Last day of the month!

 31st October 2020
The most powerful person in your life is sat reading this!

Halloween, the day of the year we close our curtains and ignore the door lol, never been a fan of the knocking the door, it's not so bad if I'm in but when I'm at work with mom it's always concerned me.  I love that the kids get to dress up and have fun but it can be done without knocking strangers doors and to be fair it's usually teenagers wanting money that knock our door!   

I worked yesterday morning then decided to take the rest of the day off, I picked up my crochet for the first time in a long time, and enjoyed zoning out and relaxing with mom.  The district nurse came later in the day and we can definitely now confirm it's infected, she's swabbed it again but by the smell there isn't any doubt, she bathed it and redressed it and my poor mom is in so much pain, its just not good at all.  

Focusing on the positive thought, look at this feast I had this delicious platter!

The masala and rice was from Marlie's Menu I use these Pataks pappadums and microwaved them, was really impressed and I did the onions and mint sauce myself, it was like having a real restaurant meal in my living room, loved it.  All for under a tenner with the extras, bargain and I didn't have to get dressed up and go out. 

Thanks to Marlies and my payday treats, I've not got to cook this weekend at all, I've got the Sri Lankan chicken and the veggie Jalfrezi to look forward too, if I'd looked these myself, I'd have huge portions so it's helping my diet too by stopping me eating a meal that's meant for 4 to myself! 

Yay the Mandalorian is back on Apple TV!  I got it for free for a year when I had my phone and they sent me a message the other day to say they were extending the free until February = result!  I love a bit of Yoda me. 

I've got a quiet weekend planned, although I do need to get some work done or I won't be able to eat next month let alone have a pay day treat lol, watching Eat Well for Less on the tele reminds me to try cheaper brands, swapping to a cheaper bread could save them over £80 a year and they didn't recognise their own bread!  I've just checked and switched mine and I usually pay 85p for a 400g loaf, I can have the own brand for 50p!  I'll be trying that.  

Anyway, I'm gonna go get ready for my workshop, here's to a lovely day, enjoy Halloween if you celebrate, hopefully you won't come across too many witches like me lol. 

Just for today, forget about all the problems in the world, try to forget about the problems in your world, focus on the positives, the good stuff.  For me, this morning I'm grateful for a roof over my head, for a half decent nights sleep, for a fridge full of food and for my central heating system!  Oh and now I'm going to be grateful for having the time to have a second mug of tea, the reward for being awake since 4am!  

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Catching the crap & throwing it back!

Thursday 29th October 2020 
The key to success is to start before you are ready!

I had a great day yesterday because I decided to get back to the positive version of me I've been most of my life.  Over the last 7 years Dementia has been my demon and it's tried to take me down with my mom and I wasn't having any of it!  Oh then the menopause monster reared it's ugly head, tried to throw a few curveballs with the old Peri-menopause symptoms, meh, that can do one too!  Then this year 3rd time lucky, Covid landed and wow, that didn't just come for me, it came for us all!  Well at first I was all 'I'm used to staying home alone with mom, this ain't bothering me', then I felt myself slowly sinking, the pandemic was winning, our jobs were in jeopardy, I was watching my mates sink too and I was flat, I remembered this poem; 

 There's a Hole in My Sidewalk

“I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes me a long time to get out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down another street.”

Yesterday I walked down a different street!  I'm not doing it anymore, I've had enough of that hole!  Yesterday I laughed, mom and I proper chuckled, we were silly like the old days, I made time for her and time for work - I got that balance!  Yes it helped that both mom and I have had some sleep over the last few days, everything is more difficult when you're tired but I'm gonna start day sleeping if need be, when life changes - you can either fight against it or adapt, time for me to adapt.

My future's not certain, but let's be honest no one's ever is, it's just more obviously uncertain at the moment because of Covid, but you know what, I've survived every one of the bad days I've had in the last 50 years!  And I intend to survive every one that's ahead of me until the day I die!  

