Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[jodistar]

Happy Thanksgiving Doreen!

 

[septbride2002]

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Black Friday! I've been neglecting other journals so I have to catch up! Okay I swear I am getting your package out at some point this weekend. It is on my to do list along with 80,000 other things!

I am glad to see you are putting yourself first these days - good for you! That is a nice big step in the right direction!

I hope I "see" you online soon - we havne't chatted in forever!

~Amanda

 

[wilderness01]

Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful.

 

[jodistar]

Hi Doreen,

Just stopping by to see how you are doing! Have a great rest of your weekend.

 

[LAinSEA]

Doe:

I hope you are having a very restful Thanksgiving weekend and that family hasn't stressed you out!

The book you are reading sounds very inspirational. Sometimes finding a book that becomes a "friend" is a wonderful way to leave the world behind for a few hours and if it helps you to center yourself that is all the better.

You will have to ask your DS for a full movie review - which holiday films are must see's and which are wait for the DVD to come out.

-Laurie

 

[septbride2002]

Come on Girlie! I know we can each do 3 miles today!

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Good Monday Morning, dear WISH-sis! I hope that this finds you easing into the day with little baby steps. You know that our Father has given you the strength and the courage to deal with whatever you find sitting on your desk! And if that doesn't comfort you, know that you have only 38 more days until you're in WDW again!

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? I know that being home and surrounded by your family had to give you lots of warm fuzzies. Maybe today, in the midst of all the hectic re-entry stuff, you can get out your calendar and plan a holiday pajama day for you and yours? Just so you know you have some relaxing time on the schedule?

I wish I could say I'd treated myself in a healthy way over the holidays, but I really can't. I did, though, spend a good deal of time reading our book and found a lot of good ideas in it. The chapter on prioritizing particularly appealed to me. What about you? Did you get a chance to mull over any of it?

Have a good day, Doreen. Be kind and gentle to yourself but believe in your God-given ability to see the sunshine in the midst of the chaos!

Erin

 

[DoeWDW]

Wow, what a neat new look to the DISBoards!

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, spent with family. Friday found me shopping - my teenager & her friend wanted to go. Saturday - more shopping because my Mom wanted my son to help pick out his presents. Sunday - a day of celebrating being God's child. I helped at Sunday School and went to church. I walked 3 miles with DH. I did the grocery shopping. I put Christmas lights on one bush in front of the house. Then I made a delicious dinner for my family and set the table with a good tablecloth and the good china.

I am feeling so centered and focused on God and my family, thanks to "A Woman After God's Own Heart." I have gotten so much out of this book and it has translated into action on my part. I've started reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". I haven't gotten very far yet but I like what I'm reading so far.

Today I am back in the work world and I'm feeling mostly OK about it. I'm praying over tasks and getting a lot finished. There's still some anxiety about a large project and how it will turn out based on the differing expectations of the key players, but God has a plan and I'm working hard to trust Him and listen to His guidance on this one without getting wrapped up in the anxiety.

I've brought my own food. Breakfast was some raspberry yogurt with walnuts - delicious and filling! I also have leftover rice, an apple, string cheese and carrots. I'm focusing on smaller portion size and eating until I'm satisfied instead of stuffed.

Today:
1. Devotions - finished.
2. Pills - taken.
3. Water - on my 2nd mug
4. Healthy eating - shouldn't be too much of a problem.
5. Exercise - did 3 miles yesterday and would like to get 2 - 3 miles in this evening. The puppy is no help - she's so freaked out by the outside world right now that she hides if I jingle her leash & collar unless I tell her we're going for a ride in Mommy's van.

I'll be back later to update.

 

[toystoryduo]

Doreen,

Your positive, upbeat post put a huge on my face this morning! I am so glad to hear that you had a wonderful weekend, full of family, fun, and .

