Livin' It Down

I got my hair done today and had a bad experience. The hairdresser kept asking me personal questions about my nonexistent work status. I am currently unemployed due to depression and anxiety.

I couldn’t bring myself to tell her the truth, so I ended up lying about it. We live in a small town, and I would hate for the word to spread about my situation.

I don’t blame the hairdresser, and I actually love the new-look. Still, I must wonder why is work such a strong focus when it comes to small talk and why is our self-worth so strongly defined by employment.

I've made many healthy lifestyle changes to my eating, drinking and exercising habits during the past year. Having finally noticed the results is so gratifying. There were no miracles involved. Trust me, I've tried shortcuts, but it didn't get me anywhere.

The only thing that helped was to slow down considerably, to take the most difficult path. I simply had to alter my habits little by little over time, one by one. I will never be perfect, and I don't need to be, but I can finally be proud of the physical progress I've made.