TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 7 Report Share Posted May 7 Wow, 2023 has been… a year. Obviously I expected this to a degree, I’m a parent now and that makes a difference. I’ve spent the last month or so working on getting myself and my baby on a schedule, and I’ve also been to the doctor and gotten some bloodwork done so we can figure out what systemic issue is likely happening. Right now, my doctor thinks it’s either thyroid or diabetes/insulin resistance. And honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if I had some level of insulin resistance. I’ve been doing some research and it’s.. A bit discouraging. One of the symptoms is difficulty losing weight, but then one of the treatments many places recommend is, well, lose weight. Like dude, don’t you think I want to? I’m starving constantly. And get hungry so fast after I eat something. Nothing keeps me full really - the best I can do is simple carbs mixed with protein. That does the best for me as far as keeping me full. Frankly, it’s incredibly frustrating. And then adding in the fact that I have a small child depending on me for everything? It’s exhausting and makes cooking a little difficult. I’ve found myself really struggling with meals, both prepping and just finding things that seem like they’d taste good. So I did some research and did a nice deep dive into what one can do to help insulin resistance aside from the incredibly unhelpful advice of “lose weight & exercise.” There are definitely a few things that just aren’t realistic for me right now (or in some cases, ever). For example, cinnamon. I’m actually mildly allergic, so throwing extra cinnamon in my diet is probably not going to do me any good. Or sleeping more; I’m kinda at the mercy of my kid and my job there. Some of them I’m already doing: trying to add fruits and veggies into my diet, choosing lean protein over anything else, lowering stress(I’m on meds and in therapy). Others I want to slowly start working into my life over time. Those include: Drinking green tea Supplements Avoiding trans fats Choosing complex carbs Increasing soluble fiber Lower sugar intake Getting moving Unfortunately for my sanity, one of the best things I can do is get moving. Yet, one of the hardest things for me to do is get in a pattern of moving regularly. I think right now I need to focus on what changes I can make within my current life stage. I’d like to also make it known that I’m hoping that things will calm down when I move into my own home (eventually…) and that I want to start exercising regularly, but right now it’s just not realistic. So without further ado, my (hopefully realistic) challenge goals. Add In Fruits & Veggies As before, add in one fruit or veggie with each meal. I’ll work more on really dialing in on what fruits and veggies when I have the mental and emotional space to do so. Increase Soluble Fiber Soluble fiber is, in theory, a great way to help control blood sugar. So I’m going to be taking some Benefiber 2-3x/day (instructions say three but I’m giving myself a bit of leeway here). Hopefully that won’t ruin my guts.. Drink Green tea Again, drinking green tea is a great way to help regulate blood sugar. So I’ll be doing that once a day. Since I don’t care much for green tea alone, I'm going to make a cup of regular black tea and put a green tea teabag in with it. Intentional Movement I can’t do much movement wise right now, but I think trying to do just something intentional once a week will be a good base from which to build a habit. No particular thing I have to do, just something. Even if it’s only five minutes or like an extra couple squats while I’m waiting for my coffee to brew. Anything is better than nothing. Bonus: Snack Level Ups Basically this is a bonus goal for bonus points. When I choose a healthy snack vs sweets I get an extra point. So that’s my challenge for May guys - Plus Ultra and good luck! (and yes I’m a little late with my challenge but better late than never, right??) 4 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
shaar Posted May 7 Report Share Posted May 7 I'm sorry about the frustrating medical things!! That does sound like a huge pain and really hard to make headway with... I love though that you are working on implementing small changes to set yourself up for bigger and better things!! ❤️ You rock and you GOT THIS!! 1 Quote i am not waiting for a hero. i saved myself long ago. Level 58 Bard & Monk of the Furious Heart STR.55 DEX.43 STA.48 CON.51 WIS.53 CHA.65 "Well...in the end, it boils down to two simple choices. Either you do or you don't. You'd think with all the problems in this world, there'd be more answers. It's not fair... ...But that's the way things are. The choice is yours." Link to comment
