What do 23 months, blood and urine tests, an echo-cardiogram, full allergy testing, a pediatric urologist, cardiologist, and 2 allergists give you? In our case...nothing. Since Spring 2011 we, with the help of Dylan's endo, have been trying to determine what is causing him edema in his face, hands, feet, and sometimes stomach and we are no closer to figuring it out now, than we were 23 months ago, except for knowing what it's NOT.
A round of blood and urine testing revealed it's not his thyroid, nor is it a simple hormonal or nutritional issue. The kidney ultrasound and additional urine testing told us that Dylan's kidneys are in perfect condition. Great news considering we're now 7+ years living with diabetes, but not getting us closer to an answer. The echo-cardiogram revealed Dyl's heart is functioning properly, so it's not a matter if poor circulation. And the 2 allergists agree that Dylan has NO allergies, even minor. He was tested for everything, including foods, and no reaction whatsoever. And it's not celiac or angioedema. For more details on the tests we've endured so far, click here.
His endocrinologist is now out of ideas; she's eliminated everything that can cause edema. Could it be hormones due to the possible onset of puberty? Dylan is almost 13 after all, but he's had this edema for almost 2 years...
The second allergist that we saw, just last week, said that some of us carry a higher than normal amount of protein in our blood and that it can cause edema in the extremities. It's not an indication of a kidney problem, it's just something unexplainable that some people have. She was not overly concerned about it, and gave us yet another lab requisition to have Dylan's protein levels measured at various times over the course of a day. So that's next, and hopefully it will give us some answers.
Showing posts with label physical health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label physical health. Show all posts
Friday, 1 March 2013
Sunday, 6 January 2013
Preliminary Racing 2013
Exercise plays such a critical role in diabetes management, that I try to lead my example, and teach my children (type 1 and not type 1) that exercise is a fun way to spend time together and a perfect way to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Because exercise is one of the MOST important parts of my life, I love sharing my enthusiasm for an active lifestyle with others, too. My favorite activities are running and cycling, but I also love snowshoeing, Bikram yoga, hiking, and walking. Anything outdoors is ideal, though it is extremely rainy in the fall and winter months where I live so when the rain stops, I take major advantage of it! I have big plans for 2013 year when it comes to exercise. BIG PLANS. Racing is calling my name, and it's long overdue that I started listening.
2013 will be all about SPEED. Races confirmed for 2013 include...
Vancouver Sun Run, April 21st. I have run this race many times, but last year I skipped it and the year before I walked it with my mom. It is the largest 10 km road race in North America and is a total blast. With over 50,000 participants and live musical entertainment every kilometer, it is almost as much of a party as it is a race. I'm training hard for this one, as I'm hoping to shave 5 minutes off my Sun Run PR, set years ago.
BMO Vancouver Marathon, May 5th. Ran the half-marathon last year on their gorgeous new course, but was extremely disappointed with my result, which was more than 20 minutes slower than my BMO half-marathon PR. Going to give it another shot this year and finish with a result I'm proud of.
Spartan Sprint, May 11th. After the Warrior Dash last year, I knew I would be doing way more obstacle races. This one is a quick little 5km and is perfect for those new to obstacle racing. I'll be doing this with a huge group of Visalians, most of whom are cross-fitters and mega, mega fit. We'll see how well I keep up!
Tough Mudder, June 22nd & 23rd, Whistler. Next to the Cyclebetes National Relay (if it's back this year), this will be the highlight of my summer. I am SO excited about this one! A 10-12 mile course designed by British Special Forces, that combines running with military-style obstacles in icy cold water, mud, and hilly terrain. The same race runs two days and again I'll be racing with the Visalian crew.
There definitely will be more than the above to come this year.
2013 will be all about SPEED. Races confirmed for 2013 include...
Vancouver Sun Run, April 21st. I have run this race many times, but last year I skipped it and the year before I walked it with my mom. It is the largest 10 km road race in North America and is a total blast. With over 50,000 participants and live musical entertainment every kilometer, it is almost as much of a party as it is a race. I'm training hard for this one, as I'm hoping to shave 5 minutes off my Sun Run PR, set years ago.
