Freedom of Voice

1/31/22 The last day of the month has me thinking about that calendar roll-over thing again (like New Year's). We tend to wait for a new week, new month, new year to commit to changes, commit to ourselves.  I am going to work hard this year to break that mindset by purposely choosing "off" days to begin new things. It doesn't have to be a Monday or the first. A new habit can be kicked off whenever the spirit moves me.  With that, I had a little glitch in the system once again (seems to be the theme for 2022), testing my resilience. The Covid booster knocked me out with a full-fledged fever, chills, aches, the works. When I came out of the fever fog, I wanted soup so badly, and all I had made was white chicken chili and lentil--both not Whole 30 compliant. I seriously contemplated picking the beans out of the chili at one point. But, I got creative and made some green pea soup that hit the spot. I also wanted something salty and was eye-balling the chips we got at the ...

1/30/22 The end is near.  The end of Whole 30 that is.  This is my second time doing it, and I carried the lessons I learned the first time with me for a while.  Then, I let old habits creep back--the operative phrase being "I let."  I allowed stress to undermine my resolve, using time as an excuse to not shop for and prep meals. Then, there were also my experiments with veganism and vegetarianism. I actually enjoy eating that way, but it's really tough without eating grains. I've come to the conclusion that grains are not great for me for a few reasons: inflammation, over-dependence, and over-eating.  I am walking away this time with some new goals to support an eating plan that is good for my body: make non-starchy vegetables and seafood my mainstays add in starchy veggies in moderation add in fruit in moderation keep added sugar to a bare minimum enjoy wine, but avoid using it as a crutch beer has got to go, but I'm open to enjoying small amounts of IPA's w...

 1/29/22 Giving light and warmth is the work of good humans ~  Rumi This sums up perfectly the person I strive to be ~ to be the person whose smile makes someone feel warm inside, lights up the moment, the person who hones in on the struggles of others and offers help, the person who not only looks for the good  but also shines a light upon it,  the person who leaves the room warmer and brighter than it was when I entered. 

1/28/22 As the first month of the year nears its end, I can look back and celebrate small accomplishments that will turn into bigger and better things: I use the stairs daily I do an am routine for functional fitness I'm less than a week away from closing out an extended (33 day) Whole 30 I've written daily I'm reading more often I'm hitting bootcamp 4-5 times per week I'm making more time for friends Not bad for someone who doesn't make New Year's resolutions. 

1/27/22 After 2 nights of interrupted sleep, I am just tired to the bone.  I'm showing up, but just barely. My soul is scattered, as is my attention.  My body feels bent, not quite broken. Working toward that unity in soul that Rumi touts is the goal.

1/26/22 To keep myself accountable to my new two-minute habit of writing daily, I decided to post whatever comes out here. I have a habit of giving up too easily, especially on ritualistic or things that require my daily attention.  That changes with 2022. I vowed to make micro changes, atomic habits that will snowball into bigger, better things. And, I'm actually doing it. Not perfectly, but now's not the time to aim for perfection. Just showing up matters--an attitude I wish I had throughout my life. Perfectionism is too exhausting and futile. It's not getting my energy any more.  To live without too much pressure as I adopt and improve upon my two-minute habits is the goal for 2022. 

1/25/22 Looking for things to be grateful for can be difficult at times, but that is only because my vision is blurred by daily inconveniences and aggravations.  Bad traffic I have a new vehicle and the freedom to move about without worry   Aches and pains I have the strength to be physically active and can complete all my daily tasks Chores (especially laundry) I have a beautiful home and an extensive wardrobe to chose from Boredom such a first world problem to have that much free time to be bored Interrupted sleep I have a warm, soft bed in which to toss and turn Gray hair I have a full head of hair and can afford to maintain it Wrinkles and sags these things don't really matter, really a gift a long life