So it’s been a really weird few weeks. Christmas threw me out of sorts in a lot of ways, some good, some not so good, and, to be honest, I don’t think I’ve been on top of much for about five or six weeks now! That, of course, has had a knock on effect on my weight loss, and I’ve put on a little bit of what I’d lost. Well, quite a lot, if I’m being honest!
However, there is light in the darkness. Certain things have made home life that much more straightforward, and while my youngest is still sleeping erratically, I’m still waiting for some news on the future of Far From the Tree and my day job is still very busy, there have been some shifts in my life that have made things different, and better. I don’t want to go into specifics here, suffice to say that January has seen some positive and hopefully long term changes.
So it’s back on the bus I go. I was so far off it that I hadn’t even read the copy of the most recent magazine that I’d picked up before Christmas, but I’ve been making my way through that, in the quiet moments this morning, and it’s helping me to refocus. The thing is, I can drift so easily when I let myself, in all aspects of my life, and weight loss is no exception. Everything else in my life suddenly becomes an excuse to eat madly and badly!
This time probably won’t be the last ‘drift’, if I’m honest, but I’m going to try really hard to make it count. And here’s how. When I eat badly, as I have done over the past few weeks, I’m not actually being kind to myself, even though I think I am. I can tell this from my skin, my hair, my hands, my energy levels; everything suffers. When I eat well, like when I’m writing regularly, everything else improves. So here are my ‘New Me’ resolutions’:
- Stick to Food Optimising and keep attending the group
- Take better care of my skin (I have some great moisturiser that I got for Christmas – that should be easy!)
- Stop moaning about lack of sleep from the toddler. I can’t do anything about it so I need to just suck it up
- Get back to writing the next book. This comes in fits and starts and needs to be more regular
- Do what Slimming World calls ‘Body Magic’ when I can. Stop shirking it!
- Spend more, quality time with my children and my husband. Make it count!
I’ve been rationalising, reorganising and making plans about a lot of things lately, and I now feel like I have a much better sense of direction because of that. Now it’s time to make it happen. Wish me luck!
Fay Keenan 
It’s so true. If you look after yourself, the better you feel, and the more productive you are. You’re allowed a treat, but try to keep them as treats, and not regular indulgences. (But with the amount of junk I have left over in my house… February is when I’ll try to eat even better lol!)
Exercise is key too. Trying to fit that in two-three times a week will actually give you more energy, may even help you get better sleep, when you do sleep x (If you go for a long walk with the whole family, that’s exercising and quality time with your family ;-))
And yes, write that next book! Keep writing!
It’s really hard with young children, so slowly chip away at what you can when you can. And I’m always prepared to meet for a coffee 😉 And we’ll both be good and not have the cake! (unless it’s the weekend).
I couldn’t agree more :). Have been walking loads, and today we’ve done a good walk over the fields with the dog. It all feels so insurmountable when everything’s out of control, but, taking a deep breath, focussing on what’s important and making some good choices makes all the difference. Can’t wait to catch up soon xxx
Good Luck, Fay! I have a feeling this is going to be an exciting year for you. It is hard when kids are small to find time for yourself, so it’s good to hear you’re making an effort to do so – you are so busy I don’t know how you do it! 🙂
Thanks, Helen! I’m still crossing everything 2016 will be the year :). It feels so self indulgent to think about doing stuff just for me when there are the kids, and work, and everything else to consider, but even a couple of minutes of slapping on a bit of moisturiser or reading a couple of kindle pages helps so much to refocus me and keep things on an even keel. The trouble is, I always think ‘me time’ has to mean a whole day off, and, while that is amazing when it happens, I end up feeling really guilty afterwards! I’m beginning to realise it’s OK to take a few minutes here and there to just calm down and recharge – the world’s not going to end, and I’m sure it’s really helping everything else stay a bit calmer, too. x
Oh, I struggle with that too. I’m doing the same this year, trying to create a little more time for myself – it does feel like such a guilty pleasure though, which is completely ridiculous, isn’t it? Like you say, I think it makes us more able to cope with all we have going on every day, which makes everyone happier. I think it’s wonderful, and am looking forward to hearing more news from you as the year goes on 🙂
So difficult to eat healthily in January! I try and make sure I don’t eat any rubbish until I’ve had at least 5 portions of fruit and veg in a day – it sometimes works! And good idea about the family time – enjoy your little girls while they’re still tiny. Mine are growing up far too quickly and soon I’ll only have one left at home! And if I have a sleepless night it’s because the eldest still isn’t back at 5am after a night out!! Haha it all comes around again! Good luck Fay and well done for having such a positive start to the year 😄😄😄
Thanks Deb, and thanks so much for commenting here :). I like the idea of having the five a day first. Fingers crossed 2016 will be a fab year for us all 🙂 x