You have to know when I have my Going Out Shirt™ on, things are looking up.
My health and well-being check-in looks like this: my knee is no longer swollen thanks to the miracle of cortisone and a ginormous needle pointed directly into said knee. I’m starting some physical therapy to help support my knee and it turns out my butt is the problem. What? I always thought it was one of my best assets!
(Ba-dum bum!)
Yes. That was two ass jokes in a row. God, I’m good.
Anyhoo… in spite of the fact that cardio-based exercise has been mostly off the menu for the past 60 days, I continue to plow ahead with my self-care and guess what? It’s working.
What do I mean by working? I mean that I am working.
I’m working every day to connect to the following question: what will heal and fuel my body? And even though I have gone through many ups and downs over the years with this whole thing, it feels different right now. Maybe it’s because I’m older and connected to the fact that my body will only serve me if I serve it. That’s a whole different perspective, you know?
I’m embracing a lower-carb diet and mostly abstaining from things that trigger my junk food cravings, i.e. red wine. Honestly? I was tapping into that cheap red wine at the end of a work day more and more and realized I was having it for two reasons: 1) to check out briefly from my life, and 2) to justify potato chips.
Those aren’t reasons that support my health and well-being goals.
A reduction in carbs has lead to me leaning into a more ketogenic approach, as well as incorporating some 16/8 intermittent fasting, which I find to be a great fit for me. It’s not going to be a good fit for everyone. Part of this process is figuring out what will work for you and if that ain’t working, try something else.
Sure, it feels great to fit into clothes that were just gathering dust in my closet. It was nice to run into a neighbor at the grocery store and have him say, “You look good. Have you lost weight?”
But the actual health and well being of my cells and tissues is more important that what my ass looks like in these stretchy Hue jeggings.
Yes. I’m 53 and I own jeggings. Why the hell not?
I feel like having high blood pressure last fall was a very positive thing for me. It woke me up. It showed me that I need to do my part in this whole thing. True, genetics and family history will have a say in all of it, but if I’m not showing up and doing my part, it sure won’t get any easier.
I don’t know why it has taken me so long to really see this.
Last month, I went to visit my folks in Nevada after my Dad took a helluva fall and broke his femur and his hip. What impressed me was two things: 1) how incredibly capable my 84-year-old mother is to handle a crisis, and 2) what a fantastically positive attitude my 85-year-old father has in all of this.
He’s now walking with a cane and they told him he’d be in rehab for up to 3 months. He was out in three weeks. I’m sorry, but that’s a totally badass move in my book.
I am inspired by the fact that life is going to hand what it’s going to hand to you and most often, the only thing you have any influence over is your response.
Don’t give up on your self-care goals.
Stay gold, Pony Boys… and Girls.
Until next month…
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Dawn Thomas says
Thank you for the update. It is good to see your progress. I have recently been starting to tale care of me. I have been focused on my 5 kids and husband too long…25 years! Partially because my body is demanding arte tion and partially because I am just learning to be a little “selfish” and tale care of me! (I know in my head it is not selfish…it just took it awhile to get to my heart I guess?). I am doing a physician assisted diet and am committed to getting some weight off to help ease (or eliminate) some of yhe health issues I struggle with on a daily basis. Dawn
Cathy Zielske says
GOOD for you, Dawn. And yes… it is not selfish. It is necessary for longevity and health. The key is to be fully responsible for your self care and remain separate from those around you. Easier said than done, but… that’s been my motto this entire year. Be responsible. Don’t worry about what others are doing and don’t make what I am doing a big deal. I wish you the best!
Sue Ogden says
I think the older we get the more aware we become that we need to take care of this body. I know my goals have also changed over the past year or so, due to some major health problems. But damn! Getting past the sugar monster is soooo hard.
Glad your dad is doing so good.
Cathy Zielske says
Oh, it’s a monster alright! Plus, it really does wreak havoc in our bodies. Unfortunately!
carlajinAR says
when your 24 year old son says mom you need to focus a little more on you, maybe it is time to take a harder look. I have worked a ton of overtime over the past few years along with studying for a major certification exam. I know it is time to refocus somewhat and some of that needs to be on taking better care of myself.
Cathy Zielske says
No better time than now! 🙂
Tracy says
You Rock, CZ! Thanks for sharing – your post totally resonates with me! Congrats on your hard work and success!
CarrieH says
First of all, glad that you are feeling better. Nothing beats the feeling of making progress, no matter how slow, to make you feel that you can keep going. Second, your parents look so great. What a gift. Attitude and health are everything. My Dad is 83 and still has tons of energy and light and engagement in life (he is a flight instructor–still!). An inspiration to be sure. Really glad that your Dad is healing and that you are able to see your parents on occasion. It is hard when they are so far away, but the time is now to visit and enjoy each other.
Sharon says
Awesome!!! Thank you sincerely!!
Laura Rahuba says
Thank you for your honesty about your relationship with wine. I’m in my late 40s with high blood pressure and overweight. While my alcohol use doesn’t cause any problems in my personal or professional life – my relationships are good, I fulfill all my responsibilities, I don’t do foolish or dangerous things – I know it’s a big piece of the puzzle regarding my health. I’m a listener of Crafty Ass Female podcast, and I listened to “your” episode TWICE! I also listened twice to the episode with Tiffany Hahn. It’s helpful to hear your story and hers, to give me a different framework of self-reflection. Thanks.
Cathy Zielske says
Yeah, the main problem I had was drinking and snacking. But actually, craving that buzz and the sugar that wine gave me. I decided I didn’t need it. For now. 🙂
Marcia says
Seek what works. I started a low carb (Sugar Busters) diet almost 2 years ago. I wanted to lower my A1C but still enjoy some brewery visits. Well Ive lost 80 pounds! Oh and my A1C is lower. Hang in there.
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Marcia!
Deanna Berman says
I seldom ever comment because I just enjoy the read…but this post was inspiring and truly “kick ass” awesome!
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Deanna! Thank you so much and thanks for leaving a comment!