Finally I have the space to write in my blog again. I'm sticking with Kath's blogging challenge and number 3 is: Make me a list of all the NON FOOD self nurturing things that bring you joy. Count your blessings.
It's taken me a while to get to this one. I'm not really sure why. I think at the moment I seem to be in a bit of robot mode. I'm just doing what needs to be done, but I'm lacking intensity and a strong drive to get to my goals. My joy is also missing in action, so it's a bit of a challenge to write a post about it. It's not that I'm unhappy, I just don't feel like jumping off Oprah's couch with joy. Maybe this is a good thing for now. Before I started the 12wbt my emotions were up and down. My days had sugar highs and lows. Chocolate brought me joy. I always felt tired and lethargic with lots of negative self talk. Life doesn't feel like that anymore. I am much more stable, no longer affected by sugar and have lots more energy and generally feel good about myself. Maybe it's just a case of feeling more neutral and adjusting to this new way of life. Maybe I've got so much joy I don't notice it because it's always there.
So let's explore where i find my joy now.
1. Riding my bike - I love the feeling of getting out on my bike and finding an adventure. I love finding hills I can conquer and I love checking to see if I rode faster than last time.
2. Pump class - I can't really believe this is a place I feel joy given at the beginning of this health journey I really didn't want to do weights. I really enjoy my instructor and am proud of the way I have increased my weights over time.
3. Hearing my son laugh - there is nothing in the world that feels as good a knowing my son is happy and enjoying himself. I especially love it when it happens while we are playing together.
4. Having a clean and tidy house - I'm not a big fan of doing e housework, but when it's done and my house is spotlessly clean, I am one happy woman.
5. Clothes shopping - today, I could walk into ay shop and fit into a size 14. I am looking forward to the day it's a size 10, but for now I am really excited about how different I look and all of the choices I have.
6. Connecting with friends - I love to hang out with friends, ones that know me well and I can relax and laugh with.
7. My work - even though I don't feel like going sometimes, I do really like my work. I get to work with some great people, I get to teach some great students and I get challenged intellectually. I enjoy the opportunity to be myself, not my son's mother.
8. Being at the beach - I LOVE the beach. I love swimming in the beach, watching the waves, playing in the surf with my son, finding treasures in rock pools, building sandcastles. I especially love not feeling like everyone is looking at me because I'm really fat.
9. Sleeping - I love sleeping, it fills my energy cup and it gives my body time to replenish.
10. Growing my son - I'm working on growing a good man. One that knows himself, is articulate, can look after himself and then others. A man that is respectful of others, has dreams and goals and knows how to achieve them. I love to listen to him, to play with him, to follow his interests and help him see all that is possible for him. Even though parenting is hard at times (especially as a single parent) it's also the. Sot amazing and joyful experience of my life.
Hmmmm that's better! There is joy in my life. Still room for improvement and maybe even more excitement, but there is plenty of joyful times there. I'm looking forward to paying more attention to the joy and appreciating what I've got.