I've spent the last 6 weeks appreciating acceptance, but not giving up, my day wasn't perfect yesterday, I was awake before 4am, mom woke me up screaming in pain, that went on for a couple of hours, I went to work, I worked from my living room but still managed to have a few fab hours with mom, I went back to work, then when I came home and my sister left, half hour later my mom said 'you'd think our Anne would've come round', that happens every night, she forgets everything and gets angry and/or aggressive.  Sundowning is dreadful, see Covid takes people fast, dementia takes them an hour at a time! 

So just for today, what are you going to do?  I'm going to get busy with appointments, I'm going to cook myself something - oh no I'm not I've got my Marlies masala coming - woo hoo, happy days, see it's all about the food and wine in my world, actually that will be highlight of today for me.  What's your highlight going to be!  I've even got WW mini naans at the read, I think I may have popodoms in the cupboard, I could slice some onion, wonder if there's any mango chutney, make it look like a total takeaway, could even serve it in silver trays lol

If because of everything that's going on this year, you're feeling low, work at seeing the good stuff, focusing on the positives and smiling more often, hell fake it till you make it, try and say the word 'bubbles' with a serious face - you can't do it, and if you can, you're just trying very hard to prove a point - sort yourself out!  Get ya smile on! 

Here's to a very, great day. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

How positive are you?

Thursday 29th October 2020
Be the reason someone smiles today

Well I managed 6 hours again, my waking wasn't as nice as yesterday, hearing mom scream in pain is not a nice alarm, that poor woman is in so much bloody pain with that leg ulcer.  She's settled a little now and watching the news calling them all names - it's taking her mind off stuff anyway. 

I was reminded of something yesterday after a telephone chat with a lady who I'd never spoken to before but I'd asked if I could call her for some tips and advice.  Oh this lady was wonderful and it reminded how important it is to surround yourself with those on the same mission as you!  It's a great idea to make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive, nourishing, and uplifting people. People who believe in you, encourage you to go after your dreams and applaud your victories.  Those people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to be!

Because let's be honest life is tough at the best of times, but this year more so than every, and unfortunately it doesn't come with a manual!  There are those people our there though, that you know can help you through, these are the people you want in your life! 

We all need a support system so why not look for positive people, I'm not talking dillusional ones, not those that stick their fingers in their ears whilst singing 'La la la, I'm not listening' when times get tough, more those that see the difficulties but keep going, someone who will lift you when you're feeling low or need a shoulder to cry on. Someone to lighten the mood and llisten when you need some support.  

Like attracts like, so the more positive you are, the more likely to attract similar.  We all could do with practicing positiving right now, even the most positive person is having to actually make the effort some days.  I had another chat with a friend yesterday and she told me that she wasn't herself at all, I could relate, normally we're both 'let's sort stuff and get on with it' but yesterday, she couldn't motivate herself at all sat looking at this on her tele; 

I have to say though it is nice to watch!

So how do you practice positivity?!

You could start by making a realistic goal and setting yourself a challenge this can help you  become happier that you're going towards where you want it to. Writing those goals down and keeping them close to act as a reminder.  Smile, they're contagious, if you smile at someone they ususally smile back. Even when you’re feeling the love, fake it, a simple smile can put you in a better mood.  Remember that the positivity you give and surround yourself with can go a long way to making you feel happier, as Gandhi said: “Don’t let anyone walk through your mind with their dirty feet”.

Here's 10 habits of positive people, can you make use of any of this; 

1. Positive people let things go - they don't quit!  

2. Positive people don’t just have a good day – they make a good day.

3.They leave the past in the past.

4. Positive person are grateful people.

5. Rather than being stuck in limitations, positive people are energised by possibilities.  Optimistic people focus on what they can do, not what they can’t do.  

6. Positive people do not let their fears interfere with their lives!

7. Positive people smile a lot!

8. People who are positive are great communicators.

9. Positive people realise there are times for great pain and sadness.

10. Positive people refuse to blame others and are not victims in life.

Just for today, make the effort to be more positive, be observant of those around you and their behaviour, Ibecause as we all know, there is certainly nothing positive about being negative!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Mid week already!

Wednesday 28th October 2020

It doesn't get easier, you just get stronger. 