Tanktimus the Encourager Posted May 7 Report Share Posted May 7 You're playing life on Hard Mode right now. I'm here for support. 1 Quote Current Challenge "By the Most-Righteous-and-Blessed Beard of Sir Tanktimus the Encourager!" - Jarl Rurik Harrgath Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted May 7 Report Share Posted May 7 Whew, you ARE playing life on Hard Mode right now, geez!! 😮 I'm here to root for you and encourage you when I can. And so proud of you, you're amazing!! ❤️ 1 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 53 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 8 Author Report Share Posted May 8 5 hours ago, shaar said: I'm sorry about the frustrating medical things!! That does sound like a huge pain and really hard to make headway with... I love though that you are working on implementing small changes to set yourself up for bigger and better things!! ❤️ You rock and you GOT THIS!! It's annoying. But we'll see what the bloodwork says, there are nice medical sciency advancements that can actually make it easier to work with my body instead of fighting it. Which is what losing any level of weight feels like or even trying to eat healthy >_> Yeah, i've always heard (and seen) that adding habits has better returns than trying to stop something I'm already doing. But thanks ❤️ I needed that. 4 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said: You're playing life on Hard Mode right now. I'm here for support. Yeah... between that and the universe seeming to refuse to give me and Mr. Right a break I'm Not Having A Good Time™ 4 hours ago, SkyGirl said: Whew, you ARE playing life on Hard Mode right now, geez!! 😮 I'm here to root for you and encourage you when I can. And so proud of you, you're amazing!! ❤️ Thank you ❤️ I... cannot explain how much I needed to hear that. Like to the point that it made me teary. ~ Guys I just wanna say thanks ❤️ all three of you. I've been feeling so isolated, my closest friend is growing and expanding her circle and despite all her best efforts, I'm not a priority anymore really. I've spent the entire weekend seeing her and my other two closest friends (and some additions to their circle that i'm not friends with) having a grand old time at a comic con, and also listening to my parents and sister talking about their trip to New York to see my brother sing at Carnegie hall - a trip I wanted to attend desperately and am unable to attend due to any number of factors that mostly boil down to not being able to travel alone with a 5 month old baby. I really needed the reminder that I still have people. I'm incredibly lonely and... can't describe how nice it was to hear from you guys today. Like "I'm literally crying at my laptop" nice. Love you guys all so much 5 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
shaar Posted May 8 Report Share Posted May 8 Being lonely is HARD my friend, and it hurts - like physically hurts IMO. I went through a real lonely spell the winter after covid became A Thing and it was just… depressive, miserable, and painful. It was very hard to navigate through and I think unless someone has really felt real loneliness, they just don’t understand the gravity of it. I wish I could give you a big hug and sit down with a mug of tea and just chill!! But in lieu of that I will keep cheering you on from across the internet ~ it WILL get better, I promise!!!! ♥️ 1 Quote i am not waiting for a hero. i saved myself long ago. Level 58 Bard & Monk of the Furious Heart STR.55 DEX.43 STA.48 CON.51 WIS.53 CHA.65 "Well...in the end, it boils down to two simple choices. Either you do or you don't. You'd think with all the problems in this world, there'd be more answers. It's not fair... ...But that's the way things are. The choice is yours." Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 9 Author Report Share Posted May 9 23 hours ago, shaar said: Being lonely is HARD my friend, and it hurts - like physically hurts IMO. I went through a real lonely spell the winter after covid became A Thing and it was just… depressive, miserable, and painful. It was very hard to navigate through and I think unless someone has really felt real loneliness, they just don’t understand the gravity of it. I wish I could give you a big hug and sit down with a mug of tea and just chill!! But in lieu of that I will keep cheering you on from across the internet ~ it WILL get better, I promise!!!! ♥️ Yeah, it really does.... A lot of it is location. I have to go back to my hometown and make new friends somehow... it's a struggle, honestly. But I'll get there. I think i'm also really grieving the changes in my friendship with my best friend. I think I've been desperately holding on to what our friendship has been and while I don't think the new way is bad per se, but it's different and given that unlike them, I don't have more/new people to fill in the gaps, the grief is a lot more front and center. I wish that too, but one day I'll come up to your neck of the woods to visit because your instagram pictures make me want to see that area!! Thank you ❤️ 2 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 9 Author Report Share Posted May 9 u g h today is just not. I got my bloodwork results back and, well, it was nothing for my doc to call me over. Which is highly frustrating. High triglycerides, one type of cholesterol high, low platelets, highish percentage of lymph somethings (apparently common with infections/inflammation??). No indicators of diabetes or thyroid issues. I'm incredibly frustrated at this point. Also, my baby is teething (she has a tiny lil piece of tooth that's come through) and she doesn't seem interested in anything but being held. Not conducive to working. But then, to be fair, neither is my absolute garbage executive function. 