A few years ago, I went online and Googled in “Type A personalities,” which I am. Up popped a list of what traits to expect from a “Type A.” I wrote down three that fit me to a tee, and I pledged to work on changing them — or at least curbing them. I knew it would be a challenge after all these years, but you’re never too old to learn something new.

First I took a look at my eating habits. For years I’d grab a bite on the run, and more often than not my only real meal would be dinner. Now, three meals a day are a must, no matter how busy the day might be. Already I’m experiencing more energy. I’ve even gained a few of the pounds I lost leading up to and during a health setback.

I’m also doing a few low-impact stretching exercises each morning before starting my day. My body may not show it, but my outlook on the day ahead has certainly improved.

Next on my list is the habit of doing two things at once. Usually that leads to disaster, followed by frustration and jangled nerves. An example of this is one day when friends were coming over for dinner. I had the ingredients for a special recipe out on the work counter, all except for one spice.

As I reached up into the cupboard with one hand to retrieve it, I was also stretching across the counter below to pick up a glass bowl with the other hand. The one spice I needed tumbled out, followed by three other bottles I had accidentally bumped. One hit the edge of the bowl, and both broke.

After cleaning up the broken glass and mopping up spice from the floor, I had no desire to make that recipe anymore. I settled on something much easier and faster. My friends enjoyed it, but I felt terribly disappointed in myself.

The third one on the list is a biggie — impatience! I’m not impatient with myself, but with others and events that I have absolutely no control over. For one, I’m punctual, and I expect everyone else to be the same. If someone didn’t arrive at my door at the exact time they were supposed to, I’d fret and pace. And I’m sure my blood pressure soared.

I now try to watch TV, read a magazine or just stay busy until they arrive. When they do, I greet them with a warm welcome, and our visit is far more enjoyable and relaxed. And so am I.

The fourth one is stoplights! Oh, the headaches I’ve brought on over the years because red lights at intersections didn’t change as fast as I thought they should. I’d just sit and glare up at them with hands tightly clinching the steering wheel.

One day, my daughter was with me when we had to stop at one. Noticing my agitation, she said, half jokingly, “Mom, why are you in such a hurry to go nowhere?” I had no answer for that because there was no reason! That one I’m really working hard on but have yet to conquer. But now I try and remember to smile at the person in the car next to me.

Now back to today. If you were to meet me today, I’m sure you’d find a totally different woman than the one several years ago. Well, definitely much more aware of how she acts or reacts. Rome wasn’t built in a day.