No only did I sleep but my dreams weren't disturbing for a change too - thanks for that, some quality sleep, yeah I woke around 4am but still, I'll happy with my night and moms still asleep which makes me even more happy because it means she's managed to get some sleep too.  Which is a minor miracle considering how much pain her leg is giving her.

The highlight of my day yesterday was having workmen in my house!  Yep they can to fit my Free LED light bulbs, this is all part of the service UW provide when you use their services, so another way I'm saving on top of the hundreds of pounds they've already saved me on my bills.  Apparently LED bulbs save you up to 15% on your electricity bill, how sad am I that I'm looking forward to getting my bill this month lol!

Seriously though, with finances how they are, I'm really glad I've managed to get my bills lower and I'm so relieved they helped me get out of my existing contracts otherwise I would've been tied in for another 18 months paying those higher bills. 

What will today bring?  All I want right now is a mug of tea, I'm sat in a cold living room (don't wanna put the heating on in case it wakes mom up), Alfie's next to me (don't wanna get up to make tea cos I'll disturb him), I'm going to though because I want my cuppa, if he has a brain he'll stay there. 

He didn't!  He followed me, then whined to try and get out to chase the cat - I think NOT, going out there barking and waking mom up, she'll be awake soon I know she will bless her. 

Right, mid week already, 57 days to Christmas, although why I'm counting down to Christmas, I don't know lol, but I will try and make the day a little special for mom and myself, ooo it's on a Friday too which is a good day, as then most people will have a long weekend. 

Can you tell I'm trying to find some positives to look forward too!  You've got to ain't ya, so today, I'm going to have that pasta dish I never got too yesterday,  We ate a lot of eggs yesterday because they're delicious and quick!

I'm in limbo at the minute and I can feel the effect it's having on me, I know lots of people have been in this place this year and it isn't a pleasant feeling but I have to keep telling myself 'what will be, will be' and trying to distract myself.  Please if any of you have half hour to spend, let me tell you about my new business, it'll be good practice for me and there's no obligation, if it's not for you that's okay but at least you'd know more about it and can tell your friends.  You can even use the call for a free pick my brain about other 'stuff' session lol.  Save me from my fridge and biscuit tin lol.

Okay, let's focus on the day ahead, I've got a tub of chilli con carne I think, I might have that with some pasta later, I need to get back to being frugal, especially as I'm treating myself to Marlie's at the weekend (last day to order today if you want anything).  You can eat quite healthy and cheap if you put your mind to it can't you.  Plus if you eat the portion sizes you're meant too then that automatically brings down your bills anyway.  Because I'm ordering online only, that's helping me control what comes into the house, if it wasn't for moms crisps and biscuits, I wouldn't order anything like that - you can't eat what isn't there can you, I'll go back to getting her stuff I'm not so keep on so I'm not tempted.

I can hear her moving about, I better go sort her.  Have a great day.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Better, not brilliant.

Tuesday 27th October 2020 
The best way to get things done is simply to begin.

Yesterday was a long, hard day but guess what?  I SURVIVED!  I've survived every one of my worst days in my life so far and I plan to continue to do so.  Hell, yeah I did some crying, but that's my way of releasing.  I took Alfie for a walk to escape the craziness and bless Gina, she came and walked with me and let me vent, that was very much appreciated.  I talked to some friends on the phone because we're in similar situations and a problem shared and all that.  

I've kept thinking for the last week, I need to tidy up because they're coming to fit LED bulbs throughout my house for free as part of my new UW switchover, cool ain't it that, free fitted for as long as customers are with them.  Anyway knowing someones gonna go in every room in my house suddenly made me feel like a tramp!  Mom's room is such a mess but there's not a lot I can do there, but I've realised I just need to do a little bit at a time with the rest of the house so it's not overwhelming and painful.  My bedroom looks okayish now, he'll thinking I'm a hoarder when he goes in my office!  Hey ho, it is what it is, I can't be doing 2 jobs, be a full time carer and walk the dog and keep a tidy, lovely house, something has to give.  

