Wellness Journal...recollections from the dark moving towards a brighter future.

Have you ever kept a journal?

When I was going through a rough patch in early menopause I wrote in a gratitude journal and found it very helpful and soothing. Making note of 5 things everyday that I was grateful for was a positive attitude shift. This simple exercise was surprisingly very motivating and ultimately incredibly empowering.

Back then, my weight was "out of control" my self esteem was at rock bottom.
I had hit a wall...and felt overwhelmed and powerless.

When I was in the thick of it,
I had NO CLUE whatsoever why I was feeling this way.

Looking back, I now realize what was happening to my body and why my emotions were all over the map.
Menopause can cause so many ups and downs and unfortunately it does not come with a guide book to help us navigate this path.

I was not in tune to my own body.
I was giving so much time and energy to others who needed my help,
that I neglected to take care and do what was needed
in order to stay balanced, happy and healthy.

The tell tale symptoms were there...
low energy
stress
sleep disruptions resulting in fatigue
mood swings
mind fogs
food cravings that resulted in binge eating loads of carbs and chocolate

"Oh Woe is Me!" felt like my mantra.
I'm not proud of this period of my life but it must have happened for a reason.
This experience taught me a lot of valuable lessons...
it taught me how to establish boundaries and I had to learn to say no.
Very difficult for someone who was raised to give before receiving.

Shifting my focus from obsessing over my symptoms,
I took charge...
reading books on menopause, fitness, healthy foods and meditation.
It was hard work, took time, but I needed to do something to turn things around.
Acceptance and action was much more attractive over self loathing and self medicating.

So back to the journal...
it was a powerful tool in my journey back to wellness.

The journal was instrumental in instigating change.
So I am reinstating my habit and am starting a new journal.
It will be wellness and fitness focused and I will write in it every day.

Documenting my weight, walks, workouts, weight watcher points
and making notes of any emotions that may be contributing factors that threaten to derail my success and giving myself a written pat on the back when I succeed.


BTW ~ The kettle bells are an amazing workout and I am devoting 30 minutes every other day to this new routine, while still trying to walk everyday.

Will you join me on this road to wellness?

All you need is a

pen and some paper...

let's make our journals a beautiful and gentle record of our continued journey to better health.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday walking, weights and the winning entry...

Thank you for all your entries in the Humble Bungalow Blog Book giveaway.

Book written by Ted Kennedy Watson

It took awhile to write out all the names, fold them and mix them up in the bowl.

Finel Modernist bowl

Suz from Vancouver !

Please send me an email at bungalowhostess@gmail.com

with your name and mailing address and I will pop it in the post.

The weather has been very cold and walking has been a challenge...

but "no excuses!"

Wool hat, scarf, vest, puffer coat, gloves, boots...

I have not met very many people out walking or running.

It feels odd to be out and about in such a scenic place that usually teems with runners and walkers.

My skin and lips have been very dry as a result of the cold temperatures 

so I have been slathering on the lip gloss and face serum.

Drinking lots of tea to hydrate and offer some warmth on the inside!

I am adding some weight training to my regime.

Our bungalow is far too small to install a treadmill or elliptical so free weights are going to be it.

I will do some research online and look for an exercise program.

Do you use weights?

Is there a website that you can recommend?

How is your New Year shaping up so far?

Any big plans?

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

New Year walking and weight loss...

We opted for a stay at home dinner this past New Years Eve.

Bubbly, bread and butter...

 Caesar Salad

Alaska King Crab Legs

A rather festive menu and the last meal of the year...

time to get back on track and whittle away some pounds.

Come rain or come shine I will be walking.

No more excuses.

Walking is so much nicer when the sun shines

 but we cannot expect sunny days at this time of year.

Walking is convenient and free...

no scheduled time constraints

no gym fees

no special equipment.

 Weight loss is my motivation and fresh air the benefit.

Sometimes I need "a carrot" to get me out the door...

once I am out and about I am fine, 

the challenge is prying myself away from a book, my knitting or the Internet!

Walking while

running an errand

posting a letter

visiting Mother

buying coffee

getting a few groceries.

How are you doing with your fitness routine?

Do you have a membership at the gym?

Do you like to do Yoga, swim, bike or run on a treadmill?

I like to use the scale as my motivator and when I see results I reward myself with non food treats...

Flowers

a new lip gloss

fancy tea

nail polish

a thrift shop find

Staying committed is tough and we all need to keep our focus on our long term goals.

I wish it was easier and faster to get to these goals and that we can take heart by  indulging more often in things that do not derail our progress.

