I can focus solely on myself if I want and not feel like I’m taking away from someone else.  That has been huge for me.  Making that shift from full time parent and taking care of others to becoming my own person has been quite an adjustment.  I’ve arrived, but my journey is just beginning.