BMO Vancouver Marathon, May 5th. Ran the half-marathon last year on their gorgeous new course, but was extremely disappointed with my result, which was more than 20 minutes slower than my BMO half-marathon PR. Going to give it another shot this year and finish with a result I'm proud of.
Spartan Sprint, May 11th. After the Warrior Dash last year, I knew I would be doing way more obstacle races. This one is a quick little 5km and is perfect for those new to obstacle racing. I'll be doing this with a huge group of Visalians, most of whom are cross-fitters and mega, mega fit. We'll see how well I keep up!
Tough Mudder, June 22nd & 23rd, Whistler. Next to the Cyclebetes National Relay (if it's back this year), this will be the highlight of my summer. I am SO excited about this one! A 10-12 mile course designed by British Special Forces, that combines running with military-style obstacles in icy cold water, mud, and hilly terrain. The same race runs two days and again I'll be racing with the Visalian crew.
There definitely will be more than the above to come this year.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
New Year, New Goals
The advent of a new year is cleansing, in that it's the perfect opportunity for us to make new goals, set new challenges, and live life to its fullest. It's a time to discard practices that don't enhance our lives, in favor of those that do. Call them what you will; goals, resolutions, changes; the purpose behind the name remains the same: to improve our life.
I used to be one of the naysayers, not believing in resolutions. Until 5 years ago, when I decided to quit smoking on Jan 1st, 2008, after almost 20 years as a smoker. I've never slipped, never had a puff, never even been tempted in fact. Yes, the first few weeks were hell, but it was one of the most beneficial decisions I've ever made. In retrospect, I find it hard to comprehend the fact that I used to smoke; the idea of slowly and intentionally poisoning myself seems so absurd and foreign now. Ever since, I've been a full-on believer in resolutions. Why not? They work for me.
My 2013 resolutions are all health-related, pertain to nutrition and exercise, and will require a great deal of commitment, motivation, and dedication. Why the extreme, you may be asking? It's quite simple. I've been feeling like crap for too long. I've seen my doctor, has a gazillion different tests, and there is absolutely nothing physically wrong with me, which means the feeling of crappiness is self-induced and within my ability to change!
Nutrition-wise, I am giving up gluten and restricting other grains to a rare intake of corn and rice. I am limiting dairy to organic Greek yogurt and occasional cheese, completely eliminating all processed foods and sugar, and cutting out alcohol. And I'm upping my protein shakes back to two a day. Basically, I'll be eating whole, natural foods, in their original state.
In terms of exercise, I need to step it up. Waaaay up. The sporadic running I've been doing for the past 2 years is getting old; it's time to really commit. So Dec 28th, I kicked off a new 90 day challenge, in which my goal is to take 5 minutes off my 10km PR, set 6 or 7 years ago, and reduce my body fat by 5%. To train, I have committed to a 4-run per week schedule. Cross training will be once a week, with either snowshoeing or cycling, and I'll be doing 1 Bikram yoga class a week. I'm not doing any specific strength training program, but am doing daily Crossfit workouts which run about 15 minutes each. And to keep myself motivated, I'll be racing a lot this year, in road runs, obstacle course races, road cycling, and may even tackle a triathlon.
I used to be one of the naysayers, not believing in resolutions. Until 5 years ago, when I decided to quit smoking on Jan 1st, 2008, after almost 20 years as a smoker. I've never slipped, never had a puff, never even been tempted in fact. Yes, the first few weeks were hell, but it was one of the most beneficial decisions I've ever made. In retrospect, I find it hard to comprehend the fact that I used to smoke; the idea of slowly and intentionally poisoning myself seems so absurd and foreign now. Ever since, I've been a full-on believer in resolutions. Why not? They work for me.