If you find it daunting

start small and see how it goes...

 20 minutes a day and then work up to 45 or 60 minutes

you'll be pleased to see the results.

If you feel better walking with a partner see if you can find a friend who wants to walk...

or 

join a walking group.

GOOD LUCK!

Cheerio readers, 

I'm off for my walk now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

New Years Eve and Hostess holiday style and a giveaway!

It is New Years Eve!

We are planning a quiet dinner here in The Humble Bungalow.

I have a few resolutions in my back pocket

and 

am reflecting on all the good things in life 

sadly it was

a year fraught with so many unsettling events on the world stage.

It is my hope that we strive to be better

become more forgiving 

respectful of the differences 

that we share

 while living (hopefully) harmoniously on this planet.

The festive season is almost over and it has been a busy holiday.

I wore mostly black...

it is a matter of frugality 

and 

my conservative nature...

however

even at my age

(almost 62)

 I do like to kick it up a notch.

Mesh tights feel a bit more edgy than sheer hose

short boots feel hipper than pumps

an armful of bangles seems like more fun than a watch...

they are shiny silver and make a bit of noise!

The black slim skirt is a basic style which sits just above the knee...

it is a "work horse" in my closet.

This new skirt is a recent purchase

 made in Canada in a knit and it is lined.

I wore my vintage mink jacket out to dinner on icy Christmas Day.

(Mr. HB is not a fan of fur and I DO have reservations wearing fur)

I posted this on Instagram and many commented on the fact that it is vintage fur and 

I should wear it without guilt.

I wore my St. John black top with a bit of sparkle

black skirt

mesh tights

Chelsea boots

grey pearl drops and diamond studs.

(Thank you to Mr. HB for taking the photos.)

My sister cooked us a fabulous dinner...

tenderloin steaks and assorted veggies.

Truffles and yogurt for dessert.

Mother loved the quiet and smooth drive in our new car.

Our kids came to us this year on Boxing Day and we enjoyed their visit.

I have been eating too much and I know I need to get on top of this situation.

(I will)

Blinders are firmly affixed as I am avoiding the scale.

(until 2017)

My jeans are feeling snug 

(which us never a good sign)

 and 

already exploring local fitness program schedules

 curious about  the new Weight Watchers program 

Beyond The Scale...

I saw an advert on telly with Oprah...

she has lost over 40 pounds.

I think I heard that she owns WW

anyone out there know if this is true?

Chester my trusty assistant 

is trying to squeeze in and get some attention as I type.

He tries to do this when I am my knitting and reading too.

Started reading this book after Christmas...

I am only into it a few chapters so I cannot really comment yet but the story on the jacket cover sounded entertaining.

I'll be posting with the knitted oven mitt pattern, I have not forgotten.

New Years resolutions:

Thinking about a weight loss challenge

 continued thoughts on living a beautiful, relaxed and simple life.

A New Years giveaway...

this lovely Kennedy Watson book

could be yours

just leave me a comment and we will randomly choose a name.

Leave your comment before January 4th at midnight PST.

Watch for the draw and then email me with your mailing address if your name is the one chosen.

Good Luck

Happy New Year!

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

In Holiday mode for a wee bit longer....

Greetings from The Humble Bungalow.
I am still very much in holiday mode but thought I would share a few of the holiday snapshots with you.

Our faux tree with simple white fairy lights.

Boxing Day 

before the gifts were opened...

(most of these parcels are for the grandchildren)

Fraser Fir candle adding to the ambiance with the scent of a real tree.

Our tiny living room

Dining Room 

lunch table set 

food prepared 

we are ready for the family's arrival.

We had a fun filled day and the grand children were such fun to watch.

We had a small turkey with all the trimmings and a kale salad.

 Grammy's home made macaroni and cheese as the wee ones seem to like it!

This Hostess is quite pleased as Santa decided it was time to replace our 15 year old Volvo with a newer one!

That's Kyle, the salesman at Volvo of Victoria, standing beside me.

The staff at Volvo of Victoria are very knowledgable and helpful.

They made our purchase experience so relaxing and easy...

V60 Cross Country

The car has so many wonderful safety features...

and is a quiet and comfortable car to drive.

It's a fun ride.

If we are lucky 

it should be another 15 years before we need to buy another car...

Volvo's are made to last a LONG time.

So that's it for now...

I'll be posting more soon.

If I don't manage to write another post until after New Years...

Wishing you a healthy

and 

Happy New Year!

Thank you for reading my humble blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~