This past winter was pretty much the winter of my discontent.
Nothing seemed to be going right, I felt like shyt most days. Gained weight again and was really depressed, discouraged, disenchanted, you name it, there was a big black cloud of misery following me around.
Finally I sat myself down and had a good and honest talk to the me inside.
When was the last time that I’d felt really good?
When I was losing weight, six years ago. I lost nearly one hundred pounds and you can well imagine I felt like a new woman and looked like a younger version of myself.
I didn’t regain it all back but most of it, enough to give me gimpy knees again. Enough to make me red faced and short of breath after the least effort.
Some days I would have welcomed an early demise.
Well two weeks ago I restarted the weight loss program that had helped me before. It’s working well so far, 14 lbs down after my second week and I’m already seeing the difference in my face and feet especially, not as bloated.
There isn’t a lot I can control in my life, hubs health is poor as is his spirit most days, as is our financial situation.
Our kids live across the country and we can’t afford to go visit. They come for a week or two each year but that is not nearly enough. I miss them so much I ache.
Especially now with our daughter due in June and son and his wife who are expecting in December.
So one step at a time, I can control my weight if I choose to. I know the side effects of that will alleviate quite a few problems I have.
Maybe it’ll be like a domino effect, get one thing working good and the others may fall into place.
Whether or not they do, at least I’ll be healthier to deal with it all.
ReginaLove, that is SO great to hear! As for soy, it may help with menopause symptoms -- it it controversial. The best way to use soy is in the form of whole fermented soy foods (miso, tempeh, tamari and natto). Non-fermented soy foods such as soy mi
Agreed. I never thought I was vain until I had a mastectomy at age 39. I was devastated and told the doc I wanted to wake up with implants. Now at age 60, I am lopsided and wondering if I was just avoiding the inevitable. You get what you get and you
Sounds very interesting.
Spike, you are awesome! Love your perspective, thanks for sharing.
This winter was the winter of discontent for a lot of us, myself included. Congratulations on the weight loss and the new baby. I love the idea of the domino effect, that’s my theory about letting go of negativity. Good luck.
hi Nyotyme,
Congratulations on your weight loss, it’s so tough to get going, but I think you’re right about the domino effect. Once you see results in one area, it gives you hope in the other areas. I hope spring and summer bring brighter days. i remember your posts about your cabin, it sounds so prefect and relaxing. Two new grandchildren, will be exciting.
Keep in touch, there’s so many cyber hugs given out from VN.
Thanks dillin. Yes the cottage is lovely, actually it was there I had my epiphany about getting my act back on track. It’s my healing place.
And we’re going there for a few weeks later this week.
My hubbies family have a huge potato farm “up there” and planting season is upon us. Hubs still likes to go give them a hand when he’s able to and he feels he can at least drive a tractor without it being too strenuous (he had quad bypass surgery last year and finds strenuous activity dizzying sometime).
It also puts him in better spirits, to feel that he’s contributing. Hard on a fellow who used to be a workaholic to be sidelined by the injuries and illnesses he’s had.
Your attitude and actions are admirable. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations in losing the weight and keep up the good work! Any chance of eventually moving closer to your kids when you retire? Best wishes to you!
I sure hope so. We need to sell our home first, but first we need to do a few upgrades, some new windows, painting of several rooms, new flooring in bathroom and entry etc etc etc. With money as tight as it is, that’s taking longer than I’d like.
Hopefully sooner than later.
Wow. 14 lbs. in 2 weeks…how did you do it?
Congratulations on getting back on track. You know what you need to feel better.
Low carb is what works for me. I follow Atkins at the moment because it gives me such quick results and after the first three days I feel great. Takes that long to get the “crap” out of one’s system it seems.
A lot of people think it’s too hard to stick with, no bread, starches or sugar….all the white stuff that makes us fat and unhealthy, but the proof is in the pudding…sugar free Jello pudding that is.
That darn sugar & white flour will sabotage my best efforts.
Hi Nikotyme,
Congratulations on your weight loss & new grand babies! I understand how you feel about your children living so far away. I have two boys, one lives on the east coast & the other on the west coast, with airflights becoming more expensvie it’s hard to visit as often as we like & I too miss them so much I ache. I call & email often, but it’s not the same.
I think this winter was hard on a lot us. When life throws me a curve ball, I get out and walk, like you said it clears my head helps me think. With the warmer months coming getting out to walk will be easier.
Have fun at your cottage. Sounds like a great place to go & think & relax.