I have read the new book that you are reading, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." It has been a while since I have read it, but it is a good book. On my vacation, I plan to re-read A Woman After God's Own Heart. Elizabeth George has a website: www.elizabethgeorge.com. She has a daily devotional there and has a list of her other books as well. As a matter of fact, I think her husband wrote the book, "A Man After God's Own Heart" as well. My DH is interested in that one, but only if it is a book on tape. (He doesn't like to read.)

I hope you have a wonderful day today Doe. Take good care of you!

Tracy

 

[septbride2002]

Great job on the walk Doe! I knew you could do it! And didn't you feel awesome when you were finished!?!?

You have a great plan today and you sound so focused and centered. That is a great way to be!

~Amanda

 

[Strings]

Wow Doreen,

You sound like you are in a really good place right now. I am so happy to hear it. Good luck easing back into the healthy eating today. Controlling portions is a big issue with me. I hope you enjoy your walk sans puppy. Enjoy your evening.
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

I felt so good yesterday morning, so centered and on track, so ready and able to face the world and anything that might come my way. I got a lot accomplished in the morning at work but started lagging by afternoon. By last evening it all fell to pieces and resulted in me sitting on my butt and eating junky food. I have a project at work that is causing me much anxiety. After nearly a week off work, I felt wonderful. After a few hours at work, all that anxiety has returned. I can't live like this. I wanted to cry this morning when I thought about coming into work. This isn't healthy or productive.

Well, I am ever the optimist so I'm going to try to sort through this again. I am going to write down the SPECIFIC thiings and issues about this project that are bothering me. Then I'm going to try to address them one by one. Hopefully, instead of feeling general anxiety, I can contain it to anxiety about a couple specific concrete things that either can be tackled or that I cannot change and must just accept.

I also realize that I am within the DZone and any anxiety I feel during this time seems to hit me harder than at any other time of the month. Therefore, even though I may sense that the sky is falling, some of that general anxiety is hormone related and doesn't need to be taken as seriously. Yes, I can feel it and acknowledge it, but I don't necessarily have to act on it since it will go away on its own in another week or so.

Prayer is also part of my strategy. I am spending time throughout the day to hand this over to God. I must confess though that this doesn't seem to be helping me as much as I would like. Not sure if I just don't have enough faith or if the DZone hormone thing still makes me feel anxious in spite of prayer. Who knows. However, I'm still going to continue this, and trust that He is listening and has a plan. I hope that having me feel anxious for an extended period of time is NOT part of that plan and I have told Him so. Hey, even God has to have a sense of humor, right?

Sorry for the ramblings but I just need to sort this out.

I'm not giving up. I just can't. I'm going to do what I can today.
1. Devotions - as soon as I submit this journal entry and before I do anything else.
2. Meds & vitamins - will be taken with breakfast.
3. Water - started my first mug.
4. Healthy eating - this will be a tough one but I brought my food with me so the odds are in my favor.
5. Exercise - I didn't walk last night and I KNOW I should but I just don't feel like it. We'll see.

 

[lulu201]

for you today, WISH-sis. Some days are just hard, aren't they? All you can do is what you're doing--putting one foot in front of the other, praying along the way. I don't think you lack faith, Doreen. Quite the contrary, if you ask me. You're walking IN faith--trying to address what needs to be done on your project, acknowledging your fears, and moving along the best you can. I also don't think you give yourself enough credit. This job of yours is tough for you. It takes you out of your comfort zone on a DAILY basis yet you continue to stick it out day after day, year after year. You keep moving forward, always looking for the positive. If that's not faith, Doe-Doe, I don't know what is.

Today, as you peek from your cruise ship in the DZONE , just do what you can do. Rely on Him as you feel your fears and know that we're all here around you.

Love,
Erin

 

[septbride2002]

Everything Erin already said!

In regards to your walk - if you can't do 3 miles then do 2 or 1 - do what you can. Focus on the good in your life. Plus maybe the walking time will give you some quite time to figure out the anxiety you are feeling. I know on my walks I tend to sort out all sorts of things going on.

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, Erin & Amanda! I can truly feel my WISH-sisters all around me today.

