Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

June 24, 2014

Simplifying

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Life — gardener @ 11:07 am

I love when weeks are a great mix of work and pleasure. That’s what this and the coming weeks are full of- and that’s a lot of happy in my world. In spite of a health scare from someone I love back home- which landed said person in the Emergency Room of the local hospital a few nights ago- all is bliss in my world.

Marcel has stopped smoking and is doing amazing. Thus far he’s been a week smoke-free, and I’m so grateful he’s made this choice for his ultimate health, in addition to the amount of money it will save us annually. (Enough to take two small week vacations- yay!!) We’ve already decided to save the money and use it for a few localish trips. It’s like having free travel and who doesn’t love that?

I’ve also really been simplifying and streamlining many aspects of life. I’ve started going through my Facebook friends lists- when I have some time to do so- and deleting people that I don’t talk to on a regular or semi-regular basis. I know people tend to get touchy about these things- (something I don’t quite understand, but I don’t have to) but it’s not that I’m ‘mad’ at anyone or ‘dislike’ anyone, but it’s all about keeping things simple. It works for me, and I love it.

March 25, 2014

Whole Lot of Gratitude

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 8:35 am

I’ll admit that I am not the most patient of people. This will come as no surprise to most people who know me on a deeper level, and to those who don’t- you may be sitting there thinking to yourself, “No way, really?” Trust me, it’s true.

When I was much younger- someone very wise told me never to pray for patience, because you would find yourself tested to the max, and you know what- I have no doubt, that they’re right.

Sometimes though, things happen. We find ourselves in situations that will not only test our patience, but also test our resolve. Knowing that ‘not being patient’ will have a consequence. I know- We live in a world that has become so filled with instant gratification that patience has become a thing of the past. Truth is- I know that I definitely fall into some of the trappings of instant gratification world- which doesn’t always mesh well with the journey to patience.

Until non-patience has a price, as is my case now.

Another thing you may not know about me- is that I’m really stubborn. Granted, I like to call it ‘strong-willed’, which in some circles may be a horse of an entirely different color, but the truth is- they are one in the same. I’m open to ideas- and always open to learning, but when I have an idea, I want to be able to run with it- yesterday. (Enter lack of patience 101. haha) Yes indeed, stubbornness and lack of patience can be fast friends, until they are challenged- then look out!

I’m on the mend, but I’ve been unable to do almost anything. Now generally, I would love the quiet time and the ‘do nothing’ time- but what I’ve learned is that I don’t do ‘nothing’ well. Even when I’m sick, I still do my thing, so being forced to do nothing- (without consequences if I don’t listen) has been a huge lesson in patience.

The sun is shining- I have massive amounts of energy, and things do to- but at this point- rest is the order of the day- the only order of the day.

So I’ve learned to let go, which hasn’t been easy- and not without one temper tantrum, and a few days worth of tears. But it has been a huge gift on many levels. I’m learning (then again I’m always learning) to rely on other people- something I don’t necessarily do well.

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for those whom I call my tribe- who have offered to come from near and far (literally) to be here for me. Truth is- in the grand scheme of things- this is minor, and shall pass, given time. It’s not serious, and for that, I’m beyond grateful.

I honestly couldn’t manage without Marcel, (at leat not without hiring someone). He’s been the ‘chief cook and bottle washer’, around here- taking care of everything. Cooking, cleaning, and even offered to feed me AND wash my hair. That’s definitely love times a thousand. I’m so appreciative of him- and this has also turned into a little learning experience for him with cooking. So it’s a good thing on many levels.

Patience- I’ve learned that isn’t such a bad thing after all, and my body is thanking me- on many levels.

March 15, 2014

Quiet Times

Filed under: Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 9:03 am

Things have been somewhat chaotic over here (at times) this year, and so I have been taking some time to just be still and do what works for me. Sometimes, that means not being on the computer much, and sometimes it also means pulling back and only communicating with my inner circle. It’s nothing personal, but it’s one of those things that I have to do from time to time, to ensure that my body, mind and soul stay as healthy as can be.

I see this as a good thing- or even more as a necessity. I learned a valuable lesson last year when I did not take the time to listen to my body, do what it needs- and ended up with what I’ve coined ’empty cup syndrome.’ I’d given, and others had taken- of my precious life force, until I had no energy left for anything. I couldn’t talk- hear noise, or be around people. It was a first for me, but it was a valuable lesson, and a huge gift. One I haven’t taken for granted.

I believe we all need to take the time to do what works best for us, especially if we want to be our best for others. It isn’t a sign of weakness or selfishness- but instead a sign of strength and wisdom.

Diagnosis and Insurance

Filed under: Gratitude,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 7:09 am

Some people know (and some don’t) that Marcel has been diagnosed with a medical condition that is degenerative, but can be controled with medication to keep from progressing. It’s one of those things that we didn’t see coming (unlike some diseases), but thankfully the doctors have been amazing. It’s not something he can be ‘cured’ from, but something he’ll live with for the rest of his life. On the grand scheme of thigs- it isn’t ideal, but it could be much, much worse.

