Chapter 1: Introduction

Hello, Medium community! I’m Jenny, a true Indoor Enthusiast. To kick things off, let’s lighten the mood with a classic therapy joke:

Q: How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Just one, but the light bulb must genuinely want to change.

A little while back, my two portly cats, Enzo and Nico, along with my timid dog, Alice, might have caught me chatting with my sister, declaring, “I’ve transformed.” It was a statement I believed, though it felt surreal.

The specifics of my journey aren’t crucial; what matters is that I made a significant change nearly seven years ago. It wasn’t a choice I made willingly; life pushed me into it. I found myself facing serious health issues, weighed down by a hundred extra pounds, consuming too much alcohol, and feeling utterly unhappy. My home was chaotic and falling apart, mirroring my life.

I was clinging to a job I despised, aware it was not a fit for me. When my boss tearfully told me that “it just wasn’t working out,” I couldn’t argue with her. I still remember the HR representative, focusing intently on an imaginary blemish on the wall as she slid paperwork toward me to sign.

The overwhelming sensation of relief washed over me. It was a signal I could no longer ignore. I recognized that my ship was sinking and it was time to find a safe haven.

With no clear plan, I set out on a path of self-exploration and growth. In the following years, I prioritized self-care and stopped seeking validation from others. I immersed myself in reality television, devoured countless podcasts, and reread numerous books. I even attended "YouTube University." I took on freelance gigs and tackled odd jobs. My roommate and I renovated my century-old house, relying on resourcefulness and hard work.

I began exercising regularly, completed the 75 Hard challenge, established boundaries, and focused on enhancing my self-discipline (which is still a work in progress). My capacity for empathy and mindfulness has grown, especially towards myself, because self-love is essential for loving others.

Am I flawless now? Absolutely not. Is life a breeze? Far from it. Yet, my perspective has shifted significantly, my happiness has increased, and my overall quality of life has vastly improved.

Change isn’t instantaneous; it’s a gradual process, unfolding day by day and choice by choice, often going unnoticed. Then, suddenly, during a conversation with my sister, I realized that my reality had shifted. I had transformed.

Chapter 2: The Writer's Journey

I have spent my entire adult life as a writer and editor, typically crafting pieces for others. I took pride in my versatility, able to adopt various tones and styles. However, I seldom wrote about my own experiences or opinions.

Writing for Medium in my authentic voice has proven to be surprisingly challenging and confusing. I often feel like an actor who shines on screen yet appears shy and mundane in real life.

Do I have anything valuable to share? Only time will tell.

For years, I’ve contemplated launching a blog titled "The Indoor Enthusiast" to document my learnings, readings, and viewings. Unfortunately, perfectionism and procrastination have held me back.

So, here we are.

If you too identify as an Indoor Enthusiast, come on in! Grab a seat, let me offer you a drink, and let’s chat.

The first video titled "CLOVES - Don't Forget About Me" captures themes of personal reflection and the importance of connection in our lives.

The second video, "How to Make an 'About Me' Project in Scratch | Tutorial," provides practical guidance on creating personal projects that express who you are.