The last four weeks or so have been about transitions. Deep winter is gone, and now we’re in almost-but-not-quite-spring.
Even though the calendar says today is the spring equinox, living in central Michigan I know darned well there could be more snow. I hope not. I am so ready for daffodils and tulips.
Bye Bye Tea and Sugar
In February my doctor told me I needed to lower my cholesterol. In an effort to do so, I’ve let go of most tea and radically minimized my sugar intake. That’s a major accomplishment and transition. Yeah me!
I have had a total of three cups of green tea over that time. I used to drink at least two hearty mugs of black tea a day, and more on the weekend.
It did take some time to get used to the new, not bouncy me, but it’s better. I’m more mellow and considerate, less likely to do things on impulse.
I was already eating oatmeal every day, walking a bit here and there, but still eating cookies. Lots of cookies. So I decided to minimize my intake of sugar.
I ate the last of the double-stuff Oreos, then bought some chocolate bars from the local co-op. After a meal, I mindfully eat a little chocolate.
Mindful Eating
There’s an exercise I learned years ago while working at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies. You take one raisin. You observe the raisin. You put the raisin in your mouth, and then slowly eat the raisin so you can really, truly taste that raisin.
That’s exactly what I’ve been doing with chocolate.
I snap off a couple small hunks of the chocolate bar. I take a tiny bite of chocolate and then I savor.
The chocolate melts in my mouth. It is so utterly satisfying, I rarely desire more sweetness.
I finish the small hunks and am a very happy woman.
It is some kind of miracle, really, and a lovely transition.
Go Away Clutter
Another thing I’m slowly working on is letting go of clutter. This will take a LONG time as I have so much stuff – here, there, everywhere.
The other day I took a car load of miscellaneous stuff to the local thrift store. I’ve also gifted several things via Buy Nothing. This is an app that connects you with others in your area. You “gift” things you no longer need to someone else. You can also “ask” for things you’re in need of. You can also post a “gratitude” to say thanks.
I’ve gifted two cat towers, leftover cat litter, a fridge calendar, and more. Highly recommended.
CSA Time
Along with highly recommending Buy Nothing, I’d also suggest getting signed up for a local community supported agriculture (CSA) to support a local, organic farmer.
For around $300, the farmer grows and delivers veggies. For example, I will get a stove-top full worth of fresh veggies from June to the end of October. Between the CSA in the summer and HelloFresh in winter, I minimize the amount I spend at the grocery store. It’s less waste and less work – winning!
Find a local CSA through Local Harvest. I subscribe to Monroe Organics out of Alma, MI; they have a pickup a couple of blocks from my house on Tuesday.
Farewell Ivan
The final transition to talk about is the passing of my last cat, Ivan. On Facebook I described him as magnificent and cranky.
The 18-year-old rarely met anyone besides me he liked. At the vet’s office, his paperwork said he was evil – and he really was for them.
But for me, he was a constant companion and friend. I will miss him sleeping on my chest or right next to me, miss him sitting on my lap at night while I read. I picture Ivan romping in the warm sun with his sister kitties Jasmine, Ravine, and Nebula. No doubt there will be hissing involved.
With Ivan’s passing, I have transitioned to be completely cat free. This last week has been oddly quiet. No little patter of feet, no sounds of Ivan jumping onto the bed.
It’s also been exciting. Ivan required wet food twice a day mixed with pumpkin and Miralax. I can’t remember when I went somewhere spontaneously and spent the night – it was well before Covid.
I moved the litter boxes to the garage, rearranged some things.
I could never have rugs in the house because Ivan (or one of the other cats) would urinate on those rugs. So this week I bought two new rugs and rolled out an old one I’d been saving just for the day when I was cat free.
Your Turn
Wow! That’s a lot of transitions for me. What kind of transitions is this change from winter to spring bringing in your life?
That’s a lot of progress. If you’re successful in lowering your cholesterol, let me know how you accomplished it. I can’t believe you are giving up tea. Didn’t know a cup or so a day was harmful. Best of everything with the new you.
It sounds like a lot when written in this way, but it is a very natural and easy progression for me.
Wonderful share Julie!! You must be feeling good about it all. It’s a huge accomplishment. I’m also sorry about your loss. After my complete knee replacement I started Qi Gong and have been doing it every morning for three months now. Meditating every morning as well. Such a good feeling to get it done in the morning. Leaves me feeling great all day!!! Very happy for you!
Thank you! I am learning how to celebrate myself in little ways, “Yeah Julie! Great job!” But even those little compliments can be a challenge. It’s such an opposite of how we learn. We learn to push and meet or beat the goal, and work hard to succeed. All that striving tires you out mentally, physically, and spiritually. This going with the flow is rewarding and inspiring.