Haven’t had my iron checked officially since my last entry, but the last two or three times I’ve donated blood, I’ve had to get my iron checked twice because the first time it’s been lower than 12.5.
Got my glucose checked again about two or so months ago, and it was lower than the first time! I wasn’t really feeling sick, but I’ve made sure to eat regularly since that last test.
In the last week or so I’ve renewed a commitment to good physical and mental health, and I’m proud to say I’ve been doing well. As far as food is concerned, I’ve been doing the following:
- drinking more water. One way I am doing this is by filling a tall glass with water every night before bed and keeping it on my nightstand. When I wake up in the morning and before I do anything, I drink about half of it, then I make sure that by the time I am done getting ready for work, my glass is empty. Also, I take a 1/2 liter bottle of water to work with me, and make sure that I drink all of it before I let myself drink coffee (my indulgence).- eating peanut butter sandwiches and eggs in order to get more protein, because I'm experimenting with vegetarianism (I have long since given up red meat and have given up poultry within the last month or two).- Eating far fewer sweets. I haven't been able to give them up completely, but I've been eating only one or two bites, or serving smaller portions. That, for me, is big progress. For example, I would ordinarily eat dessert every single day. Since Monday, however (today is Saturday night), I have eaten an actual portion (but smaller than I would formerly serve) only two or three times. I have had only a couple bites of something sweet twice. And I have gone without dessert twice.- I use nonfat milk in my coffee rather than half and half or creamer.For exercise, I have been riding my bike. I don’t do it regularly, because I think that forcing myself will result in its being less fun, but my previous mode was that I would procrastinate about getting outside, whether it be for a walk, a bike ride, whatever. But I find that the less I think about it, the more enjoyable it is. I also find that it is really relaxing for me to get out of the house and be in the fresh air with my thoughts.
Mental Health. This one is tough for me, but I’m also really trying to be less anxious and worrisome, so here is how I’m doing it:
- Even though I worry about calories, eating healthful foods gives me more peace of mind because I know I am doing something good for myself.- I'm really trying hard to stop negative self-talk. When I find myself feeling down or inadequate, I interrupt myself and look at the positive side of things.- This is the major one: I broke up with my boyfriend about three weeks ago. In all honesty I didn't want to, but deep down I knew that the relationship was causing me great stress and that staying with him wasn't good for me. It was a difficult thing for me to do, or for anyone to do, I suppose. But although I still think of him often and miss the companionship at times, I can't help feeling very proud of myself for realizing that I'm worth more than what he was giving me. And as I navigate this transitional period, I am allowing myself to feel both the pain of loneliness and the satisfaction of refusing to settle for mediocrity. I say this with no malice toward the man; it simply is what it is.I’m 24 right now. I’m a long way from 100. But I’m on my way. I’m on my way.
