So, I didn’t realize it, but my word/theme for 2023 turned out to be fitness, in SO many ways.

Earlier this year, in February to be exact, I had blood taken to make sure a medicine I was taking was not harming my liver. Somehow, the lab ran my blood levels and my nurse practitioner called me and told me that I had crossed the barrier into Type II diabetes, but just barely. She told me that I needed to make an appointment as soon as possible. When I talked to reception, to make the appointment, they told me that their soonest was July 11. WHAAAAT!?! What was I supposed to do in the meantime????

I decided, drawing on the last conversation that the NP and I had, that I would start eating a ketogenic diet and exercising. I had half-heartedly been trying to get up the motivation to exercise, so THIS was now my motivation. I told my BF what WE were doing, so we started eating Keto. I did get the Keto flu, but I powered through and started noticing that my thoughts we less foggy (thanks to little to no sugar) and I was starting to lose weight. Even though we had a fire, I didn’t give up, simply because this was the only thing in my life that I could control, as the rest of my life seemed out of control. I controlled what I ate, I controlled when/where/how I exercised, me…I was in control of this. I had watched my Mom struggle with it to the point of having to take insulin. With all the controversy behind insulin, I wasn’t willing to go there.

So, I am working on my physical fitness and I’m feeling better than I have in a long time. Feeling better healthwise, with a controlled diet and exercise, is usually closely followed by looking better too. I’m satisfied with my progress and am continuing on, keeping myself accountable with my FitBit and the three exercise challenges I am participating in. I mean, it’s me. I go big or go home! I won’t be stopped, even by weather or asthma — I just have to modify what I do and keep moving forward. I am also getting B12 shots that are drastically helping with my energy levels, as I’m working up my stamina with exercise.

Next, I am trying to get myself financially fit, that is, having money and paying my bills “in full” and on time — instead of this “robbing Peter to pay Paul” nonsense. It’s exhausting and with my memory, due to my TBI, things have recently been cut off and then I’m paying extra for late fees and reconnection fees. Oh. Hell. No! I’m officially over that. So, what’s my solution? I had to work over-time with my full-time social services job (as much as I’m allowed) AND I have had to get a part-time job at Dollar General. I chose DG so I can also get discounts on things that my family needs. DG gives me whatever hours I want, which is priceless. The down side to this is that it seems like I am always working, but I am bringing in more money and I have to make the most of my time. I’ve had to modify my sleep and wake schedules to add more time to my day…like when I blog. 🙂 I am also couponing and trying to save on purchases or eliminate costs completely. Anything I can do to make my money go further and further, getting me to financial independence. I have 19 months left on my bankruptcy and I am counting it down!

Lastly, I am trying to get mentally fit. I am definitely more healed than not, but I still have trauma that I need to address. I found out that my health insurance has “no cost” visits with therapists through telehealth. I am currently finding out if I can have the same therapist, if I choose to use this (I certainly hope so!). Also, I am in the process of decluttering my house and belongings, so that I am more organized and timely and less stressed. The clutter stresses me out and causes me A LOT of anxiety. Of course, I write on this blog in order to help with stress and anxiety as well. It is SO healing, I just cannot even put that into words.

Be well and see how you can be “fit” in your life. Love and light! <3