August “I Will” and Re-post of “Summer of Sleep”
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I agree a beautiful tracker! I have ordered a new tracker tho. My math brain really would like to have one which is not circular I think. Because the smaller squares at the bottom make things seem less important somehow? So Sept will be a new chart. Right now I am struggling a little bit with the thought that if I can't be perfect why do anything. It's sort of a cycle. Happens to me every Aug after my birthday. Sort of an end of summer coming and how did I get another year older blues theme... I recognize it but really would wish for that Joie de vivre I used to have when I was younger when I would wake up singing. Now I am glad to wake up and not feel any new aches and pains (out of the blue) but I don't feel that excitement for some reason... sigh.
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@SummerSkier I'm looking forward to the new September tracker. I am more of a linier person, so circles don't work as well for me. I also LOVE percentages
SummerSkier wrote: »Right now I am struggling a little bit with the thought that if I can't be perfect why do anything. It's sort of a cycle. Happens to me every Aug after my birthday. Sort of an end of summer coming and how did I get another year older blues theme... I recognize it but really would wish for that Joie de vivre I used to have when I was younger when I would wake up singing. Now I am glad to wake up and not feel any new aches and pains (out of the blue) but I don't feel that excitement for some reason... sigh.
Summer
Thank you for being so honest and allowing yourself to be vulnerable in the group. It is so needed as we accept that everything isn't pie in the sky terrific. Yes, what you said, exactly where I have been for awhile. All my life birthdays came and went and I was always surprised when I realized what the new number would be. The number has never defined me. Until this year. I think it was the pandemic knocked me for a loop and I didn't realize how much so little interaction with people affected my psyche. I gained weight and that didn't help me feel better in any way whatsoever! I became a semi-slug. Heck, pre-2020 I was lifting some hefty weights and flipping my (tiny) tractor tire on a regular basis. Walking hills in prep for active trips. Then the birthday came in June. It was a big one. I wasn't expecting to feel so traumatized by the number, but I think everything from the past year and a half was bundled up and thrown at me that day. I'm really struggling to turn things around. For me, I know losing the big 10-15 would make me feel better physically. I know it would emotionally as well.
Summer, I'm sorry you're feeling down these days. We may just have to realize there are cycles in life and you and I are at a downward point right now. But things will get better if we accept where we are and keep on trying. Maybe we need to change things up a bit. Try something new, let up on ourselves a little. Just enjoy this time without expecting anything great. I don't know what will help, but if you figure it out, let me know! We all need support and your honesty is much appreciated, so thank you.5 -
Re-trackers: You can google trackers and there’s lots of other ones come up apart from the circular ones.1
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@MadisonMolly2017 well done conquering the sentimental category! Thank you for sharing how you are reworking your before sleep routines.
@77tes great tracking, and I like how your tracker is colored and decorated for this month's habit. Very creative
I liked the book "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" also!! It is a very good read/ listen.
@TerriRichardson112 I really like your colors and especially the spiders on your tracker!! Excellent how you are keeping up with your decluttering. I am very sorry about your eye infection. Sending you special get well wishes 💐.
@SummerSkier I've lived with many math brain people over my lifetime, so I get what you are saying about the circle trackers. I'm so very NOT a math brain person, so the circle ones do appeal to me and are fun. So I believe that you are being very insightful there. I will be waiting to see what you come up with when you want to share.
OK I had to do a search on "Joie de vivre" and found that it "is a French phrase often used in English to express a cheerful enjoyment of life, an exultation of spirit" (from the Wikipedia segment that often comes up on a search). I do not know who the very cheerful fellow is in the picture/ painting that is included, but he is definitely enjoying the moment.
Happy Birthday to you 🎈. You do have very good insight into the how and why of your feelings. And it is especially good that you recognize it for what it is and know that it will pass. And it will 🌼.
I needn't say much more because @nebslp truly had the best way to explain what I was trying to convey, and more. I do not have the gift of being able to explain things like you both have.
