Bee Rich: nutrition

Monday, 25 April 2016

Content, for Now!

Bee, on a Good Day!

Today I am feeling so happy- the better word is content, with the accent on the second syllable. My life is changing and so am I. It is refreshing and reassuring to know that progress is being made on a daily basis, especially when it comes to my mood.

Don't get me wrong...there are still dark days... but they are fewer and further between, and I am learning to care for myself so that they are not as damaging as they once would have been. Here are some of the habits which have helped change my mind. I am sharing them not to gloat, but to offer hope for anyone else who may suffer in silence.

1- Daily Meditation- I have begun a ten session trial of mindfulness lessons. It is an application on my phone which enables me to take a time out at least once a day for ten minutes of guided meditation. The ten session trial can be repeated, and it has been quite helpful to clear the clutter from my brain.

2- Back in the Pool- With the recent head injury I was a bit cautious about getting back in the pool earlier that last week. I felt that the bump on my head could not withstand the water pressure. However, about a week ago I returned to the waters of the pool and realized once again how comfortable I when swimming. 3-4 times a week is great fun.

3. Colouring- One of the trends I have noticed lately is the many "adult colouring books" available in stores and online. I picked up a nice set of coloured pencils and printed a few patterns off the internet. I have found yet another creative outlet to pursue.

4. Cat Pats- I am spending quality time with Peekaboo, my cat. She loves to play, cuddle, purr, and knock things off tables and shelves. We have a lot of fun together in the early morning, and it is nice to feel totally responsible for the well being of an animal.

5. Daily Skype- I am so thankful for the Internet and Skype, which allow my family and I to keep in touch even when we're not together.

6. Facebook- I have to admit that time on Facebook can be a pleasant experience, as long as I limit myself to once or twice a day.

7. Time with Friends- Spending time with an old friend or a new friend is comforting, especially when you can be yourself and know you are accepted for who you are at any given time. I am reminded of the lyrics to a Rita MacNeil song...good friends light a candle, whenever they're around; old friends, keep it burning, they never let you down.

8. Healthy Eating and Hydration- Nutrition is a key to contentment. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water aids in a feeling of well-being.

9. Time Alone- time alone is also important. Reading, catching up on work, watching a little television, and simple reflection helps put life in perspective.

10. Taking Risks- travelling, moving, trying new recipes, speaking to strangers, and changing a reaction in a stressful situation, are but a few of the risks that, once taken, can lead to growth and change.

These are a few of the things I have learned in the past few months. Probably the highlight however, was a trip to Ireland with my husband. Pictures and information will hopefully be in my next post. For now, here are pictures of some of the places we visited.