One small change I’ve made is drinking half-caffeinated coffee. Now that I’m home all day most days, it would be very easy to over-imbibe in the delicious coffee gifts I received for my November birthday and for Christmas. Instead, I’m mixing the lovely flavors with a standard decaf. I still get the pleasure of the flavor, but I don’t get excess nervousness or hyperactivity from the caffeine.

Another change is the way I’m eating: increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in my diet. We already eat a few servings of vegetables and/or fruits every day. I’m aiming to increase that to the recommended five a day in this category. A handful of berries on breakfast cereal or yogurt at lunch. A serving of vegetables at lunch and at supper, with a fruit snack such as an orange or apple for mid-afternoon. It’s a small change that will take my diet balance to the next level.

I’ve always been a goal-setter. This year I’m concentrating on keeping those goals reasonable and writing them down. If I set a goal that takes too much energy and too much time, I’m not likely to achieve that goal, which will be disappointing at best and at worst very upsetting. There’s enough negative in my life; I need to stress the positive and keep plans and goals accessible. Big goals are weekly or even monthly; smaller goals are daily, and may be part of a larger goal. This week I had planned to investigate mall walking, but I decided to put that one off and finish progress reports instead. The reports are due at the end of next week, but I wanted them done and out of my mind. The mall-walking exercise goal will have to wait until next week. It’s important; it’ll happen.

That’s the main point to remember with changes, small or large. If it’s important, make it happen. Setting goals, eating well, and watching the amount of caffeine in my (I admit it) addiction, all are simple changes that make a difference in my life. If all goes well, these simple changes will make an impact on my full recovery and my eventual return to teaching.