Have you hooked up with Skype yet? It is free over the internet to talk ‘face to face’ with family. Works for me and family I left back in UK.
Its easy to register online and then chat with a cam and speakers on your computer.
Give it a go
Yes, hooked up with Skype and MSN messenger, but grandson doesn’t remember us from the last time he saw us face to face, he gets this bewildered expression on his face as if to say, how come they know me?
Of course he’s only 2 and a half and hasn’t seen us since he was 9 months old. But he’s coming next month for a couple of weeks so I’ll make sure to make good memories while he’s here.
Thanks for this great idea. I’ll give it a try.
You have some very very good insight and as we can all do — we cannot see that beautiful part of ourselves. – Sort of like the forest for the trees.
I am slowly squirming out of my usual winter’s hibernation where short, cold, grey days keep me cocooned in my wonderful home. When I begin to play golf again (actually have been out about 8 times already) and start talking about being glad it’s Spring — most people agree with me about ‘hibernation’. Now, I accept it and try to create indoor projects to keep my spirits up!!
I do the carb thing and find it really suits me as well. My mother was a serious diabetc (both feet amputated) and I was told I am pre-diabetic. Sugar and white stuff simply do not exist for me, and as you said, after 3 days of detoxing I don’t miss the stuff. Thank God for all the sugar-free pudding and ‘good’ protein!! I find the low carb thing helps my moods as well.
The domino effect is a winner — a good mantra – a very very smart goal. And one step at a time, and being content with being ‘healthier’. See? You have a ‘knowing’ system going!! Maybe your kids can send pictures via internet?? I know. Not the same as holding the little buggers and seeing what miracles they are.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Don’t know if you are aware of this site,
http://www.lowcarb.ca/
It has TONS of resources, ie recipes and how to live and love the low carb life. Also a great support group too, where you can blog your daily battle.
I use the “My Plan” function alot, just list what I’ve eaten and it tells me how many carbs are in the foods.
I too find my mood much more positive while low carbing, don’t understand why I just don’t stick with it!
Hey N. — have used this diet for yonks — and did not know about the group support site — you are a sweetheart — thanks for that. Am going to get with it right away!!!!
Habits are so very difficult to break — my hardest time is eating out with grandsons and daughter — I feel like a fool constantly asking is there ‘sugar’ in this or that. I do but can’t help but wonder if even they know.
Also, and for me a very big also — I find I must have some exercise every day! On days when I play golf I am fine — on other days — not so. Exercise is also a wonderful mood lifter. Consistency is the key to almost everything, isn’t it!!
I fine excerise is a great mood lfter. I try & walk everyday & it feels sooo good when I do it.
I got into bad eating habits also, & tried weight watchers, cause of my bad habits. The support group with WW was really helpful, now instead of grabing a cookie for a snack I grab an apple. They teach you portion size which is great. Lost 15 pounds & I mantained the weight loss for 3 years now. I will eat a very yummy dessert now & then, but I learned to drink water if I feel hungry before I put something in my mouth, or grab something healthy to eat.
Most of the good stuff we do for ourselves feels good doesn’t it? If we could just remember that. I did WW years ago and it was great. I have a huge problem with sugar — just a little bit is like priming a pump – and I want more. Lots of good ideas from them and I think when you find your path – stick to it – as you have – be proud of yourself girl.
I am pretty proud of mayself, never thought & be able to stick with the program. I went to my 40th high school reunion last year, felt good because I knew I look better now than I did in high school. It felt really good when an old boyfriend who is now bald & over weight meets up with you & tells you how great you look!! Good thing my husband stayed home LOL!
Had a good laugh at the mental picture you brought up at the reunion — very satisfying right???
It was very satisfying. I must say that most of the gals looked really good. Hard to try & figure out who was who with the men?
I, too, talked to my inner self this winter – we made a lot of decisions that, hopefully, will improve our lives.
Glad to hear you’re losing weight – I’m sure it will start a domino affect.
Have you ever heard of SKYPE? My son was in Dubai a year ago (he’s in the Air Force) and we got SKYPE to keep in touch. Both of my sons are quite a distance – as is my grandbaby! My parents are in another state as well. Skype is free and only needs a simple and cheap video camera (you can do it without video as well) you can buy for $30 if your computer doesn’t have one. You can talk to your kids real time and see them. This was the only way my parents were able to see their great-grandbaby for the first 6 months.
For us, it was (is) the next best thing to being there – and really lifted our spirits when we were unable to be there in person.
Good luck to you – keep the chin up -
Buzz