10th April, 2022
I remember seeing the film “The Mist”, based on the story by Stephen King. I think the end is epic. Not wanting to give spoilers, but all can seem so desperate, but if only we knew a bit more it could be so much better!
One way or another these past few weeks have been very busy. Since January we have been very fortunate to be able to go out on day visits to places that we haven't been to for a long time, or even not at all. I think that I have mentioned before that a chap called John arranged coach trips that picked up from our village, and some of those around us, and it has been wonderful. We don't drive, and I wouldn't be allowed to now with my health conditions, so it's lovely to be picked up almost right outside our door. We have been to York twice now, and to Knaresborough and Harrogate, Goatheland and Whitby and Liverpool.
After the last two years it is really great to be able to get out to all these different places. We did the touristy bit, but also got to see so many other charity shops (have I mentioned in the past I love charity shops?😂) and buy some really exciting new items. It's no secret that the affluence of an area really does affect the quality of items you can find in a charity shop and it's still possible to pick up a bargain and save a lot of money.
It is so easy when what you do and where you go is limited to get stuck in a rut. There is nothing wrong with an ordinary life, but now and then it's great to get out there and do something different. We get so wrapped up in what needs to be done that we can get swallowed up. On a talk that I listened to recently, they talked about the chicken in the middle of the storm. When it is there, it can only see all the same things circling around and around and begins to think that is all there is. It's only once the chicken is thrown to the outside of the storm, it can really see the whole picture.
While you're in the storm even if you do not want to be there, you accept what life gives us because we don't know any better, or we feel to do anything different would be too difficult. It's so easy to be wrapped in the storm and accept our “lot”.
I am beginning to realise that if you want change you can begin to achieve it. There is always a way to think outside the box if we are open to new ideas and we are brave enough to accept them and make them work. Whether it's going to see different places, finding and trying new styles and colours to wear in an inexpensive way, or discovering you don't have to be afraid of food, you can find a way to improve your life.
The mind is a strange organ that likes to give you thoughts that keep you in certain places. Change is possible, I am learning that you can diffuse the thoughts the mind gives you and find joy and peace within the daily grind.
My weight loss journey is at, I think, an interesting point at the moment. It doesn't always mean because you have lost weight you are healthy, mentally or physically. It is so easy to become obsessed with what you feel you need to do and it can can take over your life. This, as I have said, is okay if you can carry on this way for the rest of your life, but if you can't it will be short lived. Hence, yo-yo diets. Finding a balanced way whilst including the different and exciting new ways of living can be nerve wracking. Trying to live a life without obsession and not living in a rut can be scary, but I think it can be done. Even if it means putting on a little weight while you are adjusting, it doesn't matter. If it eventually leads to a more balanced way of living it will be worth it in the end.
It's not about being as small as you can, it's about being as healthy – in mind as well as body – as you can. Not being afraid of giving new ideas a go is a good thing, and who knows where it might lead to. Don't be afraid of trying new things because you feel you can't. It's so easy to think “I can't do it, it's going to spoil what I already have, it's going to take up too much energy, it's going to cost too much!”
There is always a way, it is just a matter of finding it and not being scared to give it a go. Whenever you think about your time in the storm, you wonder how you ever lived like that and you will do your very best not to go completely back inside and enjoy your time in the sun.
Until next time,
Love, Jackie
xx
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