I need to keep reminding myself of the quote from yesterday; 

SELF CARE IS GIVING THE WORLD THE BEST OF YOU 

INSTEAD OF WHAT'S LEFT OF YOU.

and again remember the 'Just for today' theory, so I focus on the day ahead not the week, month or year ahead.   Putting that thought in my head each morning will help me get through the day ahead.  Yesterday was a long, hard day and I know I've said that already but there was no respite, by teatime, mom had no idea who she was, where she was, I had a training thing on zoom 6-9, I had to come off half-way through as she was asking me to take her home, she thought she'd been walking the streets and on and on with her getting more and more confused.  The training in comparison wasn't important.  I sat with her and calmed her, tried to distract her from and eventually I got her into bed and thankfully we've actually had some sleep - I don't know who was more surprised at that me or her.  She's a lot better in herself this morning, still in pain, nurses are coming again today, praying it's improved a little. 

Diet wise, I was better, not brilliant but that's progress, I cooked poached eggs and tinned tomatoes on toast without butter for breakfast.  I had goat curry from the freezer with cabbage for lunch, I did have a chocolate teacake and a slice of toast with butter later on but I only had a very small glass of red wine before we went to bed, it was lush by the way.  I had too much bread yesterday because I had a slice with dinner to mop it up.  

I just want the next 4 weeks to go by as quick as possible, I want it to be December, I need to distract myself so I'm not thinking too much, although I guess mom will help with that lol, I can't think straight when she's on one! 

Today, I'll start with eggs again, they really do fill me up and they are delicious, I'm thinking pasta with red pesto and roasted courgette for dinner and maybe WW wraps as a quesadilla for tea unless anyone has a better idea of what I can do with them.  Ooo maybe a fish finger wrap, we shall see! 

I've got my workshops to keep me busy today, 2 this morning (at Short Heath Methodist Church from 8.15 to 10.30) then I'm back (5.30-6.30) then I need to be home from 12-4 for the men (or women) fitting the lights and the district nurses. 

Well it's half five, we've been up since 4ish but that's okay cos we've had sleep, here's to a day of giving the world the best of me and just for today taking care of my self care. 

Luv ya, mwah 

Love me xx

Just for today...

Monday 26th October 2020
You don't have to be happy or feel positive all the time. You're human not a robot!

If I or someone you really cared for asked you if you could spare them half hour today to help them with something really important and it has to be done today, would you find them half hour?

Most of you would, most of us will find the time to help others but rarely find the time to help ourselves.  A quick chat I had after my virtual workshop yesterday reinforced that, it's not that we don't want to take care of ourselves, it's more that so many of us are so busy working, looking after others, doing stuff that needs doing that we're too tired to take care of ourselves after all that is done.  

That quote about says it all really doesn't it!  I'm going to focus on one day at a time 

SELF CARE IS GIVING THE WORLD THE BEST OF YOU 

INSTEAD OF WHAT'S LEFT OF YOU.

the universe has sent me similar messages a few times over the last couple of weeks and I think I'm ready to listen!

The sleep I'm getting isn't as much as I'd like but it's also poor quality, disrupted and disturbed, full of crazy dreams and this I know isn't helping me throughout the day - but neither is drinking too much wine and not eating a great diet.  

Yes, it's been a rubbish year, yes it's been stressful in so many ways, yes the next few weeks are going to be difficult again because of stuff that's going on, but I know I would handle it all so much better if I found some time, actually not find time - make time for a bit of self-care. 

I want to give the world the best of me not what's left of me! Hell I want to give myself the best of me, I've had enough of coping on what's left of me.  

It's obviously not helping that I'm juggling two jobs at the moment but like so many out there, I have to pay my bills and times have changed thanks to Covid! 

I know have a diary that I book appointments in round my workshops, my plan is to black out time for self care also and that includes things as simple as cooking a healthy meal.  

My pay day treat this week is going to be having a Marlie's Menu delivery, I haven't eaten out since January and I was gutted the other week when I realised I had missed her chicken tikka masala.  I'm not gonna lie, I'd stopped having them for a bit because I was worried about money but I've realised I'm spending more than the cost of her meals on eating crap and drinking too much wine!  I've decided I'm going to cut down on that so I have something to look forward to over the weekend when I can't be bothered to eat healthy or cook properly.  I'm going to put it all out on a tray in posh dishes and make it an experience and enjoy it. 