My 2013 resolutions are all health-related, pertain to nutrition and exercise, and will require a great deal of commitment, motivation, and dedication. Why the extreme, you may be asking? It's quite simple. I've been feeling like crap for too long. I've seen my doctor, has a gazillion different tests, and there is absolutely nothing physically wrong with me, which means the feeling of crappiness is self-induced and within my ability to change!
Nutrition-wise, I am giving up gluten and restricting other grains to a rare intake of corn and rice. I am limiting dairy to organic Greek yogurt and occasional cheese, completely eliminating all processed foods and sugar, and cutting out alcohol. And I'm upping my protein shakes back to two a day. Basically, I'll be eating whole, natural foods, in their original state.
In terms of exercise, I need to step it up. Waaaay up. The sporadic running I've been doing for the past 2 years is getting old; it's time to really commit. So Dec 28th, I kicked off a new 90 day challenge, in which my goal is to take 5 minutes off my 10km PR, set 6 or 7 years ago, and reduce my body fat by 5%. To train, I have committed to a 4-run per week schedule. Cross training will be once a week, with either snowshoeing or cycling, and I'll be doing 1 Bikram yoga class a week. I'm not doing any specific strength training program, but am doing daily Crossfit workouts which run about 15 minutes each. And to keep myself motivated, I'll be racing a lot this year, in road runs, obstacle course races, road cycling, and may even tackle a triathlon.
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Finding Balance
Mindfulness has been on my mind a fair bit lately. Between having 3 kids and 3 jobs, my life is hectic, and I find that I have to force myself to stop and be present in my own life.
Those who've been reading my blog for a while, know that I promote the 90 Day Challenge. In fact, I am currently participating in my third 90 day challenge. My first two challenges focused on athletic performance, and I experienced some incredible results. My current challenge, however, is much more holistically based. Entitled, "Finding Balance," I am challenging myself to be mindful in my daily life every day for 90 days, striving to find a healthy balance between body, mind, and soul. I am taking care of myself physically (via proper nutrition, ample exercise, and adequate rest), mentally (by reading both fiction and personal growth books, and writing daily), and spiritually (by identifying and dealing with stress, spending quality time with my children and husband, building relationships with others, and participating in daily meditation and prayer).
While this may seem redundant to those who already have a solid balance in these three realms, for me it is taking real effort. For years now, I have emphasized the importance of taking care of my physical health, but I have neglected my mental and spiritual health as a result. Finding balance is a real struggle for me, but I am up for the challenge and determined to maintain these healthy changes in my life.
Monday, 11 June 2012
The Bigger Picture; Reflections on the First 90 Days
Today marks the last day of my first 90 day challenge, and I wanted to take this opportunity not only to document my success, but to reflect on how much my opinion about the company itself has evolved over the course of the 3 months.
When I began my challenge in March, I was excited to try something new. I had been feeling run down, tired, and burned out, for quite some time, and I knew something had to change. My brother and his wife had recently got involved with the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge and had experienced some pretty awesome results, so I thought I'd give it a try. Starting on the most basic kit they offer, I drank one of their protein/nutritional shakes per day, instead of eating breakfast. Within a few days I could feel an increase in my energy level and a feeling like something was coming alive in my body. It's hard to describe, but it felt almost like my body was reacting at a cellular level; like parts of me that had been dormant for ages were suddenly waking up. As days passes, I felt better and better and noticed I was losing weight too! My clothes fit better and I felt incredible.
At the same time I started to notice that I could run easier. A LOT easier. I was running faster than before, over the same distance, but was less tired, both during and at the end. So I started pushing my body harder and harder to see what it could do. Halfway through the 90 days I ran a half-marathon and finished 14 minutes faster than the half I had run 10 months prior. My training hadn't changed at all, only my diet. In fact, I was careful not to change anything about my training because I wanted to see exactly how much this new nutritional program was helping me. I ran the same amount of days each week, and the same distances I had run the previous year leading up to the half marathon.
