Musings about life, happiness, theater, and more.

Monday, January 23, 2012

V Davis Warms My Little Heart

This video brings me so much joy! I love these guys...and Adelle!

Words and Blessings

All I am doing lately is playing word games...and I love it! I am playing all three word games with friends that Zynga offers. If you would like to play me, my user name is Elle Bizzle. I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but I must give you fair warning that I'm pretty good. Hehehe. That feels so silly to say.

Why is it in our culture that it is okay to admit our shortcomings, but not to celebrate our own strengths?

I'm really lucky to have my immediate support system around me. My body doesn't like to cooperate sometimes - my back has been hurting like a mother making it so just walking around my living space is a challenge today. Oddly enough, I'm not isolated here at home. My dear friend is going to come over today (perhaps video games are in order) to keep me company. I think that is just the sweetest thing! And my husband helps me in anyway he can and is so loving and supportive.

I sit in awe of how blessed I am.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

More Equals Weight Loss

After the holidays, my body started to crave vegetables. I constantly want salads with very little dressing, or vegetable stir fry, or something else equally delicious and veggie-filled. It wasn't a New Year's Resolution, it was just a natural shift. About a week ago, my body no longer wanted to intake meat. I haven't had red meat in years, but even poultry stopped being appealing. Yesterday, I wanted a snack, and I turned to fruit! What? This is so unlike me. I'm not sure where the change is coming from, but I can say that I feel so much better. Maybe I am truly listening to my body for the first time and giving it what it needs, not what I thought it wanted.

Beverages. I don't drink alcohol at all. It's not my thing. The only drink I enjoy outside of water is Coca Cola Classic. Lately, I can't drink more than a few sips before I'm over the soda. What does this mean? I am drinking water like no other. There is always a glass of water by my side - and I love it!

So, what's making the difference in my body? Is it the veggies or the water?

The most exciting outcome...I've lost two pounds this week! Yippee! Whatever the cause, the diet change or the water increase, I am going to keep up with both!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Truly Happy

I have had the most amazing weekend. Honestly, I feel so happy and content - which is completely bonkers when you consider I am in the heart of a family crisis and my back is in constant pain. Yet, I'm happy.

The question is: Why?

I think it is because I am taking the time to be grateful for every moment. Almost losing a loved one has made me become increasingly aware of each positive happening in my life. I'm also enjoying the little things more than ever.

Today I started that new journal. I was really nervous about ruining it (does anyone else feel like that when starting something new?)so I bought some pens and stickers and began writing this colorful journal that reflects my positive outlook. Thank goodness for Target's 99 cents wall of scrapbooking stickers. I was able to feel like I went crazy with my shopping, without spending much money.

Focusing on being healthier - mind, body, soul - has already helped me to be a happier person. How is this focus helping you in your life?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Possibilities

My body misses exercise. With my back in as much pain as it is, it has been hard to even walk through a grocery store let alone exercise. This morning I tried to figure out some things I can do without straining my body. This is promising and gives me much hope. Fingers crossed I will be able to continue this in the future.

Lately, I have been wanting to journal, but not in my lined paper journal. I feel like it's easy when journaling to get stuck in the negative when confined by lines. Is that strange? So, today I found a cute little non-lined journal that I had used for studying many years ago. Most pages are blank, so I removed the used pages. But now I look at all the possibility in the emptiness and don't know where to begin! Suggestions?

Last night I made Blueberry Muffins for the first time. They came out so tasty that my husband called them "a-maz-ing"! The recipe I used is the Blueberry Crumb Muffins from the allrecipes.com app. If I could figure out how to upload a photo from my iPad, I would. Next time I want to try the To Die For Blueberry Muffins. Yum.

All in all, 2012 is promising to be a better year than last.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Essentials to Happiness

The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. ~Joseph Addison


It is funny how love makes us do and put up with things we never thought we would. But we can only hope the ones who love us in return will tolerate us as well.

Today my focus on the road to health and happiness is water. Yep, good ol' H2O. For a long while there I was drinking so much water everyday, it had become a habit. In the past week or so, I've noticed I'm not hydrating enough. So, that's my hope. To drink a plenitude of water today.

There was a time when I really enjoyed writing. There is nothing quite like sitting in a quiet spot with pen, paper, and thoughts. Today that is my "to do". I am going to sit and write letters and maybe even journal. I find writing just for myself harder to do. Perhaps it doesn't feel as meaningful as it used to. I'm not sure.

And since my life is luckily filled with love, this will all be done with happiness in my heart.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

I'm Back. For Reals.

I had to disappear for awhile. It was hard on me emotionally, but a necessary truth. There was a family emergency I had to attend to. Things are going to be okay, but we are not out of the woods yet.
Sadly, this means I slacked on the majority of my personal goals. How could I worry about my own health - physical/emotional/mental/spiritual - when my whole being was devoted to the care of a loved one? I know I did what needed to be done, but I'm still disappointed in how this effected me.
My back has gone out worse than it has in years. Walking from my car to inside the store and my back feels done and I just go home. I haven't been able to exercise or even do basic day-to-day cleaning. I'm really looking forward to getting back in the pool which I think should be within a week or so.
Life hasn't been all bad, just challenging. Luckily, I have an amazing (yes, the word is overused but he truly is) husband who has stepped up in ways I could never have dreamed. A few friends have really stood out as being true and solid. Incredible how in our toughest times our truest friends are right there with support.
Looking to a positive 2012 is filling my heart with hope. I am excited to get back in the pool - I can't wait to be healthier. My husband and I are going to start meditating and church shopping. Maybe I will actually learn Spanish for reals this time! One way I have started to take care of myself that I will definitely continue is reading books! I just love to read and am so pleased I have given myself the time to do so.
My family situation should be all over in a couple of months, and I don't want to look back and regret not taking care of myself for the entire length of our struggle. Please bear with me. All support is appreciated.