Weigh In

This morning I decided to hop on my scale to see how I'm doing. The scale read 189.5, down another three pounds since my last weigh in.

Of course, this is too much weight lost in too short a period of time and completely due to unrelenting stress within my current circumstances. The hardest part of each day is simply finding the appetite to eat anything.  I wake up with a stomach ache and go to bed with my stomach tied in knots.  All I can do is try to get enough in me to maintain my energy and that's it.

Everyone reacts to stress differently.  Some people eat there way through stressful situations, others drink and/or do drugs.  Certainly there are many activities we can do as a result of stress in our lives, some being healthier choices than others. I'm trying to stay calm by starting each day with meditation and prayer, envisioning for myself a peaceful existence and calm surroundings. Throughout the day, I remind myself of this mental picture I've created for my life, praying that as time goes by, I will move closer to that reality. This method is not foolproof, but it is helping me at the moment.

What do you do to combat stress?  I'd love to hear from you, but in the meantime, remember to take care of yourself regardless of the circumstances you're living in.

Back to the Couch

It's been eight days since my outpatient surgery. I feel fine, though still a little tired. Nonetheless, I needed to speak to my doctor yesterday due to symptoms that have persisted since the procedure.

After a brief conversation with my doctor's nurse's assistant, I've been instructed to go "back to the couch" for a much needed reduction in activity.

Insert heavy sigh here.

I have a list of things that need to be done.  I'm also in-between job contracts, which means back to searching for a new one.  I could sit here and wring my hands with worry, but instead I'll enjoy the comfort of my couch and the company of my Netflix membership.

What's the point?

Each of us as individuals must be responsible for caring for ourself.  Actually, that's better written as "caring for our Self."  This means making decisions each day that indicate YOU are a priority.

Today I'm giving my Self this gift by lounging on my couch and watching movies.  This is what my body needs today and probably for another 3-4 days to completely heal, but what about after that?

My physical body needs care every day. Yours does, too.  Eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, stretching and exercising and getting plenty of rest - these are the daily activities that keep our bodies running well, but we can't stop there.  We must consider the "Whole Self" - our minds and our emotions must also be cared for.

Having a healthy physical body can give us a great foundation to feed the other pieces of our Whole Self, but again, it is our duty as individuals to know what nourishes the person within.

I have much in my life that nourishes my inner Self and with each day, I discover new things that bring joy and light into my world.  I hope you can say the same and if not, I hope you will start discovering today all that nourishes you, both inside and out!

Resting Easy

Since my last post, my life has been (once again) turned upside down.  Personal upheaval coupled with outpatient surgery has left me tired and stressed.  In response to this, I am caring for myself with tender loving care, all the while remembering that my body is my vehicle for this life.

I climbed on the scale this morning to reveal a 192.5 weight.  I'm down 2.5 lbs. from my last weigh in... I'll take that with a pat on my back.

When I'm feeling more myself, I'll write more, but in the meantime, take care of yourself and don't expect anyone else to do that for you - you MUST do it for yourself.