So yes, @nebslp I totally understand what you and @SummerSkier write because I have also been struggling since December 2019 when I suddenly could barely walk for a couple of weeks and finally had X-rays taken on New Years Day 2020, and had the diagnosis of severe arthritic ankle that seemed to have come out of nowhere. I just hadn't noticed because I always thought the discomfort or low level pain meant I needed new shoes or over did things etc, but I was determined not to "get old", but the pain in December was excruciating and enough that I went to my doctor. My doctor said he has not seen such a long x-ray report for an ankle. We do not know why it became so severe suddenly. So I'm also struggling with my physical activity because I used to exercise or walk outdoors for around 60-90 minutes easily, or work in the yard/ garden for hours at a time. Now I can hardly walk up the cul-de-sac. When I post what I do as exercise here on MFP groups it might look on the surface good because I move better for now, but at a less than a quarter what I used to do in that same time. But I am very grateful that I can do what I am learning to do, and for pain free times or days. I have struggled greatly to not be sad during the lock-downs, with all the isolation and so forth because of the pandemic, and also because I couldn't go outside to walk or to the parks to hike like I used to do and was one of the few 'safe' activities available. And I still can't.
I also had a milestone new decade birthday in September 2020 and I had not expected to have lost so much physical ground, and I am still struggling with that. I had been determined in 2019 that when my new decade birthday time came that it would be all good because I was doing great most of the time and exercising and was in maintenance. I am still in my weight range when I weighed last, but lost so much strength and stamina and still have to fight off the emotional free fall of 2020 continuing still in 2021.
So I also am very grateful for both of your honesty. It is hard to be vulnerable. I suppose @SummerSkier, what we are both saying in our own way is that you are not alone. And we care about you, and understand the best that we can, from our own experiences, even though we all have different ones. Hugs 💐💗 to you.
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@nebslp you are too sweet... I am sorry you are struggling as well. But so glad you got to go visit your daughter in Tx this summer!Maybe we need to change things up a bit. Try something new, let up on ourselves a little. Just enjoy this time without expecting anything great. I don't know what will help, but if you figure it out, let me know! We all need support and your honesty is much appreciated, so thank you.
I agree. I feel like I am stuck in routines and can't get out. It's not that they are bad or things I don't want to do but sometimes it is like "is this it?". One thing I have decided to do this morning is listen to more music when I am drinking that first cup of coffee. Upbeat and energizing music. ! Maybe your meditation which you restarted for the end of the month will also help you to begin some more small changes again to lose a few pounds or get more active?
@texasgardnr maybe it is all those milestone birthdays which get to us? I am not sure. I am so proud of you for getting the exercise that you DO get even if it's so much less due to the arthritis. It is exactly those types of things which blind side us out of nowhere as we age that get me feeling so hopeless.And the loss of strength and stamina just heartbreaking. Thank you for your honest post as well. I probably should not have read them last night as my eyes were leaking a bit..
I do have a tracker on order which I am going to use for Sept and have decided that instead of a small habit my tiny change will be to gather some data during the month. Maybe I need to change up something (like you both said!) and if I can figure out what causes some days to be "floating on air and strong " and others to be "I feel so fragile that I might break if I go outside" perhaps I can have more of the former ones?
I think SLEEP is critical and maybe the macros in my diet are some of it? But it will be a good opportunity to gather some actual information. Or maybe we just need to stop having birthdays?
thank you ladies again. I appreciate the emotional support more than you know..
bON3 -
I've just read through all your posts and would like to send you all a great big hug 💗
I hope you get over the downtimes and maybe use them as a time of reflection to give you direction for the coming year.
Have a lovely weekend
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This is my Fitbit sleep chart for August - 10+ hours last night 💃 I don't like when I can't get to sleep but I always make it through each day and try again the next night 😊
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My goodness! I was actually tired this evening and lay my head down for a nap - I fell asleep for another 2+ hours 😱
I'll not sleep tonight I suppose 🤭
I feel blooming good though.
