It’s a slow journey. This month started out well – the first two weeks, I only took Monday off. The next two weeks were intermittent – sickness in the house. Nothing major for me except weariness and a determination to sleep as long as I could. Difficult when I need to get up and out the door by 6 in order to get my workout in (AND breakfast, AND shower/dress) before I had to leave for work.
Difficult, also, when I’m changing my eating habits. Trying to eat before seven at night (difficult when there are times I don’t get home until seven). Cutting out sugar (this was surprisingly easy – yes, even the alcohol, though I make allowances now and then). Cutting out dairy (not so easy) and wheat for a couple of weeks (this was interesting – I don’t miss it, but I realize now how much I reach for the pasta when I don’t know what else to make for dinner). Oh yeah, and getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
I’m hoping I’ll look like this again soon.
Christine, at the “new” house in 1985. Photo by Tom Ashworth
But I’m pretty sure I’ll never look like this again. (See second photo, below. I can’t get the formatting right, sigh…)
Christine Ashworth, publicity still, 1978 – Photo by Chet Cunningham
I loved this tutu, though for the life of me I can’t remember which ballet this was from…this photo is from a shoot that my dad did for me, with California Ballet Company costumes and backdrop. I was bound and determined to audition for companies across the country, and in New Haven, Connecticut, I got my chance. I like to think this is one of the photos that helped me get my audition.
So, this journey I’m on is a see-saw. Back and forth, back and forth. But I’m happy to say I’m sleeping better, feeling better when I wake in the morning, and I’m slowly losing the pounds. I’m determined to go out of this life (years and years from now, mind you) still standing on my own two feet, dressing myself, caring for myself and my family. Not dependent on anyone but those I love, and them only for love and laughter, friendship and squishy hugs.
How’s your journey going?
)O(
Lovely, Christine! And brava for you, tending to yourself first. Good health is the foundation on which the rest of our activities is grounded. Everything we can do to support it is time well spent.
Absolutely, Kady. It’s remembering to do it – to slow down and take care of ourselves – that’s the hard part.
Hey Christine! I think you’ve touched on something important in this post. When attempting to make long-term changes to long-held habits, you can’t go in with an all-or-nothing mindset. Some days you’ll do everything right, and some days you’ll sleep in, skip a workout and have pancakes for dinner. The trick is to not interpret a backslide as defeat and give up on the whole thing. Tomorrow is a chance to do better. Hell, the next minute is a chance to do better! (She says as she puts down the coffee w/hazelnut creamer and pours a glass of water).
LOL Sam – yep, I’m all about forgiving the slips. I tend not to be an all-or-nothing person so this is working for me so far. Cheers hon!
Loved this. Small incremental steps and forgiving the slips. You are rocking this. 🙂
Thanks, Arwen – I’m determined to get into shape without going balls to the wall – because when I do, I invariably injure myself. Not. This. Time. !
I love both photos, and admire your determination. I’m carefully, quietly, making a few changes and enjoying my journey. Just remember, baby steps, grasshopper. : )
It’s all about the baby steps, isn’t it, Roben? HUGS hon – we missed you last Sunday!