I mean look at that chicken, I blinking love Chicken Tikka Masala but if  you have a typical restaurant meal on the WW app is 83SP ouch!  Marlie's isn't as scary!  

This is her menu for this week; 

Halloween special! Chicken Tikka Masala is usually the scariest thing on the menu for a WWer but Marlie’s has made it taste amazing for a fraction of the points 14SP blue/purple (that’s epic!) or 17SP on green. This is my payday treat for the weekend! The veggie jalfrezi is 6SP blue/purple or 10SP on green. The Sri Lankan lushness is a little higher at 19sp blue/purple or 21SP on green, The goat is 8SP (her signature dish) and can be mild or hot.

Marlie's Menu

I want one of everything, not much to look forward to this year but good food mmmmmm plus I can work it all into a healthy week.

If you're not on Facebook her number is; +44 7763 866941 or email marlies_menu@yahoo.com

Now I need to make myself be healthy today, I have a zoom at 9.30 with my boss, dentist at 1.30 with mom, a UW appointment at 4.30 and a zoom training session for 2 hours at 6.30, oh and today should really be my day off, those days are gone! Thankfully it's not even 6am yet, so I will go in the kitchen after finishing this blog and plan my meals for today, I'm defrosting a Marlie's goat curry that's been in my freezer for a month or so, I'll have that for my main meal with some rice and white cabbage (trust me cabbage with curry works).

I'm going to have scrambled eggs and tomatoes on toast for breakfast, will check what's available for lunch and I'm going to have a wine free day!

I want to stop giving the world what's left of me, how about you? What do you want?

- I will be thankful.

- I will focus on one thing at a time.

- I will take time for myself.

- I will accept who I am right now.

- I will not give up.

- I will be nice to myself.

- I will accept my feelings.

- I will celebrate each step forward.

- I will not give up.

Hopefully you're with me, that half hour I asked if you could spare to help me, can you use it to help yourself please.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Sleep, smiles and stressful times

Sunday 25th October 2020

It's the will not the skill. 

Woke up to the sound of moms voice, looked at my clock and it was 4 something, but I felt like I'd had good sleep.  It wasn't until I'd made her a drink and we'd settled that I looked at the clock that doesn't turn itself back and realise that it wouldn't been an hour later had it not been for the clocks going back, so I've had 7 hours 45 minutes sleep - woo hoo, this is how I felt when I realised that; 

Laughter really is the best medicine, I've just seen a couple of dementia / caregiver humour posts and properly chuckled to myself, it helps knowing that others get it and unless you're a caregiver you probably wouldn't smile at them.  

These two properly made me chuckle. 

Guess who's drawing a line again 😂 I'm gonna blame Tina and Lucy for building me chocolate and a bacon baguette, I'm extremely grateful to them also though because they were delicious.  I'll be better today as I can't get out to get anything, because going to the supermarket for a caregiver is like a mini vacation and that's not in the plan right now.  I need to ask my sister to get me a loaf though!  I must owe her hundreds of pounds for all the loaves and bits and bobs she gets me! 

It was lovely to see my Carol stood outside my venue yesterday waiting for me, we thought she had to self isolate because someone in her grand daughters class had been diagnosed with Covid and she'd been with her the previous Saturday but get this, the kid has to isolate but her mom doesn't!  I don't get that at all, so if the mom didn't, then Carol didn't and she was a welcome site.  

I then got home to find out, signing up and saving all the customers I've signed up in a month has meant I hit the Christmas incentive with UW so I haven't got to worry about getting a turkey this year, it's coming for free along with some other goodies.  See that's the bonus of a business that doesn't do the big, expensive advertising campaigns they can pass those savings onto their customers by making their services cheaper and also to the people who work for them.   Don't forget I can save you money too and it'll only take 20-30 minutes, just get in touch for an appointment and if I can't help you or you decide you're not interested that's absolutely okay too, nothing worse than being hassled! 