I took an antihistamine last night as I was getting itchy eyes and had been rubbing them quite a bit. I then took a melatonin tablet when I went to bed. Maybe this helped me conk out.
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@BodyTalking You're taking this "summer of sleep" very seriously (LOL)! I would be feeling great all night long and into the next day and loving every minute of it! You must have really needed that sleep. Glad you were able to catch up!3
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@texasgardnr Thank you for your kind words, but I beg to differ. You have a remarkable way of putting into words so many of my thoughts but in so much more thoughtful way than I ever could. I remember when your ankle problems started and you were feeling disheartened by having to change your activity level. You have done so well with going on to do what you can, and even though it's less than before, it's still a lot! I hope you've figured out how to keep the pain to a minimum.
We here are a bunch of non-quitters! (unless we count quitting the sitting thanks to @themedalist
I have been so inspired by every one who has struggled with something... facing the hard decluttering tasks, working through pain, sleep issues, and other things, and have watched how you never give up. It's OK to pause for a minute, I guess (or a year 
) but then it's time to get back at it again.
A few months ago I decided if my husband wouldn't honor my requests to keep certain foods out of the house, I would have to restructure my environment. So I cleaned out a top cupboard and put the chips up there where they're out of sight. I am pleased to report that since then I have only taken the chips out one time and had one serving. I don't even know if they're there or not. Out of sight, out of mind! YAY! Now my dilemma is the 1-3 1/2 gallon ice cream containers that nudge me every time I get ice for my water...about 6 times a day. I tried reading the label every time ... 14 grams fat, 27 carbs, 25 sugar... OH WOW! I tell myself every time "this is poison". If that doesn't keep me away, I have a back up plan.
Now I'm going to dust off the weights and start feeling empowered again. My camera has been feeling heavier these days so I'm going to work on regaining my arm strength.
Enough heavy thought for a Saturday. Let's go play! I did make another pillow cover today with one of my mother's blouses. It's starting to get easier. I'm going to play with my Cricut today, too. Fun times! Enjoy the weekend!4 -
So much “real talk” and wisdom here. Thank you.
I went through a sudden change in emotions/energy/attitude beginning last Nov & pulled myself out of it in July.
I realized there were about 100 things I wished were different. From COViD to relatives who have died, moved away, etc. to our cat getting very sick & dying to wishing this or that was different about my body, my husband, my son, my art…
Basically I was upset, scared, and angry. I felt like I was under house arrest, when I learned I have no immune response after 2 vaccines. And I really plummeted whe I read a study that immunity compromised who
Mounted zero response didn’t improve with 3rd booster.
The good news is I didn’t use food to deal with all this stuff & I kept walking.
Finally, as I think I’ve mentioned I ran across
Breathe in: All is well (smile)
Breathe out: “Letting go of all I wish might be different.”
I use it about 1-3 times a day now. Far less. I’ve learned deep down that there are a lot of things I don’t control - and Now I usually catch & let them go right away.
I’m Happier & back to my grateful, optimistic self.
To @summerskier’s point..I feel that way sometimes with my habits & then I’ll whack back my “half-to habits” to the minimum.
1. Take All Pills on Time (my only ESSENTIAL habit) (doctor’s orders)-kidney
Steps > 10K (doctors orders)-kidney
Protein <85g (doctors orders)-kidney
Sleep (doctor’s orders)
Keep my weight under 24.9 BMI (doctor’s orders)
Wow, I never realized these were all “doctor’s orders”
So I do those, and lighten up on the “optional” stuff: I might not clean as much, push off some non-essential tasks, ditch the decluttering, invite more friends over to the backyard, watch more art instruction videos, CREATE.
Once I’m back to myself, I c as n add in more as I wish.
I developed an art practice so I’d always have something to do & to learn—to get me out of bed in the future if I’m pain etc.
