A few weeks ago, I was admitted to the hospital and told I was likely having a heart attack. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case. It was critically low potassium that caused my symptoms, but after spending three days in the the hospital I’ve had a serious wake-up call in regards to my health and my life in general. I have not taken good care of myself and I have allowed stress to take over my life.

If I want to make the most out of life, the time is now. I need to make changes in my attitude and in the way I take care of my mental and physical health. That won’t happen if I don’t begin to put myself first.

It’s been ages since I’ve really written anything. When I do write, I allow other people’s priorities and projects to sidetrack me. For a long time, I’ve been editing for other authors, and though I’ve enjoyed it, I’m ready to take a break from it for a while.

I’ve spent so much of my life working for others. I’ve worked for a handful of companies over the years and for dozens of bosses. As a freelance editor, I’ve spent countless hours poring over manuscripts and working for far below minimum wage to make a book the best it can be. Now, I’m ready to build something for myself again. Even if it has nothing to do with writing, it’s time to put in the hours and sweat equity to build something I can call my own.

Part of me feels selfish for doing this, but a much larger part feels like it’s self-preservation. Though I still don’t have everything figured out or a complete plan in place, I’ve already taken an important first step. I’ve begun to say “no” when people ask me to make their priorities my own. I’ve wrapped up on editing jobs I took on prior to my hospitalization and have declined additional jobs. I’ve lost 10 pounds and have given up coffee (which was super difficult). There’s a LOT of room for improvement, but I’m dedicated to making lasting changes in terms of my health.

I know this year has been challenging for many of you out there. How many of you have made, or are making major changes? Who has faced health challenges this year and how have you overcome them? Leave a comment below so we can support each other.