At this point I started to get really excited about this program, so I upgraded my personal kit, and I signed on to start promoting the challenge too. I've always been a big supporter of a healthy active lifestyle, so it was a natural step for me to start sharing the 90 Day Challenge with others. Through the month of May I experienced some pretty decent success. I made my initial little investment back in the first couple of weeks and at the end of the month I qualified for the company's BMW program, which means that they now pay for me monthly to drive a BMW. I can drive any model, black, silver, or green, new or used, leased or financed, and they will contribute $600 a month towards its cost.
All very exciting, yes, but I still didn't understood the true potential of this company, and their goals for the future, until recently. I didn't stop to think about why the 90 Day Challenge is the largest and fastest growing health platform in North America, or why the company is experiencing massive record setting growth when other companies are struggling to stay afloat in today's economy. I didn't see the bigger picture. I didn't understand their "why". Until now.
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a regional training event, at which numerous different individuals spoke about their success within the organization. One of the speakers was co-founder Blake Mallen, who spoke about the company's past, present, and future. At some point during his speech I experience a shift in perspective so monumental that it completely altered the way I view the entire program and my purpose within it.
For me now, the 90 Day Challenge is no longer just about weight loss, or nutrition, or athletic performance; it's about being part of a movement that can and will literally change the world as we know it. It's about helping people achieve their goals, live a long and healthy life, and be proud of who they are. It's about standing up to the fast food industry and giving them the finger; saying no thanks, we'll take it from here.
Most importantly, it is about changing society so that obesity rates start to decline for the first time ever; so certain health conditions, such as heart disease, some types of cancer, hypertension, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, start to become less and less common. Because while many of us know that diet and lifestyle are not solely responsible for any medical condition, they play a huge role in the development of so many different diseases. It is in our power to change that, and this company not only wants to help us do just that, they are giving us to the tools to make it happen.
So what will the next 90 days bring? Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride!
For more information about the 90 Day Challenge, click here.
When I began my challenge in March, I was excited to try something new. I had been feeling run down, tired, and burned out, for quite some time, and I knew something had to change. My brother and his wife had recently got involved with the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge and had experienced some pretty awesome results, so I thought I'd give it a try. Starting on the most basic kit they offer, I drank one of their protein/nutritional shakes per day, instead of eating breakfast. Within a few days I could feel an increase in my energy level and a feeling like something was coming alive in my body. It's hard to describe, but it felt almost like my body was reacting at a cellular level; like parts of me that had been dormant for ages were suddenly waking up. As days passes, I felt better and better and noticed I was losing weight too! My clothes fit better and I felt incredible.
At the same time I started to notice that I could run easier. A LOT easier. I was running faster than before, over the same distance, but was less tired, both during and at the end. So I started pushing my body harder and harder to see what it could do. Halfway through the 90 days I ran a half-marathon and finished 14 minutes faster than the half I had run 10 months prior. My training hadn't changed at all, only my diet. In fact, I was careful not to change anything about my training because I wanted to see exactly how much this new nutritional program was helping me. I ran the same amount of days each week, and the same distances I had run the previous year leading up to the half marathon.
At this point I started to get really excited about this program, so I upgraded my personal kit, and I signed on to start promoting the challenge too. I've always been a big supporter of a healthy active lifestyle, so it was a natural step for me to start sharing the 90 Day Challenge with others. Through the month of May I experienced some pretty decent success. I made my initial little investment back in the first couple of weeks and at the end of the month I qualified for the company's BMW program, which means that they now pay for me monthly to drive a BMW. I can drive any model, black, silver, or green, new or used, leased or financed, and they will contribute $600 a month towards its cost.
All very exciting, yes, but I still didn't understood the true potential of this company, and their goals for the future, until recently. I didn't stop to think about why the 90 Day Challenge is the largest and fastest growing health platform in North America, or why the company is experiencing massive record setting growth when other companies are struggling to stay afloat in today's economy. I didn't see the bigger picture. I didn't understand their "why". Until now.
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a regional training event, at which numerous different individuals spoke about their success within the organization. One of the speakers was co-founder Blake Mallen, who spoke about the company's past, present, and future. At some point during his speech I experience a shift in perspective so monumental that it completely altered the way I view the entire program and my purpose within it.