Hobbies (which I know you all have) can be quite magical!
I might have to go back to my fiction book this fall/winter. It’s calling to me!
My thoughts are with all of you. I was so surprised when my mood shifted seemingly overnight. But it can turn around just as quickly.
And yes I had a big birthday in the middle of this too. I had to focus on all the ways I am & have been lucky.
Hugs ladies.
🌸Maddie
As you said, none of us are quitters. There were times I felt like quitting, but I know those are the times to make SURE I don’t quit & go learn something fun!
Or read a light novel!5 -
Hi habit builders. I'm focusing on decreasing the amount of clutter I have for the rest of August. Take care and stay safe. Have a great day!6
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I can’t tell you how much I love this group! Thanks for sharing your struggles as well as your successes! This has been a rough year for many, and I truly believe that the habits we practice are one support when the going gets tough. Be able to color in a box on my tracker helps me feel like something positive is taking place.
As you can probably see from my tracker, I’ve been struggling with eating - snacking in the night was something I thought I’d conquered, but it has reared its ugly head lately.
@cormierannie Decluttering is a terrific goal!
I loved listening to Decluttering at the Speed of Life - it was terrific, and I plan to listen to it a few more times before it goes back to the library.
3 weeks down in August. Classes start tomorrow- fortunately, I’m still working online.
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I hear you. I thought I conquered binging years ago also. But we’re here! And just showing up is the first step in the battle.3
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PS. Although I started working remotely again August 1 I just got official permission from HR today. Which is a good thing because this delta variant is tough5
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@77tes 🤔think of the white spaces on your tracker as a big smile because the rest of it looks so pretty😁
@SummerSkier 🎶 🎼 🎵 are you enjoying your morning music?
I hope everyone has a great week! I’ve started using weights again 🏋️♀️ and love it as much as I always did in the past 😊3 -
@nebslp Yes! I'm also still quitting the sitting (thanks to @themedalist) as much as possible!! Those boot-camps were truly life changing for me 🤸♀️😁!! Thank you for your post 💗!
Those are creative ways to do your best to avoid those tempting tasty temptations 🤐. Yay for starting back with your weights!!
@MadisonMolly2017 This has truly been a difficult year and a half for for you, especially about the recent study concerning lack of immune response and the booster shots, and your number also. Hugs to you 💗. But on the other hand I do believe that is an awesome NSV that you didn’t use food to deal with all this stuff and that you kept on walking. Well done 👏.
@BodyTalking you were nearly hibernating there for a while 🐻😴😂.
@cormierannie decluttering is a good choice for your August habit. You might want to check out the 2021 DECLUTTERFEST thread in our Building Healthy Habits group, and post there if you wish to do so. The more the merrier 🌼.
@77tes I'm also grateful that we still had the digital part of our libraries available to us this past year. And also the ability to stream/ download many things from other sources as well. I am glad that you are still working online again this semester.
@SummerSkier the official permission is reassuring. Good thing no one wanted you or anyone to have to work in person until it finally came through.
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Lol, I hope I can hibernate on a regular basis 🐻🌿🐢 @texasgardnr 😆1
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I hope all is going well!
I’m really grateful to report that
I’ve had a 12 consecutive night streak of solid sleep. I wish I’d done this decades ago, but glad it seems to be working, and I’m on the right track now!
FYI: @themedalist will be posting the September “I Will” over the next few days!
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It's funny how sleep is so critical to us and we don't realize just how much. I had an ex who rarely slept and his brain was mush most of the time. I look back and think it was from sleep deprivation. Also the lines and bags under our eyes are a lot less with real solid sleep for days in a row. Congrats on the streak @MadisonMolly2017 No small accomplishment.
