Sometimes you need a reset.

The third grade class I work with recently studied ecosystems and interdependence.  We extended the lesson to talk about our interdependence upon each other in the classroom and in the school community.  We humans truly are interdependent on each other in many ways.  I started thinking about how the different aspects of our individual selves are also interdependent.  We may call the different parts of our selves mind, body, and spirit.  Or we may talk about physical and mental well-being.  These are integral parts of our whole person.  If one part is off balance or unhealthy in some way, the other parts will likely be affected. 

In my own life, the past few years have been ones of constant change and transition.  To name a few: two job changes for me (one which was significant), various schooling changes for my children, new drivers in the house, changes in parenthood as my kids move into the teen and young adult years, sending a child off to college a couple of thousand miles away, as well as the typical mental and physical changes of growing further into middle age.

There are many rewards in meeting the challenges that come with transitions.  I love the self-knowledge and comfort-in-my-skin that are part of being 48, and I have no desire at all to return to my twenties or thirties.  It's a joy to see my children grow into their young adult selves.  But change can also be hard, and I worry.  This is my reality.  As a companion to all that, I managed to accumulate thirty extra pounds on my body in the course of about three years.  It's not just about the number of pounds.  I got into the habit of eating to comfort myself in times of stress and anxiety.  My go-to comfort foods involve carb-loading with chips and popcorn or sugar-loading in the form of chocolate and other sweets.  None of this food actually made me feel better.  In fact - my energy levels, general moods and quality of sleep had deteriorated.

Although I knew I needed to change my habits, it took me a while to figure out how to do that.  I thought I could just limit my snacking.  But I'd come home after a stressful day at work and eat half a bag of tortilla chips.  So that didn't work.  I finally decided that I needed a stricter framework to help me get back on track, and I chose to do the Whole30.  On Tuesday of last week, I completed thirty days.  If you haven't heard of the Whole30, it's essentially a 30-day elimination diet.  From the book The Whole30: The 30-day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom:

Think of the Whole30 like pushing the "reset" button with your health, your habits, and your relationship with food.

I love the use of the word "reset" as part of the Whole30 lingo.  I think it's a good term to apply in general to habits, ideas or choices we may need to "reset" in various areas of our lives.  The job change I made in February was a reset of sorts that restructured my time and schedule and caused me to look at other parts of my life, including my physical health.  When I do a blog challenge or take a writing class, that's a reset for my creative life.  Eating healthier on the Whole30 made me want to be more active and exercise more. 

Eating healthy, being physically active, getting outdoors more often, pursuing my creative interests, making time for yoga, meditation and prayer, connecting with family and friends, finding work that is challenging and meaningful and helps support my family better - these are all interconnected and interdependent.  If I'm striving to live and love in good and healthy ways, it starts with an awareness of the interconnectedness. 

***** 

So, was my Whole30 a success?  Indeed it was.  I lost twelve pounds over the course of thirty days.  And I had many non-scale victories (NSVs in Whole30 lingo) as well.  I really needed that reset on my relationship with food, which has helped me develop healthier eating habits.  My energy levels and moods are definitely more even than before.  I no longer feel sluggish most of the day.  I am sleeping better - not perfect, but better than before.  My skin looks healthier.  I don't have as much bloating or various digestive irregularities, which I frequently had before.  My knees still creak, and my lower back still hurts sometimes.  But I'm recommitted to seeking out ways to make myself stronger.   I don't believe in miracle cures, but I do believe the Whole30 can be beneficial for many people.  (P.S. Thanks to my husband and kids for being super supportive of my Whole30 journey.) 

*****

How about you?  Are you looking for a reset in some part of your life?  You can do it!

*****

If you missed my Mother's Day Post, you can read it here:
all you mommas

Or in honor of this day, check out my Memorial Day post about my dad from last year:
Any of you dummies know how to type?

all you mommas

you're doing a good job.
people don't say that
often enough.
you're doing a good job
all you mommas
of babies and toddlers
and school-age kids
and tweens & teens
young adults & grown-ups.
you're doing the best
you can at each and
every moment.
that doesn't mean
you aren't tired
you don't lose it
you don't yell
sometimes
and make mistakes.
because you do,
we all do.
you're doing a good job
even so.

it's hard.
yes, it's hard.
motherhood is often
portrayed as seamless,
so very natural
and idealized.
sometimes however
it's hard.
all you mommas -
how could it not
be sometimes hard
to have part of your
heart living outside
of your body?
that doesn't mean
there aren't many
effortless moments 
and smooth days
and joy, joy, joy
and love, love, love
always and even
among the hard.

it doesn't get easier.
sorry, it's true.
all you mommas -
let go of the idea
that after this stage
or after that milestone
or after such and such
accomplishment
that all worries, concerns
will melt away.
you are a momma
as long as you live.
but here's the good news -
even though
it doesn't get easier,
You. Get. Better.
you figure out
lots of things.
you learn how
to let go more.
you get better at
living the
joys and sorrows
triumphs and challenges
of being a momma.

You're a good momma, all you mommas.

I am so grateful for all of my beautiful momma friends with whom with I share the journey of motherhood.

*****

Bits of this came to me when I woke up way too early this morning.  More of it came to me on a morning run.  (Don't be impressed - the run was very short and very slow.)  It doesn't feel quite finished or polished, but I'm releasing it today to honor all the amazing moms I know.