For me now, the 90 Day Challenge is no longer just about weight loss, or nutrition, or athletic performance; it's about being part of a movement that can and will literally change the world as we know it. It's about helping people achieve their goals, live a long and healthy life, and be proud of who they are. It's about standing up to the fast food industry and giving them the finger; saying no thanks, we'll take it from here.
Most importantly, it is about changing society so that obesity rates start to decline for the first time ever; so certain health conditions, such as heart disease, some types of cancer, hypertension, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, start to become less and less common. Because while many of us know that diet and lifestyle are not solely responsible for any medical condition, they play a huge role in the development of so many different diseases. It is in our power to change that, and this company not only wants to help us do just that, they are giving us to the tools to make it happen.
So what will the next 90 days bring? Stay tuned, it's going to be a wild ride!
For more information about the 90 Day Challenge, click here.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Sweatbetes ~ The Year at Glance
I have big plans this year when it comes to exercise. BIG PLANS. Racing is calling my name, and it's long overdue that I started listening.
Winter has been far too idle for me. I have spent countless hours sitting, and sitting, and sitting, and now I need to just get out there and start moving. This week marks the beginning of my half marathon training for the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May, which will kick off the series of road events I have planned for the summer. Here they are in a nutshell...
May
BMO Vancouver Marathon (half-marathon), Sunday May 6th. It's will be my 3rd time doing this race, though the course is totally new this year. Yay, no more super-long hill out of Stanley Park!
North Shore Spring Triathlon (sprint tri), Monday, May 21st. First time for this one. It's a 740m pool swim (20 lengths), 17.6km bike time trial, 5km trail & road run.
June
Tough Mudder, Saturday & Sunday, June 23rd & 24th, Whistler. Next to the Cyclebetes National Relay, this will be the highlight of my summer. I am SO excited about this one! A 10-12 mile course designed by British Special Forces, that combines running with military-style obstacles in icy cold water, mud, and hilly terrain. The same race runs both days, I haven't decided yet which day I'll do.
July
Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx, July 8th, Penticton. 160km road race through the stunning Okanagan Valley.
RBC Kelowna Granfondo, July 14th, Kelowna. 115km road race from Kelowna to Vernon and back. This one is a maybe.
August
nothing planned at this time, perhaps another triathlon.
September
Cyclebetes National Relay, Sept 6th-9th (possibly 6th-13th), Vancouver to Calgary. My 3rd year in row riding with the BC Provincial Team. This year we ride 1005km over 4 days. I may ride the 2nd leg too, from Calgary to Winnipeg, a distance of 1345km. This event is the highlight of my year; the one I look forward to all summer, because it combines two things I am ultimately passionate about: diabetes awareness and cycling.
Surrey International World Music Marathon, Sept 30th. My very first full marathon!
Winter has been far too idle for me. I have spent countless hours sitting, and sitting, and sitting, and now I need to just get out there and start moving. This week marks the beginning of my half marathon training for the BMO Vancouver Marathon in May, which will kick off the series of road events I have planned for the summer. Here they are in a nutshell...
May
BMO Vancouver Marathon (half-marathon), Sunday May 6th. It's will be my 3rd time doing this race, though the course is totally new this year. Yay, no more super-long hill out of Stanley Park!
North Shore Spring Triathlon (sprint tri), Monday, May 21st. First time for this one. It's a 740m pool swim (20 lengths), 17.6km bike time trial, 5km trail & road run.
June
Tough Mudder, Saturday & Sunday, June 23rd & 24th, Whistler. Next to the Cyclebetes National Relay, this will be the highlight of my summer. I am SO excited about this one! A 10-12 mile course designed by British Special Forces, that combines running with military-style obstacles in icy cold water, mud, and hilly terrain. The same race runs both days, I haven't decided yet which day I'll do.
July
Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx, July 8th, Penticton. 160km road race through the stunning Okanagan Valley.
