This is not my typical post but with you being my wonderful, supportive and oh-so-kind blog friends, I just wanted to share.
I've discovered something. I've known it off and on, but as I get older I REALLY have realized how taking care of myself directly results in how productive I am. Productive as an artist, wife, mom, housekeeper ~ boy, I could go on and on!
As women, we are caretakers. We care for our families, our friends and typically put ourselves last. Usually resulting in eating on the run, not getting enough sleep and basically not caring for "us" until everyone else is taken care of.
My message for you today is to stop. Take care of YOU. Be conscious of what you're eating, how much you're resting and that you do allow some down time just for you. Now, I'm not saying to be selfish. But think about it. If we are eating healthy, resting properly and feeling good ourselves ~ we are better equipped to take care of our husbands, children, parents and friends!
What's happened this last week was . . . I actually LOST four pounds! What?? I know it's not much. But I feel just a tad better and I just can't believe it! My blood pressure is high and my prescription ran out a few weeks ago. Well, my pharmacist called my doctor to refill it for just the month of December and told them that I would return to visit them in January. Well, they said "No".
It made me SO mad. I know I'm overweight, was eating terribly and basically causing most of the health problems myself. Well my anger has encouraged me to research high blood pressure and natural ways to lower it. I've purchased some great women's multi-vitamins, an herbal supplement Hawthorne, fish oil capsules and have drastically changed my diet to lean meats, green vegetables, fruits and TONS of water. Now I'm not recommending for you to do this, by no means. But for me, at almost 46 years old, I know that it is a must-do thing now or my weight will continue to cause me more health problems.
SO . . .
My point is after all this long-winded stuff is that my energy level has already increased!! I'm just amazed at how what you put in your mouth so totally affects how you feel and how much you can get accomplished in one day! I do hope to become more and more creative as the days pass. I have so many ideas in my head but just need to feel good to make it all happen!!
Thank you all so very much for ALL of your sweet words and support about my blog being creative. You just don't know how much you all have encouraged and lifted me up. You have made me WANT to be creative. And I thank you for that.
What an incredible group of women you all are and just remember, this holiday season and into the new year, please take care of yourselves so you can enjoy what you have been blessed with, be more creative and productive, and will feel like taking care of others.
much love to you all, Dawn
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18 comments:
Oh Dawn, this is exactly what I needed!! How did you know? All kidding aside, I so appreciate you being real with us. I will literally take it to "heart". I too know I need to lose weight and have wanted to for so long, but...too much going on, too many people to look after, no excuses, just haven't made time for myself. Thanks for the post and wake up call, Theresa
Hi Dawn, (nice name by the way!)I´m struggeling with the same problems, too much weight, too little sleep....and I´m 44. So I felt it would be time to make some changes. This blogging thing is one of the promises I have made to myself: get some me time! Let the creativity out. Thank You for sharing Your thougths!
Liisa
Thank you for the reminder to take care of ourselves. It does seem that women tend to put their priorities (health and otherwise) last.
Penny
Dawn, you are so right. We are all so busy taking care of everyone else that we don't bother about ourselves. Well done on starting to look after yourself. I may have to take a leaf out of your book and do the same.
Alison
Thanks for the reminder.
Somehow I think that if I just work a little more (and burn myself out), I will get it all done and *then* I can relax, but that hasn't worked out so well for me. I guess if God needed rest, so do we. (I take fish oil pills, too ~ if they get too yucky, flax oil pills are good for the same thing).
Dawn, I'm 45 and have hit that same place...where I either need to choose to take better care of myself or go down a bad path healt-wise. And you are right that when we take care of ourselves, we can give back even more.
I wish you lots of health and happiness during the holidays and into the new year!
xo, Andrea
Dawn,
Congratualtions on your new road to health and happiness. You are correct in saying that as women we often put ourselves last, we give out until we are given out. Thanks for the reminder that we need to take care of ourselves in order to better take care of others. Thanks for being an inspirng woman.
Miss Sandy
I am so very proud of you. Getting started is sometimes the hardest part. You have inspired me to do the same. Please keep us up to date on your progress. And please share any recipes or tips you find useful. Thanks in advance!
Thanks Dawn. . . I am back to WW myself AFTER the holidays. Too much stress for me right now to add another thing. I'll be more focused, energized and ready to begin AGAIN to remove, and hopefully, KEEP OFF THIS TIME that nagging 25 lbs.
Hey, how about we share WW recipes?
Blessings,
Sher
Hi Dawn. I'm almost finished...I had a small "female" problem taken care of...then on to having this mole removed, on to having 4 new crowns...1 more to go. But, you know, I put it off and put it off, I feel so much better about myself now...I can smile again!! Thanks Dawn!! I'm so glad I found you! Laurie
Hi Dawn!
What an inspirational post!! It is so true what you said about taking time for ourselves ~ I often neglect things for myself because I feel as though I have to get everything else done. I just want to hug you and say "thank you" for reminding me to take some time and enjoy life now.
Congratulations on the weight loss! You should be commended for taking your health into your own hands and finding ways to help yourself ~ that's a great thing and I admire your motivation! Good job and keep it up, girl!!
I've loved looking at your posts for the last couple of days ~ seeing Ellie at the door, your vanilla rag balls, your great finds! You are so artistic and creative!!
Hope to have a little something heading your way this week ~
Lots of love and hugs,
Bebe :)
Dawn,
What a wonderful Post. I agree with my whole heart on this subject. It is finding that time to do and eat the right things, but I am going to try and focus a bit more. Next year, I am planning on making some big changes.
Hugs,
Michelle
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for the eencouragement to take care of ourselves. We can all use some extra energy this time of year.
Holley
Dawn, I am so glad you are doing this. I know how hard it is to always eat right even if it does make you healthier. I am even going to try your recipe, it sounds really good. Good luck, I will be your cheerleader.
Cindy
Congratulations on both the weight loss and the lifestyle change! Every little bit helps and it's very inspiring to read about others acheiving their goals since I am trying to accomplish similar things. Keep up the good work!
Congratulations on both the weight loss and the lifestyle change! Every little bit helps and it's very inspiring to read about others acheiving their goals since I am trying to accomplish similar things. Keep up the good work!
Wow--I can't believe that! That happened to me this summer, too! And so I took myself off the meds and am pursuing other alternatives. I was happy I did, too, when I found out the drug I was on can actually change things about your body so you need the drug forever! Like you said, not recommended, but it's working well for me.
~Angela :-)
At age 58, I see my 38 year old daughter going through your same issues with weight and stress, especially after losing her 36 year old husband to brain cancer. She is now listening to her health conscious Mother and dropped the medications like a hot potato and is doing great. Less meat, no cows milk (cows milk is for baby cows) more veggies and fruits and WATER. I suggest everyone read the website 'News Target' for an honest approach to healthy, sustainable living.
My daughter is coming around, it just takes time and someone to care about you...like you. Besides, I need her help in our little antique/candle shop.
So, take care, I am new to your blog, love it and will be back.
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