Update.

Phew. A busy month. Part of the reason I started doing this was when my relationship ended. It was a nice thing to focus on and distract myself from my “woe is me” and victim mentality.

The first weekend in June, I drove a 15 hour return trip to Wellington with my baby to start packing up some of my stuff. It knocked me for six. I was meant to stay a week, I lasted one night.

Along with some other ups-and-downs, it has taken me a month to get back on even keel again. I’ve made a plan for next weeks “new thing” and I’ve decided that even if it takes me a little bit longer than a year. I’m still going to do 52 weeks.

Knitting – I need to finish my square!
Sauna – I often go each week with an old soccer friend
Blog – Completing it each “week”
Eat Mindfully – AWFUL. I really need to work on this. The bracelet was uncomfortable and I otherwise forget. Maybe a glass with the word “breathe” or something on it might work better!
Grown Up Wardrobe – I haven’t been able to afford to buy any further pieces. But I have also avoided buying ill-fitting clothing.
One line journal – I haven’t been doing it every day. But each time I remember, I write a line about how I’m feeling or what I’ve done. I think the effect will be similar even without a daily contribution.
Rubik’s Cube – I bought my own and have now solved it! I can now do a third of it without cheating. I want to continue practising so I can do the entire thing without prompts.

I think I might do geocaching or IMDB movies next week depending on the weather.

-Hannah

 

 

 

Week Four – Eat Mindfully

Far out this was harder than it looks!

I was intending to watch a roller derby game on Saturday but we ended up visiting my brother in Auckland instead. We don’t go too often so I wasn’t about to bail on them. I think the roller derby is fairly frequent so I’m not too worried.

However.. I got to Sunday evening without having done anything on my list. Eeek. After a quick scroll, I decided I’d make a conscious start on “Eating Mindfully”. Take small bites, chew thoroughly and stop when full. I typically eat very quickly, barely chew and try to force the next mouthful in before the last one is done. And eating with my mouth open OMG! Apologies for the image! I often joke that I try and eat as much as I can before my stomach realises I am full. I’ve also had some trouble with indigestion so it can only ever be a good thing to try.

Most of the articles suggest putting your fork down in between bites. This worked for me as otherwise I’d spend time preparing my next bite and then impatiently trying to eat it ASAP. But I did struggle to remember to put my fork down. It will be a work in progress and I have to start sometime!

I am also going to buy a little leather bracelet with an anchor on it. Thanks aliexpress. The idea is to remind myself to be present in the moment. Set my anchor and focus on the meal. We will see if it works!

– Hannah