It’s time! I had a little break and now I am back. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my break from social media and posting. But, I have realized something about myself in the process. This is something that I was already aware of but I guess I just hadn’t figured out how prominently it plays a part in my life.
It’s a symptom of Bipolar and one that I don’t like (not that I like any of them, but there are some positives for having Bipolar. But that’s another day another post, haha). The symptom is that I start something and then because of the illness I have a hard time physically and emotionally completing it. Maybe that sounds like an excuse but it truly is a symptom. It is one of the reasons that people who have bipolar sometimes can’t hold down a job. Or move from one job to another. It’s crazy but true.
So what I realized is that I totally do this with my blog, social media, work, and other projects that I take on. The reason is that when we are closer to mania or manic we are like energizer bunnies who are super motivated and driven, big risk takers and willing to take on a lot of different projects, filling our plate to overflowing. Then when we crash or move down the cycle into the depressive side we get stressed out and overwhelmed and just want to give up on everything. When in reality what we really need to do is figure out where the balance is. Medication and therapy can go a long way in fighting to find this balance.
As I said more recently, that this year is probably the best I have felt in a really long time. And I think it is in large part due to the fact that I am learning to find that balance.
Believe me when I say that this blog can be a double edge sword. In part it works as therapy, but if not handled properly, can become a source of stress and overwhelm. I love helping others who may be suffering in silence, but not at the expense of own health. So one of the goals that I have made this year is to recognize that and give myself grace.
I am still going to do all that I can to post regularly, but some weeks it may be everyday and some weeks it might just be once or twice. And that is completely acceptable and ok!
I have a lot to look forward to this year, this decade! I am excited to continue moving forward with my health and well being and one of the main goals I want to focus on with my health (besides balance) is my nutrition. Nutrition plays such a HUGE part in the life of all of us of course, but is particularly important with someone who suffers with mental illness.
I am so excited about this because it’s something that has been a big issue in my life. So my goal is to stop the yo yo dieting. Eating terrible and gaining 10-20 lbs and then feeling awful and eating great for a period of time and losing it, only to continue the cycle. I know this doesn’t just apply to those with bipolar or mental illness but in my case, I know myself well enough to know that it is definitely part of the manic/depressive cycle.
I would like to get to the point where I recognize how what I am eating is making me feel physically and emotionally. Believe me I’ve tried every diet out there and have been trying to stay keto for a long time now. There are so many studies out there that show it helps the brain and I really want to heal my brain. But truthfully, I would lose a few pounds then gain it back. I felt deprived and unhappy most of the time on it. And I didn’t really feel like I saw improvement in my brain.
In my religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints. We believe in something called the Word of Wisdom. It’s found in section 89 of The Doctrine and Covenants. That’s the reason that we don’t drink alcohol, coffee, tea, or consume drugs, and tobacco. We believe in moderation in all things, that fruits and herbs should be consumed with prudence, and that proteins should be consumed sparingly. We are also told that grain is the staff of life and good for food (I think that kind of rules out keto, haha).
Also that which yieldeth fruit , whether in the ground or above the ground.
Then the really great part about this is that it comes with a promise from the Lord.
In verse 18-21 That we will receive health in the navel and marrow in the bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures (I would say that is in reference to our brains being strengthened). That we shall run and not be weary and walk and not faint (energy!). And the best of all, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, and not slay them (which can be interpreted in many ways but definitely sounds like a good thing!).
So to recap, fruits and vegetables in moderation, meat sparingly, and grain in moderation.
I started working on this about 2 weeks ago. I had been in a gain cycle for about 3 months (12 pounds worth) and knew I needed to do something. I felt inspired that this is the answer. So in practicing these principles, so far I have lost half of the weight, I have energy, I eat when I am hungry, (making good choices). And I if I’m honest, this is something that I definitely think will be easier to maintain for a lifetime. Oh, and I don’t deprive myself of anything, I just remind myself that MODERATION is the key. But because I have the sugars in fruit I haven’t really craved many sweets (which has always been my nemesis, hense, why keto was so hard for me to stick to).
Sooo, you are welcome to join me on the journey in search of balance emotionally, mentally, and physically in large part through health and nutrition. Just message me if you’d like more info on exactly what I am doing.
That’s all I have for today, I hope that everyone is having a good start in 2020. This is the year for clear vision of what we want to achieve. Let’s do this!
XO Wendy
Pointing Toward Hope 