Healthy Me: An Update
Posted on May 21, 2008 under Health, Diet and Lifestyle, Heart, Soul and Mind |A while ago I realized that I was in trouble. I was spending almost every waking minute at my computer reading blogs. Which meant that I wasn’t taking care of myself.
The whole purpose of not working is for me to get healthy, fit and fertile. I wasn’t even getting close. The hours that were being frittered away every day, were the days of my life. Clearly I needed to make some changes.
So I stepped back a little and took a broader look at my life. What I saw dismayed me. I was seriously missing the point. This journey for me was never about weight loss. Yet, I was hopping on the scale every day. When we decided to go to America this June, I declared that I had 5 weeks in which to lose a chunk of weight so that my trip would be more comfortable. It was time for bootcamp! Every day I “wasted” by not pounding my body into submission made me feel more guilty and more anxious. How is that healthy?
I needed to change the way I thought and the way I spent my time. I more than halved the number of blogs that I subscribe to. That left me some time for being good to myself. And no, I didn’t start the bootcamp! I never will.
I took the time to reconnect with my goals, dreams and desires. And very importantly with myself. I reread the books that teach the principles by which I want to live. And I changed my life in a few short weeks.
Now every day is an opportunity to be kinder and more loving towards my body and spirit. I eat the foods that are good and healing and avoid the things that strain, damage and throw my body (and emotions) out of balance. Some days I’m better at it than others. It doesn’t matter. I’m no longer demanding perfection. I’m learning and improving as I go along.
And my body is loving it! The scale, when I remember to get on it, keeps going down slowly but surely. My health is improving every day. I haven’t had a skin rash in weeks. My hormones did some heroic healing task which delayed my menses for more than two weeks. I’m sleeping well. I have more energy.
And with that increased energy I’m starting to get more active. My body is demanding that I work it. Previously I looked at things that needed to be done in the garden and told myself that I couldn’t do it. Now I tell myself that while I may not be able to do it all in one go, I can do something. Sure, it’s uncomfortable to kneel or bend, but invariably I do more than what I thought I could.
I haven’t gone back to gym yet, because I want my mind to be clear about what I want to do there. I want to my work there to be healing. I don’t want to feel as if I’ve let myself down if I skip a day. The call for more activity, for stretching and toning, running and swimming is getting stronger every day. My body is starting to crave it. I like that!
I’m also taking time to meditate, breathe and just be. My spirit is healing nicely alongside my body. I’m pondering my fertility, my life-choices and my future. And a path is starting emerge. I will be sharing a lot of my thoughts and dreams with you in the near future.
But for now, I’m good! In fact, I’d go as far as to say that I’m almost at goal. My goal being to live a healthy lifestyle. That has always been the goal. The weight loss and increased fertility are just byproducts of that lifestyle. I am working with my body, not against it. The scale has ceased to have any hold over me, in fact I barely even notice it anymore when I go into the bathroom.
I won’t be significantly thinner when we leave in just over two weeks’ time. And while we’re away, staying with relatives, we won’t be eating what we normally eat, so I’ll probably put on some weight and throw myself out of balance in various ways. But that’s okay! It’s a minor detour in my life journey. We know what we want and it’s not something we have to attain, but something we’re doing already. I love that!
May 21st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
I believe that people always surprise themselves by what they are capable of doing if they actually try.
Also when you go on your trip, don’t think of the food. Think of the things you will be doing. I am sure you will go sightseeing etc so anthing extra you eat that you would not normally will be needed for the extra activity. And most importantly enjoy your time!
Pamelas last blog post..Healthy mind, Healthy body???
May 21st, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Just based on that post alone, Id say you have reached a goal. Your attitude about living well is what we should all strive for. To listen to your body and feed it accordingly (both nutritionally and spiritually) is the key. I am so very proud of you! ( I hope that doesn’t sound strange).
I hope you and yours are safe, and that the unrest in your neck of the woods ends soon, and peacefully.
chandas last blog post..Dentist Visit - Beatnik Style
May 21st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I find that life has a breath and heartbeat all of its own, and that great growth is often followed by a period of rest (what other mortals would call a “slump”
.
Allowing this rest is good, even if we might feel as if we got derailed. Not fighting this rhythm but trusting in its wisdom is the quickest way to start a new inhalation (isn’t that where the word “inspiration” comes from, after all?)
You are on the right road, Hanlie, and an inspiration! I am behind you all the way for knowing that it is in LOVING yourself that the secret lies, and not in the discipline of any boot camp.
And I am soooooo excited for you about your trip! Almost time to start packing…
Pippas last blog post..Fairies In The Sky
May 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
What a great post and mindset. We are all in such a hurry to get to our goal but we are missing the big picture. We don’t take the time to learn our new behaviors so we end up reverting back to old habits. Good for you, for slowing down, and realizing what needs to be done.
Thinking Thins last blog post..I’m Not Happy…
May 21st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I have so enjoyed reading about your journey to a healthier you since I joined the HYC in January.
I’m so happy for you and your acceptance of yourself and think we all need to take a breath and enjoy the ups as well as the downs of life.
You’ll do fine when you’re in the States because you’ve learned a lot and a little blip in the radar now and then is fine!
Take care of yourself and we all look forward to your notes on the upcoming trip.
Manuelas last blog post..Even Steven
May 21st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
You know, at the beginning of the year I just wasn’t ready (mentally). So I can relate to your sitting at the computer all day long reading blogs and not moving your body or living life.