I've got lamb for dinner again today, chops this time, I've just realised I'm becoming a creature of habit, that's the third week on the trot I've had lamb, there was a time where I didn't want to eat the same things, always looking for something different.  I'm obsessed by eggs on toast again too at the minute, they are just the best breakfast in the world ever! 

I get exciting for food don't I and I'm really excited for the coming week because Marlie's menu is doing Chicken Tikka Masala and she's sent me the ingredients to point it which I'm going to do in a bit and I'll blog tomo, she's also going to do a special WW discount for my Happy Owls that haven't tried her amazing food yet.  That's my weekend sorted next week, it'll be my pay day treat! 

2020 is certainly challenging us all so if we can find glimpses of pleasure, I say do it, I will continue to try and eat healthy and if I can lose weight great, if I can maintain that's brilliant, there's so much going on that's causing myself and people I know to be extremely emotional so it's supporting each other and surviving the rest of the year.  I've got 2 countdowns going on but the one I'll share with you is Christmas day and that's 60 days away!  

The next 40 days can't go quick enough for me, so I'm going to be kind to myself and get through it, oh and look forward to my takeaway at home next weekend from Marlies.  Right I'm off to point the menu nom nom, Then I'll make some eggs and another mug of tea.  

Here's to enjoying Sunday at a slow pace, I'll see some of you at half 9 for the virtual workshop, look forward to that xx 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

It's a bad year not a bad life x

Saturday 24th October 2020
Your current situation is not your final destination - Always remember that!

You are strong enough to face it all, even if it doesn't feel like it right now!  I love this image; 

It's an excellent visual to remind us that small steps, a little each day will get us to where we want to be, we've all done the big grand gestures, everyone can 'diet' for a day, we can all eat a bit of lettuce but to think 'how can I make today a little better' is a much better approach.

This year is tough, we need to keep reminding yourself it's a bad year not a bad life, which is why this image got my attention, some great questions to ask yourself when you're having a bad day.

Could you add any questions to that list?  I'd add 'how much sleep have you managed to have?  I'm wearing my fitbit to bed these days purely to reassure me that I am getting some sleep, regardless of how many times we wake up, I managed to get us both in bed before 8pm last night, so when she woke me up at midnight, I'd had 4 hours, I've managed a couple more broken hours since, it all adds up.  Bless her when I finally gave into her singing, moaning and shouting, she looked at me and said 'are you tired Bev?'  Erm, yeah it's 3am mom, you gotta laugh. 

Today I will try again to be better, to do better and to stay strong in what is 2020!  Too many of my friends and colleagues are going through tough times right now but we do all need to remember we are strong enough to face it all, even if it doesn't feel like it right now!  Let's make a real effort today to focus on the good stuff no matter how difficult that seems.  

What's one thing you can do today?

I'll leave you with that thought xx 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Gotta love an affirmation!

Friday 23rd October 2020

Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. 

I've had just shy of 6 hours sleep which is enough, but what is better is I've woke up and I'm well, why am I saying this?  Because a beautiful soul won't ever wake again, I found out yesterday that a friend had passed away, much too young and leaving behind a young family, so sad.  It does put everything into perspective, yes it's a crappy year but if we come out of it alive and fatter - we can do something about the latter and we can get another job if like my other friend you lose yours, that was another conversation I had yesterday.  Too sad that people are losing their jobs, especially when they were ones they enjoyed doing, we're living in tough times and we've got to be flexible in our approach to how we earn our living.  I've certainly learned that the last couple of months.  Who'd have thought this time last year that I'd have  a second job, 16 years December I became a coach, but it is what it is.  

I love helping people, that's what I believe my purpose on this earth is, to help others in whatever way I can, from losing weight, to helping them feel great about themselves, to raising money for charity or collecting food for the food bank and now helping people save money on the bills they have to pay each month and also possibly to help those struggling to earn enough to pay those bills and have a little left to earn a living, yeah, I'm going to get my mate doing this new work that I'm doing, if you know anyone who needs help in either saving or earning a living, give them my details and my number 07739 968 678 https://www.facebook.com/BevUtilityWarehouse

So how did my diet go?  Mmm, not great I'm not gonna lie because on top of all that news from my friends, I have some stuff going on here too that I'm not allowed to talk about, then there's mom, but she had a good day yesterday, she slept most of it to be fair, the drugs are dulling the pain but the side effect is sleeping. 

