Beauty

[terrier3]

I would volunteer...somewhere you REALLY believe in.

Not just for the sake of volunteering, but to have a place to go to...dress up a little...meet new people.

It doesn't have to be something traditional like a hospital or school...it can be at a museum, park, theater.

The more you try new things...the more you will "perk" up!

[LucyGoose]

Hi lynbeechwood and everybody else. I'm so glad you started this thread. I've been feeling a lot of the things you wrote about. I'm 39 and quit my full time job about three years ago and now stay home with two teenage boys. I feel like I just left my old life where I actually had friends and an outlet behind, but at the same time now I have no pressures of the work field.

All this advice I'm reading on here is great. I actually do feel better when I get out and walk, and I do feel kind of pretty when I dress nicely and put on make up and jewelry and fix my hair just to go grocery shopping. I'm starting to think about joining a fitness center. I've never done that before. Umm, on the down side... I don't feel like my husband finds me attractive anymore. There's no special times for us anymore. I want it back so badly but I feel like he doesn't really care. I've been toying with the idea of becoming a cougar... rawr! It's just a silly thought, but I'm older now and really want to feel young and pretty and wanted again.

[BonnieBelle]

Great thread. Thanks for starting it. I feel the same way. I always feel like I'm alone but I see by this I'm not. All the responses are inspiring.

[Tinkerbell3]

Go and treat yourself to a make-over- new color & cut and a facial or massage!

Are you artistic? Go take a pottery class or paint a picture (they have those painting w/ wine (BYOB) classes-Grab a few girlfriends and go!

Take a cooking class-Learn how to make a pie-

Re-do (decorate) a room in the house-Fresh paint, etc...Put your stamp on it!

Join a book group or discussion group

Try the new restaurant in town-Make the point to go out once a week (movies, dinner)

VOLUNTEER!!!

[Dazlin]

I also can relate. My last daughter has gone off to college, and although I have alot to tend to, including living on a small farm, with animals to care for, and ALWAYS cleaning, and a husband that likes my cooking ...I began feeling like..so, now what?? What about lil ole me??

Sooo, I began oil painting (taught myself), super rewarding, and a whole new experience! I also, try to take some time to meet up with friend who shares my interests, and go out for lunch. For me , personally...I LOVE beauty, skin care, and make-up, so I take some time to go shop, or just research new products. LOVEEE perfume!! But I always try to keep myself looking good with taking care of my hair, and skin, and doing my nails, when I can. I love cooking, so watching favorite cooking shows can be fun. What I'm saying here, is sometimes we need a self-push to get up, and out. Maybe only once or twice a week, if that works for you. Sometimes, maybe just give in, and stay home, and make your surroundings pleasant, for you! But, what I found, is, it this bothers you enough, then you have push yourself, and just start with one new thing. I hope this helps, and your not alone, feeling like this...HUGS!!

[Abby Grace]

What do I do to help myself?

Exercise-anything, and any every little bit will be good for your body & your mind.

Pamper your self- a piece of new makeup, or clothing, a long bubble bath, etc..... I indulge in regular massages.

Church or worship/feed your soul- I don't know if you attend any regular services, but this keeps things in perspective for me.

Change your routine- do something on a different day, or move some furniture around.

You are not alone & best of luck in 2014!

[AJW]

Isn't it nice to see so many people responding to this? I would definitely start with a new hair cut/color and that alone will lead to other gradual changes. Get some friends together one day a week maybe, have a glass of something, discuss your hopes, dreams, expectations etc., and you should see a change in how you feel about yourself. Try something new. Good luck with this and enjoy your transformation. I personally wouldn't join a gym-all those perfect bodies!! But walking, cycling, or whatever you enjoy will set this in motion!!

[ennui1]

My unpopular advice ... count your blessings. Honestly, I think "boredom" is one of God's greatest gifts, because it can all turn to s*** in moments, and you'll wish you could go back to being bored.

[rnmom]

I'm another one who can relate somewhat to your post. I'm about your age, 43, but my kids are younger, 5 and 8. I've been home with them for 8 years, working on the weekend when my husband is home. Now they're both off to school all day and I feel sluggish and lazy, tired all the time, and I'm gaining weight. Especially this time of year I just hang out in sweatpants and sweatshirts because I hate the cold.

I've wanted to start using my treadmill again, it hasn't been touched in years, but it's so cold in my basement I just can't bear the idea of even going down there for more than a couple of minutes.

I'd love to find another job, but I can't afford a pay cut right now, and I still need to work around my kids' schedules. That doesn't help, I'm unhappy at work and bored at home.

I'll re-read these suggestions and see what I can do to get out of my own rut. Thanks for all the ideas.

[LucyGoose]

On 1/8/2014 ennui1 said:

My unpopular advice ... count your blessings. Honestly, I think "boredom" is one of God's greatest gifts, because it can all turn to s*** in moments, and you'll wish you could go back to being bored.

Very true.