Nice aha moment.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:36 pm
What a great and positive post!
Netjanes last blog post..Die hoop beskaam nie
May 21st, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Well you already know that I totally agree with this mind set. Live life and the rest will follow. I am so proud of you. I am so proud of how far you have come and how positive you look forward to what you have yet to do. You are truly an inspiration to me for living life.
As for your trip. Eat, drink and be merry!! As long as you are still mentally facing forward, who cares about the rest.
AMAZING post.
*huggles and much wuvs*
=0)
Felicias last blog post..Busy Busy =0)
May 21st, 2008 at 5:49 pm
You more than anyone I know knows what this is all about, and understands what is needed to change your life, mind and body around. During your vacation you’ll probably steer away from your usual eating plan, and that’s normal, but it won’t be an issue. Looking at the bigger picture, in fact, it’s nothing worth mentioning or worrying about. You know what to do, and you’ll lead the way for the rest of us (well me for sure!).
Love,
D.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I’m so thrilled you’ve got a healthy focus, one that’s real and sustainable. This isn’t a race. There’s no trophy (not even a tiny one) at the end. The main thing is to live the healthiest life you can, most of the time. (That way, you get to celebrate neat times, like vacations! *G*)
I agree *completely* that simply doing something that moves our bodies is a great way to incorporate exercise, whether it’s running, walking, gardening, vacuuming, or anything else.
Cammys last blog post..Playing with Fire
May 21st, 2008 at 7:39 pm
ahhh what a wonderful post.. wishing you a safe trip to america.. enjoy.. I know I do lol
honis last blog post..YOU GUYS ARE MY FRIENDS SO BE HONEST
May 21st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
What a delightful and healthy out look on things. Thanks for sharing.
BigGirls last blog post..Introducing Pedro
May 21st, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your update - it appears you have got a great handle on things when it comes to you and your body. What i loved the most is when you talk about not seeking perfection…because the truth is…it does not exist. We each define perfection differently and so you simply have to focus on what you want and afterall it is about a personal evolution!
Evitas last blog post..Future Natural for Safer Cosmetics
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:20 am
live it up, lady.
Laras last blog post..Calling a Halt
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:13 am
Yay for you!! I LOVE the changes you’ve made. In fact they seem to be very similar to the ones I’ve made. :o) Good luck, and have a great time in the U.S. Just try to walk/exercise as much as you can. If you do that, you’ll automatically keep yourself in the healthy frame of mind.
Nicoles last blog post..Where Are You Going?
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
Eat what you want moderately, and exercise. But have fun! Well, you already know that
Yeah, sitting at the computer is time consumer, so I’m trying to allow myself to sit only certain amount of time in front of the computer. I make a list of what needs to be done and I can always finish things up later.
Jessicas last blog post..Treadmill or Dust Collector?
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 am
Great post! Enjoy your trip to the USA! Keep up the good work Hanlie, you WILL reach your goal!
Elizes last blog post..Update on my visit to my new FS
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Sounds like you have turned a corner in your life Hanlie. Good for you! Too often we put life on hold while we’re waiting for other things to happen. And that wastes a whole lot of living, wouldn’t you say? btw ~ have you gotten my postcard yet?
Loras last blog post..Where I am - in Six Words….
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:03 pm
re: American Idol…I had to go to my blog to express my shock at David Cook’s win because I was here alone…Hubby is away on a fishing trip…and one daughter was already asleep, I guess, because she didn’t answer her cell…and the other one is in Boston as a guest speaker at Tuft’s University…and the dog didn’t care! lol
The conventional wisdom here was that “Archie” was the sure winner! And that has been the word from the outset, so for DC to win by 12 million votes was quite a surprise.
I’ll go on to say, that my husband interrupted my watching the live show by calling me on the phone and having me search for a phone number he needed, so I was watching the DVR for the rest of the show and it cut off just as they announced the winner!!! I had to go to YouTube to find the rest of the show!!! God bless all those people who post everything to YouTube!
You will enjoy the show…many great guests!!!
(((Hugs!)))
Kathys last blog post..SURPRISE!!!
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
A big hug from me Hanlie…what a post…felt as if you were sitting next to me and we are discussing this…very very inspiring
Rupas last blog post..Happy ….
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Positive post. Enjoy your trip.
Wipneuss last blog post..Demoerin hier’s sy..
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Sometimes we have to step back from our lives and do things for ourselves and take care of the things that really matter. I am going through a similar journey right now and you have been an enormous source of support. I wish you the best.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I totally agree, thats why I refuse to call this a diet or to ever say I’ve cheated because its not a cheat its a CHOICE! We live healthy, eat clean and the rest will follow. Great post.
Diana the Scale Junkies last blog post..I already know
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
You got it, girl! These are the things I am realizing, too. I could have written your post myself! No more deadlines, no more stress. Only kindness and reverence for our bodies and ourselves.
You are a true success story!
Amy / radiosilentss last blog post..Oh, Woe is Knee!
June 8th, 2008 at 7:16 am
your words in this blog have really impacted me. I have been feeling like a failure but the real goal was to lead a healthier lifestyle, not the a scale slave. That’s makes it sound so simple.
As far as your vacation, tell your family and friends that you are making healthier food choices and you may be surprised to find their encouragement and accommodations.
Wendis last blog post..Hello