As an introvert, one of the most precious things to me is a quiet moment to gather my energy. These solitary weekends serve this purpose for me. I get to read and watch TV uninterrupted (unless the cats decide they need their human butler to serve them in some way or another😂). It’s also my time to think, plan, and write, even if no one will see my writing.
As a single mum, this is an extra special treat. I have often heard friends and colleagues mention how their partner has taken the kids to sports practice or out for the afternoon. As a single parent, I have to do it all. When my son was younger, I would get a break during holidays but during the school term, it was up to me to get him where he needed or wanted to be. I wouldn’t change the challenges of being a single mum for all the gold in the world. They make me appreciate these quiet moments even more because they give me the energy to keep showing up as the best mum I can be.
A Question for You
What is one thing in your life today that you feel quietly grateful for?
Today I am grateful to have made it through the first week of December. I love that December (or Dezemba as we like to call it in South Africa) is a culture. It’s a whole vibe! It is the license we give ourselves to say I will chuck “it “in the f*ck it bucket and deal with “it” another time.
Today was a bright and beautiful day and it was a sweltering 32 deg C. A reminder that summer is just around the corner. Everyone is counting the days until they go on a break. I also had a fun morning creating content ideas with our brand team. I really enjoy working with them. When I think of how miserable I was at work a few years ago because I didn’t feel valued by some of the team members I worked with, it’s a reminder that nothing stays the same and that “this too shall pass”. I guess it’s another reminder to always just get out of my own way.
I am also grateful for the little weekend break I am getting as my son is away. Let me also take this opportunity to thank God for the favour he has granted over my son this year. My son achieved a subject award once again this year, played for the 1st team and was appointed as a prefect. That can only be God.🙏🏽
Image: Canva
What are you grateful for today? Let me know in the comments.
On the last Monday in July, I went to bed feeling very apprehensive. Earlier in the evening, my blood glucose levels were the highest that they had ever been. I had done some exercise to burn off some of the glucose in my blood quickly, but I was still in shock. I went to bed that night praying that if God woke me the next morning, I would make some drastic changes.
I had been on a carb binge. I don’t know why, but I craved Lays Sweet Thai Chilli Chips in particular. I was eating a large packet a night. Added to that I was eating Cornetto ice cream almost every day. I was out of control, and my body was not having any of it. It was like these chips in particular had become my new cigarette! When I saw that reading, I knew I had to stop. When I woke the next morning, I was so grateful to be alive. I immediately made the decision to keep my promise to God. That morning, I drastically reduced my breakfast to 2 hard-boiled eggs, onions, tomatoes, and bacon. No carbs to start the day. My lunch was a chicken breast and veggies, and dinner was an omelette. I was taking back control. This is largely how I have eaten for the past month and a half. Naturally, I have lost a little weight and a few cm’s. I allow myself a cheat day over the weekend just to help me keep momentum. It helps. It’s easier to resist snack cravings all week if I know I can indulge on a cheat day. Oh and Lays Sweet Thai Chilli does not even make it off the shop shel anymore. I work right past with my head held high.
The Cravings are Real!
I have used the same mental tricks that I used when I gave up smoking because this feels like giving up smoking all over again. When I was thin, I didn’t snack. In hindsight, it was probably because I sucked my thumb. Yip, I did that until I was eighteen and then replaced it with cigarettes. Of course, when I stopped smoking, I started snacking, and the weight piled on, and diabetes kicked in. Currently, I’ve been going cold turkey for 6 days a week. (Is that a thing?). Sometimes the cravings are so strong. It feels like I am talking myself down from a ledge when I have to get past them…lol. I have made a promise to God, though, and I am determined to keep it. That gives me the strength to push through each craving.
Romantising water
In the middle of my carb binge, I also started craving Coke. I was mortified, as I don’t drink soft drinks unless they are all that’s available. I would rather drink coffee. I am not a water drinker by nature either. To overcome my sudden craving for Coke, I started drinking sparkling water. Not very refreshing, but it doesn’t have that plain water taste, so it works. I started drinking it in a very large wine glass to make it fun, but I still didn’t do it as often as I should. What I liked about this glass was that it held more than 250ml at a time. Last weekend, that glass broke, and I found 510ml whisky glasses. So, four glasses a day get me to 2L, and I don’t even notice it really. Whoop whoop!
My 510ml Whisky glass
Adapting to Adaptogens
I have started taking Ashwagandha in the evenings to help with getting a good night’s sleep and dealing with the daily stresses. This is also supposed to help with my blood glucose levels. I used to take it in the morning, but I started feeling depressed by the evening. I recently listened to the Huberman podcast on reducing cortisol levels, where it was mentioned that taking it at night can help lower cortisol and promote a good night’s sleep, so I made the change, and I no longer feel depressed by teh afternoon. My sleep quality has improved, so that is a bonus.
Nootropic Mushrooms
Lastly, I started adding a nootropic mushroom blend to my morning coffee. It includes Lion’s Mane and others. I have so much to get through and think through every day at work, so I wanted to see if it would at least help me focus and improve my clarity of thought. It’s only been a week and a half, but it has definitely helped with both the focus and the clarity, especially in the morning. By the afternoon the effect seems to have worn off. It also seems to have enhanced my short-term memory. If I remind myself not to forget something, I usually don’t. It’s pretty cool. Of course, all of this could just be a placebo effect….lol.
That’s me for now. Have you tried Ashwagandha and nootropic mushrooms yet? What has your experience been? Let me know in the comments.
Grounded African 