I am doing fairly well for August. The comb the cats thing has been really enjoyable and altho not a cemented habit it has led to me spending more little times (like a min or 2) with them vs just letting them sleep all day. LOL. I started putting the youngest one's toys in various spots she likes to go / sleep to in the house, and it's so funny to see her surprise and then she will grab the toy and start yowling and bring it to me. The one thing which shocker her tho was a tiny little dragon figurine I put in the window. She definitely did not trust that one.
Covid is still crazy here and the #s are under reported because typically once the kids get it the rest of the family does but unless they go to the hospital they are not usually tested. So for instance my farrier had 2 of his kids tested positive. The other 4 AND him and his wife got sick but never tested since they did not go to the hospital. School has been in session for a little over a week now and there is a LOT of community spread there. I guess the good news is that some of the school nurses have testing capability so they can get it done RIGHT then and there and send the kids home. I am still WFH due to expire the end of the month. Pretty sure it's only going to stay bad here.3 -
SummerSkier wrote: »It's funny how sleep is so critical to us and we don't realize just how much. I had an ex who rarely slept and his brain was mush most of the time. I look back and think it was from sleep deprivation. Also the lines and bags under our eyes are a lot less with real solid sleep for days in a row. Congrats on the streak @MadisonMolly2017 No small accomplishment.
I am doing fairly well for August. The comb the cats thing has been really enjoyable and altho not a cemented habit it has led to me spending more little times (like a min or 2) with them vs just letting them sleep all day. LOL. I started putting the youngest one's toys in various spots she likes to go / sleep to in the house, and it's so funny to see her surprise and then she will grab the toy and start yowling and bring it to me. The one thing which shocker her tho was a tiny little dragon figurine I put in the window. She definitely did not trust that one.
Covid is still crazy here and the #s are under reported because typically once the kids get it the rest of the family does but unless they go to the hospital they are not usually tested. So for instance my farrier had 2 of his kids tested positive. The other 4 AND him and his wife got sick but never tested since they did not go to the hospital. School has been in session for a little over a week now and there is a LOT of community spread there. I guess the good news is that some of the school nurses have testing capability so they can get it done RIGHT then and there and send the kids home. I am still WFH due to expire the end of the month. Pretty sure it's only going to stay bad here.
Thank you @SummerSkier
Your tip (and nebslp’s) helped with the warm blanket 5 mins!! Much appreciated! I do notice a lot of improvements & expect more over the next months, years!!
I hope you will remain WFH. If the spread is bad AND under-reported, I will be hoping they support your continued great health.
Thanks again,
Maddie2 -
This is my sleep record since last weekend. I used to get so anxious about not getting enough sleep that it caused me to sleep less and badly. When I got my Fitbit four years ago, it confirmed that I wasn't sleeping much. Prior to this I had begun to wonder if I just felt I wasn't sleeping. I decided to change how I reacted to my lack of sleep and rarely get worked up about it. I remind myself that, even on the most tiring, stressful days, I still manage to get through it and will rest later. I accept this is me. I hope for change, I try different things but, for now, I live with it.
These times are not when I go to bed, but when I eventually fall asleep. Some of the waking times are natural, some are by alarm.
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Hi Everyone, I spent a bit of time catching up on your posts from the last couple of weeks. You are doing great and I’m really happy for and proud of you!
I wanted to explain a bit about my absence. When I took over managing this group several years ago, my parents and my in-laws were all doing well. And I had a job that was very manageable. Now five years later, my father-in-law is deceased, my dad had a stroke, my mother-in-law had a stroke two weeks ago, and my mother is in poor health. And I have a new, but much more challenging job. The last chapter of our lives can be painful and brutal, especially if you haven’t prioritized your health along the way. Many of you have already gone through what I’m going through now. The needs, the requests, and the “I should really look into that” items never end.
I’d like to say this is just temporary, but it isn’t. I expect my life will be this way for some time. And that’s OK, it is what it is. I will do my best to check in on the weekends. And I will still be posting some of the monthly challenges. Maddie and I will have a “Seinfeld September“ challenge for you in a few days. I’m thrilled that habit building has taken root in MFP with our group and to see such a lovely mix of new and familiar faces.