3 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 11 Author Report Share Posted May 11 I think one of the most important things I need to remember as far as exercise and movement is that there is no minimum time requirement. Doing a few leg lifts while my coffee brews or holding a squat while I wash my hands are so valid ways to exercise right now when I have no free time and little energy. Currently I'm reading an enneagram book that's what I would call pleasantly generic. It's not spirituality based, it's not excessively sciency either. It's just really solid actionable items that are good advice for literally everyone. It helps you look at your type as nothing more and nothing less than a pattern of thought and behavior. Habits basically. You can make decisions and take actions counter to your type, but it takes time and work to get yourself to a position where your subconsious thoughts and feelings don't run faster than your conscious ones. @SkyGirl have you read The Conscious Enneagram by Abi Robins? 3 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 13 Author Report Share Posted May 13 This week went a lot better than expected. I got a decent number of fruits and veggies in, and I even got a couple of movement points and a couple of bonus snack points. I've been drinking my green tea and taking my fiber even though it doesn't sound like I have insulin resistance. The fiber has done good things for my gut so far, and I'm pleased about it. I'm going to be meal prepping later today, and currently I'm doing some work related items while my little miss is chilling in her new-to-us exer-saucer Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
SkyGirl Posted May 13 Report Share Posted May 13 On 5/11/2023 at 12:23 PM, TheGreyJedi-Ranger said: @SkyGirl have you read The Conscious Enneagram by Abi Robins? Hello, I am late! I haven't read this one but I'm intrigued! The Enneagram has helped me SO much in my mental health journey, especially when I link it to core beliefs in cognitive behavioral therapy and understand how my core fears shape my personality and life goals. I love that the book is making those transformational steps concrete and approachable! Also - you definitely have us, even when we're slow to respond, and you can always always DM me on Facebook too. ❤️ Having little ones IS a very isolating time of life, especially if you're one of the first in your friend group and the rest haven't started slowing down and sticking closer to home like you have to. Even knowing that your relationships will soon settle into their new rhythm, it's so expected for this time of transition to be painful, uncertain, and very lonely. ❤️ I'm so incredibly proud of you and I hope you get some answers on your health soon too. 3 Quote SKY ELVENWORD NOBLEHEART The Silver Archer, Ranger Level 53 Jesus-follower | Writer | Encourager | Resident Myers-Briggs and Enneagram Geek "Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people." - Fred Rogers Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 14 Author Report Share Posted May 14 1 hour ago, SkyGirl said: Hello, I am late! I haven't read this one but I'm intrigued! The Enneagram has helped me SO much in my mental health journey, especially when I link it to core beliefs in cognitive behavioral therapy and understand how my core fears shape my personality and life goals. I love that the book is making those transformational steps concrete and approachable! Also - you definitely have us, even when we're slow to respond, and you can always always DM me on Facebook too. ❤️ Having little ones IS a very isolating time of life, especially if you're one of the first in your friend group and the rest haven't started slowing down and sticking closer to home like you have to. Even knowing that your relationships will soon settle into their new rhythm, it's so expected for this time of transition to be painful, uncertain, and very lonely. ❤️ I'm so incredibly proud of you and I hope you get some answers on your health soon too. I thought it was an interesting neutral perspective on the Enneagram. A lot of enneagram works I've noticed either tend to be heavily influenced by eastern traditions or Christian ones. I think there's definitely a place for both, but it was also nice to read something that was a bit more neutral. Thanks ❤️ life's been real topsy turvy this year. Half the time I feel like I've made all these great strides toward growth and the other half of the time I feel like I'm crashing and burning every couple of weeks. My therapist keeps reminding me that there's a lot going on in my life right now that's not really within my control. Which is, as I'm sure you'd expect, so fun. 1 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted May 22 Author Report Share Posted May 22 This challenge has been super quiet for everyone - including me. I've been doing okay with my goals, though I've been sick for a few days and now I'm sicker so that's delightful >_> We'll see how it goes. 3 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
