It appears I’m back to my old schedule of getting up early, so I have a running start on the day. And I could not be more grateful. Last night, I prayed, “Please wake me up at such-and-such a time”. Didn’t even set my alarm. You got it–I opened my eyes five minutes before I wanted to wake up. I rolled out of bed and the first–okay, the second–thing I did was eat an apple. One of the best lessons I’ve learned on Food Lovers is that it’s very important to have a bite of something fairly nutritious as soon as possible after getting out of bed. Why? Because it kick-starts the metabolism. Once I’d eaten, I got a bottle of water and put in twenty very easy minutes on my exercise bike–while listening to today’s episode of the Daily Audio Bible. Multi-tasking at it’s best. 🙂 After that, I made breakfast and read my devotionals, and now here I am, yammering away at you.
In terms of exercise, my goal is 30 minutes, five days a week, on my trusty bike. According to a book I’m reading, called “Spark”, people who exercise early in the day have way more energy and are more productive than they’d thought possible. (Works for me, because there’s a LOT I want to do before the final curtain.) This time, it isn’t so much about getting skinny–though I’d certainly welcome any help I can get in that particular endeavor–but about taking care of myself, being as healthy as I can. (Some of you will remember our New Year’s discussion about what we could do NOW to be better off five years from now. Losing weight and exercising were part of it for me, in addition to cultivating my relationship with God.) I’ll be adding light strength training soon, again to keep myself strong and healthy from here on out.)
I promised a report on the Bio-identical Hormones–I met with a pharmacist at Riverpointe yesterday, and we went over my lab results together. Turns out I’m lacking two important hormones and barely limping by on a third–as I suspected. The magic potion is being whipped up as we speak, and I should be able to start taking the hormones themselves within the next few days. The pharmacist confirmed everything Suzanne Somers said in her book about bio-identical hormones–if they’re out of balance, it’s next to impossible to lose weight, no matter how you eat and exercise, and depression is a common problem as well. Bingo. (And God bless you, Suzanne–you’re not only beautiful, but smart as the proverbial whip and willing to share your wisdom.)
Yes, I ended up choosing Food Lovers over Suzanne’s plan, which is called “Somersizing”, if you’re curious, but I’ll be trying out some of her recipes, you can bet on that. The ideas are similar, after all.It’s just like God to clue me in through somebody like Suzanne (mistakenly perceived by many as a dumb blonde) instead of–well–my doctors–He’s got quite a sense of humor. 🙂 I’ll keep you posted on my progress, although the pharmacist reminded me that while I will feel better in some ways within a few days, this is a process, not a quick fix, and it takes about six months to balance out. (One of the hormones not only stops bone loss, it restores bone density! How come nobody told me THAT?)
Obviously, there are big changes coming my way. All I’ve got to say is, “Bring it!”
Lastly, I’m thinking of the “question” I raised, about what I would and wouldn’t change, if I could go back in time.
Things I would change: I would be a LOT kinder to myself and others. I wouldn’t waste so much time and energy worrying. I would be more consistent, especially in my spiritual life, and start exercising. I would laugh more, cry more, and take more risks. Instead of leaping into situations that seemed like a good idea at first, I would ask for God’s opinion.
Things I wouldn’t change: Bringing Wendy Diane Miller, my brilliant and beautiful daughter, into the world, moving from Pocket Books to Harlequin, where I am living happily ever after. Adopting my dogs, cats and horses. Taking care of my mom. Spending time with my dad, especially during the last few years of his life, and establishing a relationship with Edith, my stepmother. Writing about cowboys instead of knights in shining armor. 🙂 Traveling all over the world and living in London, Florence and Venice.
I could go on and on, of course. More could be added to both lists.
But it’s a start.
I’m off to Parable for a few hours, then I’ll be celebrating Mom and Jerry’s birthdays, stopping by the grocery store and–phew–probably taking a nap. 🙂 After all, I was up early.
God bless and keep you until we meet again–and for the rest of your life. Every one of you is a blessing to me and mine.
Be kind. For some people, a smile is literally a lifesaver.
About Linda
The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West.
Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.