And my warmest thanks and appreciation to Maddie for leading this group with me and keeping us all moving forward. You have a warmth, kindness, and genuine desire to help others that comes through in your posts. Thank you for everything you do for our group. 💕.
—Denise
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@themedalist I'm so sorry for all you're going through just now and very much appreciate your taking the time to pop in. Take care of yourself, well be ok, sending hugs 🤗💕2
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@themedalist I’m really sorry that you are dealing with all these new challenges. Being a caregiver for all these important people in your life is a very difficult job. I’m always glad to see your posts. This group has inspired so much positive change in my life. Thanks so much for all your efforts in the group throughout those years. I also really appreciate @MadisonMolly2017 and @SummerSkier keeping the group moving forward.
August is almost over, and it’s been a good month for me. I think turning off my screens at 8 or 8:30 is something I need to do even though my sleep hasn’t made a marked improvement. After all, it is one of the hottest months of the year and I struggle with sleeping when my bedroom is hot. I can’t wait to see how much better my sleeping is in the winter with the screens off habit.
August successes
Much less screen time
Keeping up with housework routines. And my home is cleaner
I will complete a whole 30 yoga challenge, doing a lot harder and longer routines than my original habit.
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Denise, many hugs. I think it was the most difficult time in my life caring for my parents and all the other "stuff" that goes along with it. I was lucky to have siblings (mainly my older brother who lives here) to help as I don't think it is something you can manage by yourself.
Awwww. @77tes thank you. I think between @nebslp , you, @texasgardnr and Maddie there is a solid core of folks to learn from. It comes and goes but I know I can count on the 4 of you to be here in the long term.
@BodyTalking I hope you will join us for September also!
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@themedalist Denise, I am sorry you are dealing with even more grief with the life changes that are happening in your family. I am glad you have taken care of yourself in the past and will continue to do so in spite of the difficulties you are experiencing. You are missed here, but your absence is understood and your comments are appreciated any time you are able to check in and share. I do hope you are not alone. I don't remember if you have siblings or close relatives who are able to help with the decisions and when all the "I'll check into that" times arise, but I really hope so. Know that even though we (BHH group) can't be there physically, we can be there with our thoughts and prayers for you and your family, so you're never really alone.
I'm sorry I haven't been reporting much this month. I found that it's weird, but my habit plan of meditating on the porch every day has developed into a spontaneous several times a day shorter or longer habit wherever I happen to be. It might be because I've been reading books on meditation and manifesting and doing this for 3 months now, and the concepts are starting to make more sense. So I don't have a record of how many days or minutes I've meditated, but it's a sure thing that it's been some form every day and according to my FitBit, I've averaged 3 formal sessions a week. I know that I like how meditation feels and will continue this... forever!?
@SummerSkier Yes, having this core group for years is awesome And getting new members always spices things up with new ideas. Love it!
The month is coming to a close. How did you all like the habit you tried, and is it one you'll want to continue next month? (@SummerSkier I won't ask for the kitties' opinions cuz they are definitely biased)!3 -
I agree with @77tes I think when you are now randomly meditating you have gotten this habit engrained! For some reason tho I picture you going about your day and all of a sudden there is a freeze frame for 10 minutes.
My critturs adore the grooming habit. I don't think I will keep it on a tracker for Sept but I am having so much fun with it that even tho I may no longer COUNT all the strokes they will all definitely continue to get not only the grooming but also additional play time. Yesterday the youngest and I played hide and seek with her pipe cleaner all evening. She would bring it to me (yowling) and I would hide it in a spot she frequents. I usually find a cluster of toys in the bedroom in the morning so I think she gets after it all night bringing me presents. Glad they are not alive tho... Having a stuffed shrimp show up in the sheets in the morning can be a bit jarring.
Hard to believe it's the end of the month already... wow.4
