Twenty-six days into the new year and I’m feeling optimistic. My optimism isn’t focused on one specific thing, but lots of little things.
Two weeks ago, Dale and I drove down to see our Virginia family; while it was a short visit, it was delightful. It was so fun to see how much our little grandson has grown in every direction from one year old to almost two. The best part was the first time (and every time afterward) that he called me Nonnie; it melted my heart. Both babies, though “L” is 7, fill me with joy. She is so good with her little brother. Big brother was away this time in college, we missed him and look forward to seeing him next time.
Dale and I have been working on switching up our food habits. We have decided to cut out or at least cut way back on meat. We watched a program called, “What the Health” and it’s truly eye-opening; I recommend it if you have the time to watch. I was pleasantly surprised that Dale mentioned cutting out meat before I did – that was a win!
Cutting out meat hasn’t been as difficult as we expected, or as I expected for Dale. I focus meals on a variety of vegetables, beans and hearty whole grains. I don’t plan to buy and serve premade foods that are vegetarian and I don’t plan on eating lots of so-called “healthy” junk foods. As I get into the groove of things, I will post some of my veggie-forward meals for you to try.
Hair and thyroid. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know that I have been struggling with alopecia and Hashimoto’s for the past year and a half. Hashimoto’s won’t go away, it’s a thyroid destroyer. My hair situation is feeling hopeful. Just two months ago, I started taking Olumiant, a JAK inhibitor. “A JAK inhibitor interferes with signals in the body that are thought to cause inflammation. This, in turn, reduces the inflammation that fuels diseases like eczema, psoriatic arthritis, and vitiligo. With less inflammation, the immune system calms down.” [click here for more info.]
A few days ago, a friend checked below my occipital area for me because I told her that I think I felt little fuzzy hairs and sure enough, there is growth! It’s pure white, but it’s hair! She took the picture for me. This surely brightened my outlook. Hopefully the alopecia will eventually stop without needing the medication. I will take everything one step at a time though. I am trying to focus still, on foods and lifestyle habits that help reduce inflammation.
I want to focus on thyroid health so that I can feel better physically. I feel energy-empty and lethargic a lot of the time. I find it hard to jump out of bed each morning and get my day started the way I used to. I miss that part of me. I have determination and a positive attitude that has always gotten me through life’s ups and downs. Every new dawn brings another day to begin again.
I’d love to hear from you too. What ails you? What holds you back? What one or more things would you like to change this year? Comment here or email me at everynewdawn@gmail.com
“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.”