It is May! Four months have passed. I've been meaning to write this post for such a long time, but many things have happened since the thought first crossed my mind. April has been an adventure to say the least, like spring in the midwest where winter and summer fight to win, not quite meeting in a happy middle. A rollercoaster ride... But such is life.
I had been thinking about my resolutions and whether or not I was actually making the changes in my life that I had set out to do, and whether or not they have impacted me in positive ways.
1. Vermicomposting. Worms still terrify me. BUT, I am happy to say that my worms have survived the brutal shock of starting up in a new bin. they are happy and creepy as ever, eating the organic waste and pooping out a fine rich compost. I should probably be better about mixing the bin and giving the worms more sustenance than coffee grounds and egg shells. other than that, they seem to be multiplying and making their slimy little noises. I feel as though there is less trash that I take out so that is one thing I have been successful at keeping up.
2. Whole 30. D and I did it once. Will we do it again? probably. We felt great and it was such a great change of pace from our normal eating habits. I learned a lot about myself and developed an appreciation for the foods I consumed. Honestly though, the moral of the story is always eat good food, in moderation. When people complain about calorie in and calorie out, I am still struggling with how to explain to them that it's about the quality of the food you eat. 1000 calories of potato chips and soda do not equal 1000 calories of fruits and vegetables. And the way your body metabolizes these foods is so different too. Anyway, after those first 30 days of struggle and triumph, D and I have reverted to a diet similar to what we had been consuming before, except I have been snacking less and definitely eating more vegetables. I am an overconsumer of chocolate and that has definitely blossomed after finding out that the local food co-op always seems to have chocolate sales..... (so bad but so good!!!!!) We are thinking about repeating the whole30 challenge, especially since that now most of our hard set academic obligations are slowly melting away as the semester ends. I know how I respond to certain foods, so I think the second time around will be much easier. It'll give me a chance to expand my repertoire of cookin skills! Overall, I would say that I learned a lot from the challenge, and the experiences I have learned are helping me guide the decisions I make about what I buy at the grocery store and how I think about my meals.
3. Yoga. I am still keeping up with this marvelous adventure. Let me tell you, adopting yoga as a lifestyle has made such incredible changes in my life. How has yoga changed my life? Let me count the ways. I can feel myself getting stronger. My core is getting stronger, and I can tell whenever I go run. Returning to running has been slow going, but the short runs I've done have been awesome. My body wants to go and it wants to go fast and feel the ground flying below me and I can to a degree. Still gotta ramp up slowly so I don't injure. Things are just not as big of a deal anymore. I approach adversity with much more calm and composure (or i like to think that i do this) than before. I mean, some days, I still fall back into my emotional ruts but I have found that I can manage my emotions much better. I am happier. I have met a stunningly amazing group of people who embrace thankfulness and mindfulness and befriend you without judgement because they believe that everyone is good and kind. Life is a celebration and being thankful for the life you have is a choice you can choose to make.
4. Languages. I dropped the ball on this one (kind of). Duolingo, sorry, but you've only captured my attention for a short two or so months, but my infatuation with you still comes and goes. I finally enrolled in a basic medical Spanish extracurricular course which was a great experience. While I have been bad and have not reviewed the vocabulary, I think just being re-exposed to Spanish and also being exposed to new medical vocabulary is a step in the right direction. This summer, for sure-- I will review more medical Spanish.
5. Read more. This is not a problem. EVER. Reading is fun, writing takes more discipline than I have. I've been reading a lot recently. I recently finished My Stroke of Insight, The Alchemist, and some others that I guess haven't captivated my attention. Currently reading Cloud Atlas, Salt Sugar Fat, A Suitable Boy, and Uncommon Grounds. All are very good so far, and I would say I read books similarly to how I enjoy foods: A taste of every flavor makes my meal complete, eat regularly, and indulge in what is delicious.... as long as it's good. What I should have changed this to was WRITE MORE. Maybe that way, my thesis will magically be completed.
So now that my resolutions have been revisited, what will I do? probably keep on keeping on.... and write more.
There's much adversity ahead of me (wah wah life is so hard blah blah blah) but after my recent adventures at the American Physician Scientists Association meeting, I was inspired to keep going. Never give up. Good things will happen. Opportunity is knocking and I just have to go answer the door. Work hard, live hard, strive for excellence.... and all that jazz. Maybe 30 years from now, I'll be as happy and fulfilled with my life as all these people were. But right now, I just have to keep my head up and keep moving forward.
Til next time, eat well be well and live well.
