That's a wrap!
- Kimberly Winters
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Like this puzzle, the July Ultimate Blog Challenge is complete. However, I did not post 31 blogs in 31 days, in fact, I posted only 13 blogs this month (actually, 14 counting this one). So, not even half.
Do I feel like a failure? Nope! When I realized that the month was picking up, what I had planned to write about wasn't really happening, and I wasn't actually prepared to write 31 blogs, I decided that I would post when I could so that's exactly what I did.
I had set out to share my walking adventure with you and then I couldn't keep going. You can read about why here. I wish I had kept writing though about the emotional toll not walking was taking on me. I was frustrated and so disappointed. I found I was more irritable, I really missed (and am still missing, honestly) the birds, chipmunks, rabbits, turtles, and fish who were part of my morning. I started to feel really sad and concerned for my health, I mean, if I can't walk for exercise, what else is there for someone like me?!
Then, last Thursday as I was getting ready for bed I noticed my ankles. They were swollen, the most swollen I have ever seen them. I sat there and started to cry. When and how did things get so bad? I have so much knowledge around how to nourish myself, why was I eating so much take out and easy, processed junk food when I know how to cook and to cook well? I thought I had done the work in therapy and through other practices to love myself enough to truly take care of myself. Sadly, my ankles were telling a different story. One of neglect, one of convenience over care.
So, I showed my husband my ankles and expressed to him what I was feeling, how sad I was about where I had gotten to. How can I show up for the animals everyday if I'm sending myself down a path of health issues and maybe even an early death? I need to be my best self for them and for me.
As you know from my blog over the weekend, I was out all day Friday and I have to tell you, being outside in the heat like that just solidified what JP and I had talked about the night before. I was okay at first but once the heat started to work on me, I thought for sure I was going to pass out. I managed to smile in the photos and look somewhat okay (though very red). If anyone spoke to me during that last hour I was there, I am sorry if I seemed a bit out of it or distracted, my body was very angry. It took hours for me to feel well again. My body was again telling me, it's time to make different choices.
So, on Saturday, I began doing just that and JP Is along for the ride with me. I know, it's only been a few days and I don't have the best track record with caring for myself consistently but when I tell you the difference in how I feel, mentally and physically, it is night and day. I wanted to write this out so I could go back to It In those hard moments, when I want to give up and eat vegan nuggets with Chao mac and cheese.
Earlier last week I gathered up some laundry In the basket to take to the basement and throw In the wash, I made It halfway down the first set of stairs when my right knee (which Isn't even my problem knee!) felt like It was going to give out. JP declared that until It seemed safe for me to carry the basket down the stairs he would be the only one doing laundry. I did 3 loads of laundry yesterday. When I tell you that plants are magical, this is part of that. The way my inflammation starts to come down right away when I'm eating whole foods is mind blowing. I wanted to write that down as well so I can remember that too. I deserve the healthiest body I can have, we all do.
If you aren't yet vegan you might think that the food you'll eat once going vegan becomes boring because there's less to eat but it's actually the opposite, and even a typically comfort food vegan such as myself can confirm that. Before going vegan my life was smaller in all ways, but especially in my meals. I ate like 5 things.
Above is a great example of an exciting and nourishing meal I had this week, a red lentil dahl with basmati rice. By the way, if you can get fresh curry leaves, it really elevates this dish! I've made this before without the curry leaves because I couldn't find them and it was really good but it was even better adding those in as the recipe calls for. We discovered an Indian market a few towns over and were able to get them there. The warming spices and addition of some chopped kale made this dish so nourishing, it feels like love and care for myself right there on my plate.
Even though the blog challenge is over, I might keep writing about this new journey of healing myself. It will likely be a lot about what I'm eating and various practices like meditation, and whatever I'm able to do exercise wise (which I expect and hope will change as I care for myself.) Does that interest you? Let me know in the comments.
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