Monday, January 14, 2013

Ch-ch-ch-changes...


The only constant is change. ~Heraclitus, 535-475 BC

Ain’t that the truth. My world shifted just before Halloween, and continues in a state of flux even now. My dad’s been really sick, and as I type this, I’m sitting in his hospital room, where he’s been since October. I have an entirely new routine. I’ve lost weight (not by choice, at first, but I used it to jump start the conscious weight loss plan). I see my kids through Skype video chats more often than I see them in person, which sucks. My phone has gone from an only-when-I’m-out accessory to a constantly-on-my-person-day-and-night appendage. And when dad’s stint at the hospital is over, I’ll have to get back into my old routine again. But I’m not sure I will be able to. Or that I want to.

Several of my new habits and behaviors have to get integrated into that old routine. For one, my exercising. I’ve started Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred (and yes, I curse her repeatedly, EVERY DAY, but it works, damn her). When that’s done, I’ll switch to her Ripped in 30 program. After that, who knows? Maybe I’ll start training for a 5k, like I wanted to do before Christmas.

I’ll also have to make more time to cook healthy foods. I’ve been sticking to a vegetarian diet most of the time, mainly to increase the amount of vegetables I’m eating. I have meat maybe once a week, but I’ve grown to prefer a vegetarian meal. I can eat a lot more without the additional calories, and I’m a lot less hungry in between meals. I’d never have tried it if I hadn’t won a copy of EAT TO LIVE, by Joel Fuhrman, from a contest on Elise Rome’s blog. Never thought I’d like it…but I do. A lot.

The most important integration will be to add more music to my day. Some of you are looking at that statement and wondering how on earth music could be more important than exercise or eating vegetables. Well, because those things keep my body healthy, but music is for my mind. And to me, that’s way more essential. Music inspires me. Drives me. Rescues me from myself. I have playlists for every mood I’ve experienced in the last three months. I have Pandora stations for my moods, too, but I use those more when I want to experience new songs I may not have on my iPod already. (If you’ve never used Pandora, I highly recommend it). Thanks to my long hours in the hospital, I’ve gotten used to listening to music when reading, walking around, eating lunch, and as soon as I get back to my dad’s house for the night, my iPod is plugged into the speakers there—I never realized how damned quiet my childhood home was. I run to David Guetta, Flo Rida, and Pitbull. I fall asleep with Frank Sinatra. I wake up to Neon Trees’ EverybodyTalks.

Maybe it’s because if I’m dancing/singing/feeling the music, I don’t have time to think about all the other stuff. As coping techniques go, it’s not too bad. What I do know is that without music, I’d be lost. So it’s definitely going to be a part of my new routine when I’m finally home for good.

And now that I’ve completely derailed from my original idea, I’ll stop there. *grin*

Since it’s the new year, many of us have made resolutions for change. What are/have you changed in your life?

x♥x
Noelle

Oh, and the song for which this blog post gets its title:

9 comments:

  1. Music is a big part of my life as well. It can change my mood, or help me sort through a rough time. There are some songs I listen to because they are guaranteed to make me smile. Other times an angry song helps me get out the frustrations I'm feeling. I don't think you are alone in thinking music is a big part of life. Rhythms are all around us in nature. Great post!

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    1. You're so right, Kellie! (As I listen to the owl hooting outside my window right now...) Nature is full of music. Thanks for commenting!

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  2. I've changed to having my own blog, getting back into excercising, becoming more organized, and fighting harder for ME time. I'm going to call this an Upgrade as it'll be beneficial to me by the time I start night school. No matter what you face, just take care of yourself.

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    1. Ginny, I love that: Upgrade. So perfect to describe the changes we make. Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. I agree with you on the music. I exercise, write and listen to it to/from work. My goal list for this year is too long to include here. Exercise is on there, but it's the one thing I'm struggling to fit into my schedule.

    Me time is very important, Ginny! All the best with school!

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    1. Elke, yeah, fitting exercise into the day is really hard, especially with a little one.

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  4. I agree with music being central to all parts of life :) Different music for different phases/moods. I used to put on Broadway music to clean by and just when I want to feel good (or in some cases inspired.)I can't write to most music, though, because I get wrapped up the story or words and forget to write. Kudos to you on the diet-exercise program. Way to go!

    Hope your dad's better soon.

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    1. Thanks, Barbara! I have a few instrumental playlists for some of my writing to help combat that lyrical distraction. :) If it's the right music, though, it allows me to tune other things (like my kids or phone calls) out, and focus on the story only.

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  5. Love to cook to music...I like country, but my hubby likes the classic rock and oldies from 60's...his heyday. It's all good. I've discovered the SPA station on satellite radio for writing to. No words to distract. I WISH I had the want to excercise, but alas...I don't. And it shows! But good for you. I have pretty much given up sugar, except for when I make desserts which is only for special occasions now. No sugar in coffee or tea, no carbonated drinks. I started taking green coffee supplements and Apple cider vinegar with water. I must admit I feel better, but nothing replaces excercise. Go you!
    Hugs!
    Lori

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