So far:
1. Devotions - done.
2. Meds & vitamins - taken.
3. Water - still on that first mug.
4. Healthy eating - B = leftover homemade cranberry sauce with walnuts thrown in - truly a yummy treat!
5. Exercise - Amanda, you may be right - I'll walk for a bit during my lunch hour.

If anyone has any extra prayers, would you please send one up for my friend Jerry. He's in a domestic violence situation - he's the victim. My heart is breaking for this family and I'm praying for a resolution that allows them to repair this and create a loving and respectful marriage.

EDIT: 3:45 PM
3. Water - 3 mugs at work - will drink more at home.
4. Healthy eating - AM snack = string cheese, L = pineapple yogurt, PM snack = another string cheese. No binging!! No emotional eating! YAY!
5. Exercise - none yet but hopefully when I get home.

The day turned out to be productive. I stayed focused and am feeling better. I'll have a meeting tomorrow which will be stressful but then things should start to get better if I can get everyone to agree to realign this project to coincide with another project (a real win-win situation for all involved).

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

I need to catch up on the last few pages of your journal, Doe, but I wanted to send some prayers and encouragement your way today. Now my kids need to use the computer...I will post again later!
Jean

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hi Doe,
Finally got caught up with your journal. That book you guys are reading sounds interesting...I might have to pick it up. You sounded so positive and upbeat when you were doing your "housewifely" home things, like cleaning and baking. Then you sounded bummed about work. Work seems to be your major stressor.
I like my job, but I hate doing it 5 days a week because I feel like my house falls apart, which I hate. I am trying to find a good schedule that allows me to work, keep my house clean, and take care of my exercise needs without having to let something go. Just the everyday cleaning like vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms is such a hassle when I have to spend my only day or days off doing it...Do any other full-timers out there have any suggestions? I tried doing one room a day, but it's such a hassle dusting one room, or dragging the vacuum out for one room. And forget the big stuff like windows, cabinets, closets and walls....I just wish I could get more organized at home. I am extremely organized and conscientious at work. I have to be.
Is that book you were reading geared toward SAHM's? I find some Christian books for women tend to denigrate full-time working moms like we're doing something wrong by not being home with our families. Believe me, I'd love to stay home...my house would be spotless!
Sorry for rambling in your journal. I think later I will check out Erin's journal to see what she has to say. I definitely need some organization in my life!
Jean

 

[Princess Michelle]

Doe, I'm praying for Jerry, please let us know how he's doing whenever you have some updates. I think there are more men in his situation than anyone knows and they just suffer in silence out of fear of appearing weak. I hope his wife gets the help she needs soon and as you said, that they are able to restore their marriage to a place of respect and happiness.

My prayers are with you too, hon.

 

[DoeWDW]

Can it reallly be December already???? Wow, time sure does fly!

I got home from work last evening and promptly put on my walking gear and headed back out the door for 2 miles. I mapped out a new 1 mile loop so that I can go by my house every mile. Knowing that I'll only have to do one more mile makes it easier to do just one more loop, if you know what I mean. I'm proud of me for getting out there alone and getting it done. I took Amanda's advice and did lots of thinking and sorting things out while I was walking - very helpful!

My eating wasn't on track, but at least I exercised! Baby steps, not perfection.

I'm feeling more positive today. I've been reciting scripture (I know a whole 2 verses by heart ). 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 46:1 both speak to me of God being with me during times when I'm anxious. I also have been praying instead of worrying - something constructive.

I've brought my food with me today - that's been working out well this week.
1. Devotions - as soon as I finish this entry.
2. Meds & vitamins - as soon as I finish breakfast.
3. Water - started my first mug.
4. Healthy eating - B will be peach yogurt with walnuts mixed in.
5. Exercise - a mile after work tonight if the weather isn't too bad - we're supposed to have wind gusts of up to 50 mph.

It's going to be a good day!

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Doe,

You are doing a great job with your walking! Keep up the good work! Please be careful if you walk today. Here in Ohio, the winds have been ferocious (sp?) and we have already lost power once.

Have a great Wednesday!

Tracy