RBC Kelowna Granfondo, July 14th, Kelowna. 115km road race from Kelowna to Vernon and back. This one is a maybe.
August
nothing planned at this time, perhaps another triathlon.
September
Cyclebetes National Relay, Sept 6th-9th (possibly 6th-13th), Vancouver to Calgary. My 3rd year in row riding with the BC Provincial Team. This year we ride 1005km over 4 days. I may ride the 2nd leg too, from Calgary to Winnipeg, a distance of 1345km. This event is the highlight of my year; the one I look forward to all summer, because it combines two things I am ultimately passionate about: diabetes awareness and cycling.
Surrey International World Music Marathon, Sept 30th. My very first full marathon!
Monday, 30 January 2012
January Report Card
Physical Health
This area was my strongest going into 2012, and still might be, though there is definitely still lots of room for improvement. My sleep patterns have improved a bit; I still stay up later than I'd like, making me tired during the day, or needing a nap mid-afternoon (which causes the cycle to repeat over and over). My diet is better; I've virtually eliminated take-out from my diet, with the exception of sushi, and am eating regular meals more often, but still battling too many low blood sugars. Again, there is ample room for improvement. Sadly, exercise was basically non-existent in January. I went for a few runs, snowshoed once, and snowboarded once. Pretty sad, considering I usually get in a good workout at least 5 days a week. However, I have set some nice big race goals this year, including a couple of half-marathons, a full marathon, at least 2 long distance bike races, a triathlon, and the Tough Mudder (stay tuned for a post this week about upcoming races/events). The events will motivate me to get moving, and fast. Assessment: C
Mental Health
As a teacher I get a bit of a mental workout every day, and I love to read. I set a goal to read 50 books in 2012, or just under 1 per week, but I only read 2 books this month. I'll have to step it up for February. January's BSC Book Club post will also appear this week. Assessment: C+
Emotional Health
Overall I did pretty good in this area. I was much less stressed this month than usual. I feel calm, grounded, and more connected with my family than I was in late 2011. Always room for improvement here, but increased exercise directly correlates to a decreased stress level for me, so even more reason to step up the cardio. Assessment: B
Spiritual Health
Whoa. No progress in this area this month. Assessment: D
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Winter Sweatbetes
The DMSA discussion on Wednesday, January 11th included ideas on winter exercise, and various people shared their favorite cold weather workouts. I am passionate about exercise, so the topic got me thinking about all of the different things our family does in the winter to maintain fitness and enjoy the outdoors.
We try to get outside as much as possible, and our fortunate to live within 15 minutes of 3 ski resorts, so snow activities are a big part of our winter fun. Personally, I love to snowshoe, and try to get out at least once per week, and Dylan plays ice hockey from September to June, though as a family, our favorite activity is definitely skiing.
My oldest is a snowboarder, and Dylan his sister both ski. My husband is a skier and I can do both, though since learning to snowboard 4 years ago, I haven't skied once.
This afternoon we went up to Grouse Mountain and enjoyed a terrific day on the slopes!
Skiing can be quite the workout, too, so it certainly affects blood sugar levels. Dylan's bg was 10.9 mmol/l (196.2 mg/dl) pre-ski and 3.6 mmol/l (64.8 mg/dl) after 3 hours of skiing. We did not change anything on his pump, so he was running at his regular basal rate. I know now, that a temp basal of around 80% is probably a good idea.
Skiing can be quite the workout, too, so it certainly affects blood sugar levels. Dylan's bg was 10.9 mmol/l (196.2 mg/dl) pre-ski and 3.6 mmol/l (64.8 mg/dl) after 3 hours of skiing. We did not change anything on his pump, so he was running at his regular basal rate. I know now, that a temp basal of around 80% is probably a good idea.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
The Revolving Door
Years ago I worked in the marketing industry. I was in my mid-twenties, with a communications degree and some very ambitious career goals. My oldest was 4 and Dylan was born 3 months into what I thought at the time was my dream job. I worked 70 hour weeks and traveled 1 week out of every 6. It was a crazy job; so much so that one of my coworkers at the time said that working for that company made him feel like "he was standing in a revolving door during a hurricane." At the time I thought it was quite a clever simile, but then again, I thought my life was busy then. I had no idea how prolific his words truly were.