Actually it wasn't horrendous, I had fruit, eggs on toast for brekkie, steak for dinner and some ww crackers with cheese spread and fish sticks for tea, there was wine too but there's some left in the bottle so that could've been worse!

I think the one thing we all guaranteed this year is change, change actually is guaranteed constantly isn't it, but this year more so and pretty inevitable, it's how we cope with that change that matters!  When we join WW to lose weight, we want change, it's important to remember though that we cannot become what we want by remaining where we are!  Make those changes might be difficult at first, it could get messy in the middle but it'll be gorgeous in the end.  But remember to make lots of small changes over time and you'll end up with a fantastic result.  Keep going and don't stop until you are where you want to be. 

I was reminded last night of the importance of affirmations, I have a section on my website with affirmation cards, you can click for a new card, go have a play. 

http://happyowls.co.uk/Happyzone/affirmations.html 

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.  When you repeat them often, with confidence, they have the ability to program your mind into believing the stated concept.  This is because the mind doesn't know the difference between what is real or what is fantasy.  There are lots of articles on the internet about them, google making affirmations. 

To help you decide what yours is and to make it more effective and powerful read a few articles, I've been using them for over a decade, I mention them in this blog from 2010 https://wwbevsworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/you-talking-to-me.html  and here's a copy of  leaflet that I handed out back then; 

The Top 10 Tips to Begin the Practice of Positive Affirmations

Positive Affirmations are things we say to ourselves that build us up and make us strong. They empower us to take chances and to be our best. Thoughts run through our mind thousands of times a day and are often negative. Making positive affirmations a daily practice gives you a powerful tool to strengthen your inner foundation and follow your bliss.

Get over feeling funny.
- Doing something new takes practice and because it is unfamiliar it might feel funny at first.
- Get over it. So often, it doesn't feel funny to talk negatively to ourselves, but praise feels awkward. Just do it and don't worry if it feels funny. In time, you will feel less and less awkward.

Begin your affirmation with "I."
- The more you personalize what you say the more it will hit home and stick.

Put your affirmation in the present tense.
- Keeping the statement in the present will give it more power. Avoid can, will, could or should in your statements.

Make it short and sweet.
- Make the affirmation meaningful to you. If affirmations are too long, you may find it cumbersome or difficult to say on a regular basis. Longer affirmations work well during meditative moments.

Practice.
- Teaching our inner voice to speak well to us takes some practice. For most people it is an under developed muscle. Practice and your affirming voice will become stronger.

Clear vision.
- Hold a clear vision of what is possible for you in your life. Picture yourself absorbing the positive affirmations as they become a part of you.

Write it down.
- Writing down the positive affirmations helps your mind remember the new statements.

Repeat them often.
- Repetition facilitates learning. The more often you say positive affirmations the more they become a part of you.

Make them fun.
- Enjoy yourself with them. Laugh and hold out a sense of lightness.

Remember to be gentle.
- Remember that the more you nourish and cherish yourself the better able you are to live a life you love. Be patient and loving as you learn something new.

Here are a few affirmations to start with:

I love myself.
I have a beautiful figure.
I listen with love to my body’s message.
I deserve the best and I accept the best now.
I can see the me I want to be.
I am slim, trim, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
I know that I count and I act as if I do.
The quality of my life depends only on me.
I am powerful and I love it.

They work, V this ones for you, I know you love a good old affirmation, remember you are priceless, capable and needed! 

We all need to remind ourselves that no one is us and that's our biggest asset, here's to all of us changing the way we think to get the results we want.  

What's the biggest room in your house?  I'll put the answer at the end of the blog!

Here's to a great day, if you're doing fab - woo hoo, keep going, if you're struggling - keep going!  

Luv you, mwah 

Love me 

Biggest room in your house?  It's the room for improvement xx