If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I’ve talked about self care and meditation and nutrition and the list goes on. What I’ve realized about myself on the heels of a month of not feeling well, and at times and I’m really serious, feeling like I might die. is that I’ve been talking the talk, but definitely not walking the walk. I am the girl who never missed a nail appointment and always has her eyelashes filled in. My botox appointment doesn’t even have to be written down, because it’s really important to me and I never never miss my hair appointment. The things I have been missing are my yearly health exam…it’s been about 6 years, my mammogram (I’ve only had one) and other doctor’s appointments. I meditate some days, but not always; I exercise, but not really regularly, it’s easier to skip a meal. I talk about nutrition, but it’s easier to skip a meal and I always have a pack of M&M’s in the car and the list goes on. I’m getting really honest with myself and making self care a priority. I woke up this morning with no idea what I was going to blog about. I’ve been pretty consumed with getting healthy again and getting enough sleep and decided to take a walk instead of doing a blog post. I decided that a little break would probably make me a better blogger (I hope you agree). I went for a walk, had my first massage in years, came home, spent some time with my family and then had a facial. It was a really relaxing HydraFacial (blog post coming) and I fell asleep. I’ve just finished eating dinner…local salad greens with avocado and walnuts, squash, and local roasted potatoes. It was a much needed, restful and wonderful day. I’m still taking an antibiotic, and needing to get my strength back, but I’m also being really honest about what it means to take care of myself. I had one glass of wine tonight instead of 3 or 4. The M&M’s are replaced with 70% dark chocolate and tomorrow, I will get up around 6 and take a walk around 7:30. I’ll be back in time to take a shower and make my doctor’s appointment at 11:00am. I’ve decided that some things are non-negotiable. Those things are exercise of some kind…yoga, weights or just a walk, meditation (BEFORE I start working) and the sugar habit has to be broken. I want to not only live a long life, but I want to live a quality life. A life full of good relationships with my family, passion for my work, healthy food and I want to be at peace with myself. I’ve been talking about creating the life you want for a long time, all the while not realizing that I was in fact, not creating a life of health and wellness. But, it’s never too late to turn things around.
I’m changing habits that no longer serve me!
Does it seem a little weird that I’m combining all of this with a fashion post? Oh well, fashion is a passion and I still believe that when you look your best, you feel good…that is if you’ve taken care of your health (mental and physical). Looking good is the icing on the cake, but shouldn’t be hiding unhealthy habits. That lifestyle will surely catch up with you!
The very versatile and lightweight blazer that I’m wearing is from Mango, the jeans are Frame Denim, the shoes are from Zara (no longer available) and my bag is Cult Gaia. I’m wearing it with my lucky cross necklace from Julie Miles. This outfit is one of my favorites right now…it’s neutral, goes anywhere and I think looks polished, but it’s sooo simple!
As some of you know, for a while, I had problems with my hair breaking off and being really dry and damaged. I’m not sure what was going on, but I’ve been taking great care of it and it seems to be getting much better. I thought I would share some of the products I’ve been using because I think they’ve helped repair the damage. I’ve also kept the heat to a minimum and not washed it as often.
Have you looked into the Medical Medium and his books on nutrition? Celery juice is his main focus and it makes for thought provoking
reading. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi Kim
Yes! I have been on his website and it’s very interesting! I tried celery juice, but didn’t stick with it! I may have to revisit! This could be very time consuming, but definitely worth it!
I went through a year or so of feeling really crappy and tired. I was finally diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It took another year to get my meds right. During that time I started exercising 2-3 days a week. I started feeling much better but not 100% so last July after a family vacation and lots of over indulgence I decided to give up the sugar. I was super strict until the holidays. I allowed myself to eat the "bad" stuff only on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. I dropped 20lbs and had even more energy and felt even better. My usual exercise class was dying out so I decided to try a crossfit like class at work 3 months ago. I was worried I couldn’t hack it. Now I exercise 4 days a week, still limit my sugar although not as much, and I feel better than I’ve felt in YEARS! I also gave up alcohol except for special occasions. I sleep better and wake up feeling better. Like anything it’s hard at first and you’ll slip at times but it’s so worth it. Good luck!
Hi Cindy
My daughter has Graves disease, which is an autoimmune disease that causes her to have hypothyroidism. I know from being around her how bad you feel. Your story is so encouraging to me! Giving up sugar is difficult, but giving up wine is maybe more difficult. I’m just trying to cut way back and it seems to be fine. I was a vegetarian for so long that I don’t think that will be difficult. I’m walking everyday right now, but planning on getting back to the gym on Monday. Thank you so much for sharing your story because it really gives me more strength to keep going!
Hi Suzanne,
You always look great. When you feel good you look great, so it’s a win-win!
I went “gluten-light” back in November and started feeling better immediately, lost weight and felt even better about that. I have my routine and I stick to it but it doesn’t feel like a harsh routine, more like just my life: yoga every morning, long walks on the beach on the weekends, eating healthy and cutting back on sugar. Getting rid of stress is the hardest thing for me, that will mean some serious life changes that I can’t tackle right now. So, I try to manage it and balance with lots of time in my studio. Watercolor painting is my meditation! The more I paint the better I get, both as an artist and as a person!
You seem to be a very strong person, I know the changes you are attempting will not be super easy but you WILL accomplish your goals! We all want you to feel your absolute healthiest. Keep up the good work!
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi! I love the phrase "gluten light" . I don’t think I have a gluten intolerance, but not eating as much seems to make me feel better and I know that cutting back on sugar makes me feel better! I hope things are ok with you because you’ve mentioned serious life changes several times! Stress is worse than a bad diet for the things it can do to your body. I’m so glad you have your watercolor! You are a fabulous artist! Thank you for your well wishes and for all the support on this blog! Hope you’re having a great week!