Rhovaniel Posted June 6 Report Share Posted June 6 Jedi! Hi! I'm sorry I've been more AWOL than I used to - this challenge has been a bit of a wash, all told. BUT. I want to echo what the others on here have said. We are here for you. My DMs on here are always open. If socials are more your thing, let me know and I'll be happy to add you on instagram (or FB, though aside from messenger I don't tend to use it much). I'm sorry about the friend situation. Been there, in that friendships evolve and suddenly you aren't what you used to be to each other. Hugs, my friend. That is incredibly rough. 1 Quote “All You Have To Decide Is What To Do With The Time That Is Given To You.” - Gandalf The Chronicles of Rhovaniel, Dúnedain Ranger: Volume One: Wintering, Volume Two: Winter is Passing, Spring is Near, The Chronicles of Rhovaniel, Volume Three: Reborn into Spring, Rhovaniel Batltes the PEWS (late spring challenge)| Volume Four: Strength in Summer|Volume Five: Ambushed in the Archives (current) Spoiler Previous Challenges: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13 14| 15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|23|24|25|26|27| 28 29|30 Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted June 11 Author Report Share Posted June 11 On 6/6/2023 at 10:16 AM, Rhovaniel said: Jedi! Hi! I'm sorry I've been more AWOL than I used to - this challenge has been a bit of a wash, all told. BUT. I want to echo what the others on here have said. We are here for you. My DMs on here are always open. If socials are more your thing, let me know and I'll be happy to add you on instagram (or FB, though aside from messenger I don't tend to use it much). I'm sorry about the friend situation. Been there, in that friendships evolve and suddenly you aren't what you used to be to each other. Hugs, my friend. That is incredibly rough. I think this challenge was rough on everyone tbh - pretty much everyone I keep up with was pretty AWOL and from what I've seen on social it's not been easy. I may actually take you up on that, it's not been a great time recently that's for sure. We're in and out and still trying to adjust our dynamic I think. I feel better about it, but it doesn't help me figure out how to handle my day-to-day being so different. 1 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted June 14 Author Report Share Posted June 14 I've been doing my usual thing and using zero week as a time of reflection and thought. It's been really rough. I've been tracking everything even though my posting has gone a bit out the window thanks to like.... literally everything. Because frankly, life is pretty objectively terrible right now (I'm not just saying that, my therapist agrees). So really what I need/want to focus on are behaviors that will promote my mental health. Some of those will be physical behaviors, as movement/exercise are super important to managing my depression (and anxiety). And I've been working on my coping mechanisms too so I'd like to incorporate that stuff into my challenge. The following are options to pick from for goals based on my current needs: Drink 2 glasses of water a day Actually wake up and go to bed on time Or really, just tidy up my schedule again Little bits of movement every day Take time to read books (idc whether they're fiction or non) m e d i t a t i o n journaling skincare Maybe calm down on the social media usage outside of certain situations I'll think on it more, and probably do a minimalist type challenge for next run. 2 Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
TheGreyJedi-Ranger Posted June 16 Author Report Share Posted June 16 here's my new challenge Quote Grey Jedi Ranger Jedi Becomes A Hero Vol VII: Jedi Keeps Pushing Jedi Battle Log “Keep Calm, Carry On, and Don't Freeze Up!” - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud), My Hero Academia Vigilantes Challenges: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12. #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28, #29, #30, #31, #32, #33, #34, #35, #36, #37, #38, #39, #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, #45, #46, #47, #48, #49, #50, #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56, #57, #58, #59, #60, Link to comment
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