After writing down the Mondo Beyondo, I started thinking how easy it is to write things down and not follow up with concrete actions. I have piles and stacks of diaries full of to-do lists and new year’s resolutions where the items were never ticked off as “done”! So I decided to cook up a list of things I am doing right now in order to be happier and wholesomer with myself, and here it is.

1. Champissage (= Indian head massage). After many years of thinking about it, I have finally had a go - even two, at it. It’s just perfect, although much more physical than I had expected, and leaves me in a state of mixed alertness and relaxation. Although I must say that my shoulders are so jammed that it’s going to take more than two sessions to untangle them.
2. Regular doctor’s visits. Not quite there yet, but I am definitely in the planning stage for my annual medical visit. Have printed out the necessary forms, checked the doctor’s phone number etc. Just need to make the appointment.
3. Not taking things personally. I am committed to not thinking people out there are on a mission to “get me” but to ask why, what is it that they want when they greet my ideas with opposition. I guess this is about objectivity and distancing yourself from emotions and working with facts. I must say that, at the end of the day, striving towards this attitude leaves me much happier than the never-ending self-questioning.
4. Stopping being a perfectionist. Perfection is good but not if it takes days instead of minutes to achieve. Real-life example: I will be happy with a “pass” note for my MSc assignments. Being a perfect mom (ha haa!= is enough ;o)
5. Not buying into what the hairdresser is saying. It’s been years that I’ve wanted to cut my hair into a bob that’s shorter in the back, and I especially love the new style that’s been around for a while where the difference between front and back is really big. For years, hairdressers around the world have reunited in order not to let me have my way, and I have stupidly let them persuade me to getting their proposed layered/not-layered/sleek/rock-star-type style. No more! After lurking outside several salons, I finally spotted a shop where one stylist was sporting my exact cut, went in, pointed my finger at that lady and said “I want that”. And they believed me.
6. Low-key weekend. This will sound silly and superficial, but I am one of those people who just can’t go out the door wearing no makeup. I’m not saying I mind the morning hair and makeup routine on weekdays, but admittedly it can get in the way on weekend. So I have decided, one week ago, to be brave and just wear concealer on Saturday and Sunday (taking little minisized steps here, folks). And I did! And, lo and behold, no-one made any remarks! No “You look tired” or “What’s happened to you” comments. My husband even said, yesterday: “You know, you don’t really even need all that make-up”. It’s all in the head, I say.