I had no idea what busy was.
Last night I watched "I Don't Know How She Does It" with Sarah Jessica Parker. A semi-entertaining movie about how a working mom with 2 small kids balances everything in her life. And yet all I kept thinking while watching it was, seriously? She thinks that's busy?
She has no idea what busy is.
Busy is being a parent of a child with diabetes. Between the day to day care, the worry, the nighttime sugar checks, the highs, the lows, the carb counting, and the juggling of basal rates and exercise, it can be pretty onerous at times, but it's manageable. Then throw in a teenager who seems to have given up on school altogether and is at risk of failing the year, and a d-mama who has been completely blindsided and slapped across the face with the wicked head cold, and what do you get? Busy like it's never been before. And as if that's not enough, the child with diabetes is sent home from school mid-morning with what appears to be a fever and a sore throat; possibly the beginnings of a flu.
It's gone from simply busy to diabolically bananas.
All in a typical week of a d-mama.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Finding Balance in 2012
 |
| The 4 quadrants of health (clockwise from top left): physical, mental, emotional, spiritual |
Life is messy. There is no doubt about that. But in the midst of the craziness we all need to find at least some semblance of balance in order to keep from feeling completely disconnected and lost. In 2011, I let that balance elude me, and by the end of the year I was feeling utterly and totally drained, overwhelmed, and exhausted. So my goal for 2012 is to bring balance back to my life by examining each aspect of my health (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and making any changes or adjustments necessary to restore equilibrium.
Is it a "New Year's Resolution?" Call it what you will: a goal, a resolution, a plan, whatever, the term is irrelevant. I need to make some changes in my life, period, and I think the beginning of a new year is just as good a time as any to do that. Besides, there is something therapeutic about a new year and the sense of a fresh start that comes with it.
Over the year, I'll be blogging periodically about my progress, both overall and in each of the 4 specific areas, but for now, these are the basic goals:
Physical
Overall, my physical health is pretty good, but there are a few inconsistencies that I'd like to address. Sleep: I usually get enough sleep, but it rarely follows any predictable pattern. Working on call makes it difficult to get into a routine, but I am hoping to at least start going to bed and getting up at the same times every day, especially on weekends. Night time blood checks will continue as always. Diet: Towards the end of last year my diet got really bad. Too much take-out and fast food, skipping meals, and late night snacking left me feeling tired and my blood sugar going low way too often. I need to eat 3 meals a day at somewhat similar times every day, have regular snacks, and make sure I get protein at every meal to help stabilize my blood sugar. Exercise: My exercise routine almost exactly mirrors my my sleep and diet patterns, so when 1 suffers, all 3 suffer. This year I have some pretty lofty exercise goals (including running my first full marathon), to help keep me on track.
Mental
Last year I rediscovered my love for reading, and I want to build on that in 2012. Once per month I'll be posting about the "Blood, Sweat and Carbs Book Club" and discussing any books I've read that month. This will include diabetes related books and fiction. I am aiming to read 50 books in 2012, or about 1 per week.
Emotional
Stress is my biggest culprit, slowly invading every other aspect of my life. I can learn how to deal with my stress better, let things go, and relinquish some of my need for control. I can be a better wife and better mother. The overlap between this area and the other 3 is huge.
Spiritual
In terms of spiritual heath, I am not entirely sure yet what my exact goals are, but I do know this: I need to be more present and more aware. My life is busy and I tend to get caught up in the day to day details and lose track of what matters most. I would like to find a little bit of time every day just for me, to meditate and clear my head. I am also thinking of returning to church. I haven't been in far too long and I feel like I'm in a good place right now to return.
So those are the basics for now. More specific details and progress reports will appear throughout the year.
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