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Day 245: I Talk to the Trees

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".


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