Thankfully our insurance plan is also a really good one and covers a lot of the procedures and tests that he’s going through. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be able to afford insurance and good coverage. Finding places like health insurance of burlington nc can make all the difference in having peace of mind- especially when dealing with unexpected illness. Insurance, definitely something that everyone should have, without question.

January 31, 2014

Keeping it Real

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Holidays,Life — gardener @ 12:34 pm

We are heading off for a week on Monday, to spend some time at what we now coin our ‘home in the north’. It’s only about two hours from here, but it’s north to us. As it turns out, it looks like we are going to have some amazing weather, which means I suspect we’ll spend some time walking through the woods around the lake we will be at. It’s going to be one fun week, and what a great way to spend the celebration of our ten year anniversary.

I love that we are both spending more time being active, and how we are both wanting to add exercise as part of our ‘family’ activities. We’ve been spending time on the elliptical, and I suspect that it won’t be long before we’re both doing regular kettle bell work outs together. Right now, I’m just getting stasrted on them myself, but looking forward to seeing the transformation that I know is happening, even though I can’t see it. I feel it.

I have one body, and one life- it’s time to make sure I keep it as healthy as possible.

January 29, 2014

Strength Training

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Home,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 12:01 pm

Since I started back on the elliptical, I’ve noticed a huge difference in the way I feel. I can tell, that in spite of the elliptical kicking my bootay in cardio, that I’ve started building some muscle mass again, and hopefully burning some extra fat in the process.

Next up will be adding strength training to my elliptical time. I have hand weights that I want to start implementing into my work out twice or three times a week, plus starting a kettle bell routine.

I’ve got a goal this year. Not just a weight-loss goal, but also a fitness and strength goal. They are realistic, and I plan to meet them all.

I’m happy to be taking those first steps in the right direction.

Female Woes

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Home,Sands of Time,Seasons — gardener @ 11:55 am

There are times when I think I’ve finally got this peri-menopause thing figured out, and wham! I get a surprise. Like the 8 day ‘early flow’ that started a few days ago. I didn’t see it coming, and didn’t know what hit me. Thankfully, a few days worth of laying low and lots of pain medication for cramps, and the worst of it was over.

Since I’d been erring on the side of late or not-at-all lately, this was a surprise. The culprit? I believe it’s because I started exercising again. I know what a huge difference cardio can make on many things, and obviously this was one of those things.

If all goes well, I should be back on the elliptical by the beginning of the weekend. Then next week, hopefully I’ll be able to get some walking in (if my heel spur cooperates) when we’re away for our anniversary.

January 26, 2014

Back on Track

Filed under: Gratitude,Health/ Fitness,Life — gardener @ 10:59 am

If you know me- then you know I’ve been struggling for a while to get back in the habit of a regular work-out routine, but that it was on my goal list for this year.

I am happy to report that not only am I back on track with exercising- I’m also back on track with my food as well. Granted, there is still room for improvement in both areas, but I’m happy that progress is being made, and I’m feeling stronger than ever.

I am not depriving myself of anything, and have been enjoying healthy choices, plus I’ve started eating a smidge of hemp in my morning oats, and after reading about the health benefits of various other seeds, I’ve been seeing if I can find apricot kernals here. It’s all a learning experience, but this is the year of good health, and in just a little amount of time- I’m already feeling stronger than I have been in a long time, both mentally and physically.

Yay me!

January 13, 2014

Twenty-Fourteen – Sparkle and Shine

Filed under: Health/ Fitness,Home,Inspiration,Life — gardener @ 7:45 am

That’s my theme for this year – Sparkle and Shine! That’s exactly what I plan to do- sparkle, shine and focus entirely on living my best life. Stepping outside of my comfort zone- taking lessons where there are lessons, and running with them.

It’s a process- just like anything in life, but I’m kicking bootay and taking names- one thing at a time. My business is going well, but I’m working on how to make it even better.

My health- I am healthy, and my focus is to stay healthy- and doing that by getting back into a regular exercise routine- eating well and giving my body what it needs- be it enough sleep, or a heart-charging work out.

Marcel and I are doing so great- probably the best we’ve ever done. It seems that the struggles we’ve had with his health and a few other things last year have made us closer than ever.

Friendships- How can I even begin to express how joyous and grateful I am for each and every one of them. When I look at the big picture- I know just how blessed I am. I plan to continue to nuture my friendships- and I look forward to all the adventures and fun we have planned, and have yet to plan for this year.

Yes- Life is good- and sparkle and shine is happening!

May 20, 2013

Berry Good

Filed under: Food,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 11:49 am

berry
These days- I’m having a huge love affair with strawberries.  I’ve been eating them every single opportunity I have..  breakfast-   lunch- dinner-  snack.

This was breakfast a few days ago-   Fat-Free plain kwark (which has a higher protein content than regular yogurt- more along the lines of Greek yogurt values), some fresh strawberries and some museli.   Delicious!

Once the strawberries come in full season and are inexpensive-  I’ll stock up and freeze them- very much the same way that I do with blueberries (another favorite).

Today- I made strawberry cupcakes with strawberry Swiss Meringue buttercream for an order-   I didn’t try one, but man they smelled divine..  and since it’s strawberries- they have to be healthy, right?   I thought so too!

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