The hardest part of my day is getting out of bed. But I have found going to bed hungry helps. I've actually begun to enjoy the feeling of an empty stomach. I've convinced myself that my growling tummy is a sign of melting fat. Waking up hungry gives me a reason to get vertical in the morning.
So I am going to go back to my original plan, but loosen it a bit. Since I sometimes don't finish teaching and/or rehearsals until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., I will allow myself a small, healthy meal at 9:00 p.m. on my late evenings. But I have successfully cut way back on the "recreational" eating.
Late night meals can consist of vegetables, rice, yogurt, kimchi and a bit of lean protein. I like making healthy bowls of brown rice topped with veggies, a bit of chicken, olives and kimchi.
I need to make sure I don't eat salty foods, processed foods or sugar before bed (trying to avoid these anyway!). These tend to make me have nightmares and feel like I've been run over by a truck in the morning. And sometimes I feel like that truck put it in reverse and back up over me!
I am feeling like I've moved past holiday mode. I really do struggle emotionally around holidays, especially Christmas. It makes me sad, because as a Christian, the message should be positive, healing and full of joy. I do grab some of that joy. Especially when I am able to be helpful to others, or even have a random, peaceful human connection. But I am very vulnerable and sensitive. I feel like maybe I should just hibernate the entire month of December! But where would the growth and learning be from that?
I am recommitting myself to being more productive. Especially in my work as a teacher and musician. More piano practice, less "cramming" for performances. (Yes I do that!)
I would like to rise earlier. Thankfully, I have held on to my exercise regimen for 245 days now! I am very proud of this accomplishment!
On the other hand, I would like to be more mindful. Enjoy my life in the present moment. The grounding work I discovered from my Facebook friend has been a God send. I will notice colors around me. I am particularly drawn to noticing trees. I have always felt a connection tor trees. I feel this urge to hug some of the big, strong older ones! So now if I start to feel stress, or panic, I search for a tree.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, I will always find a tree friend close by!
On that note, I will close with one of my favorite Clint Eastwood moments. No, it's not "Go ahead, make my day!" It is one of his more sensitive roles from "Paint Your Wagon".
So I am going to go back to my original plan, but loosen it a bit. Since I sometimes don't finish teaching and/or rehearsals until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m., I will allow myself a small, healthy meal at 9:00 p.m. on my late evenings. But I have successfully cut way back on the "recreational" eating.
Late night meals can consist of vegetables, rice, yogurt, kimchi and a bit of lean protein. I like making healthy bowls of brown rice topped with veggies, a bit of chicken, olives and kimchi.
I need to make sure I don't eat salty foods, processed foods or sugar before bed (trying to avoid these anyway!). These tend to make me have nightmares and feel like I've been run over by a truck in the morning. And sometimes I feel like that truck put it in reverse and back up over me!
I am feeling like I've moved past holiday mode. I really do struggle emotionally around holidays, especially Christmas. It makes me sad, because as a Christian, the message should be positive, healing and full of joy. I do grab some of that joy. Especially when I am able to be helpful to others, or even have a random, peaceful human connection. But I am very vulnerable and sensitive. I feel like maybe I should just hibernate the entire month of December! But where would the growth and learning be from that?
I am recommitting myself to being more productive. Especially in my work as a teacher and musician. More piano practice, less "cramming" for performances. (Yes I do that!)
I would like to rise earlier. Thankfully, I have held on to my exercise regimen for 245 days now! I am very proud of this accomplishment!
On the other hand, I would like to be more mindful. Enjoy my life in the present moment. The grounding work I discovered from my Facebook friend has been a God send. I will notice colors around me. I am particularly drawn to noticing trees. I have always felt a connection tor trees. I feel this urge to hug some of the big, strong older ones! So now if I start to feel stress, or panic, I search for a tree.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, I will always find a tree friend close by!
On that note, I will close with one of my favorite Clint Eastwood moments. No, it's not "Go ahead, make my day!" It is one of his more sensitive roles from "Paint Your Wagon".
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