JANUARY 2025 W.I.S.H. THREAD, NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS

[ShannyMcB]

@Summer2018

Not super big on resolutions as I rarely keep them and then get mad about it. But, one thing that has been useful for me and I want to carry into 2025 is being more conscious surrounding my stress eating. Yes I am a stress eater, I know this, and often trying to turn that stress reaction into something else (exercising, crafting) is not practical. So I am going to make an effort to have…if not healthy snacks…less calorie bomb snacks on hand for when I get flustered. Chickpea buckeyes, popcorn, protein bites, Greek yogurt to make frozen yogurt in my ice cream maker… that sort of thing. I feel like this will be attainable as I am not trying to fight my nature.

 

[Summer2018]

SELF-CARE SUNDAY

 

[Summer2018]

Today’s self-care was being healthy enough to attend church where we celebrated Epiphany. I was unable to sing on Christmas Eve and have been losing my voice regularly, but today I was blessed with the lowest range of my voice, and I was able to sing, “We Three Kings,” “In The Bleak Midwinter,” and “The First Noel.” For me when I can sing, it is a mini miracle. From early childhood, I have joyfully sung in multiple choirs in my soprano voice, taken voice lessons, and directed many musical performances. Singing in the classroom has been an integral part of my teaching. Covid stole that voice from me, and in the process broke my heart. Now there’s days that I can’t even read a story aloud much less sing. I hope that one day I can once again sing more often.

Today I will be starting the arduous task of taking down the trees and the remaining decorations. I am off for Three Kings Day tomorrow, so whatever I don’t finish today will get done on Monday.

 

[Scootin'By]

Today’s self-care was being healthy enough to attend church where we celebrated Epiphany.

That's fantastic! Congrats on singing We didn't sing those ones in my church today, but we had some other good Epiphany Songs

What was hard for me, and what is always hard, is the coffee hour afterwards. The treats all look SO DELICIOUS! And today they had donuts. Donuts are my weakness. I was strong and just stuck to coffee and a few dried figs. Go me!

 

[ShannyMcB]

Motivation Monday
How are you staying motivated when your body may be wanting to hibernate?

 

[PollyannaMom]

Self-care yesterday was just following my instincts, resting and puttering.

How are you staying motivated when your body may be wanting to hibernate?

I'm not doing quite as well as this time last month, but I have a series I like going on the iPad, so that does help pass the time on the treadmill.

 

[Summer2018]

My biggest challenge right now is the leftover holiday treats in my house. I was very specific with my family and told them, "quality over quantity." I love high quality chocolate like See's Candy, Godiva, and my all time favorite, Swedish chocolate. I would rather have small amounts of the good stuff than large boxes of grocery store chocolate. It's all good, but my body doesn't need it. It's better for me to savor something extraordinary than binge the ordinary. Everyone listened except my DH who bought a whole bunch of mediocre chocolate at HomeGoods. Nobody has really been eating much of it. So, it's hanging around taunting me. I don't even want it, but in my weaker moments, I have it. Then I get mad at myself. So, I'm trying to ignore it all. The cookies have been gone since New Year's as planned by me. I made enough to enjoy, share with family and friends, and then they were strategically out of the house on January 2nd. I control what I can, but DH's behavior is not within my locus of control.

I'm fortunate to be off today while most of the rest of the world is back at school and work. I haven't been alone in my house for so long except when I was sick and unable to enjoy it. I am taking down the big tree today, doing laundry, and a lot of self-care activities. I hope today goes by slowly.

 

[Oneanne]

@Summer2018 - I "liked" your post for your can-do attitude, and wish you a much better year!


I'm struggling a bit with thinking ahead to 2025. We lost one of our cats right before Christmas, the other one doesn't seem to be handling it well (I was at the vet with her this morning over some litter box issues) and resolutions just don't have the front-of-my-mind place that they normally would.

I know I should put declutering on my list (again ) and that I want to get more organized about regular trips to Florida now that my Dad is living there all year rather than "snowbirding". Walking on the treadmill is going OK, thanks to the exercise threads here on the DIS keeping me on track. I'll have to think more about what I should choose for food-related goals.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty.

 

[Oneanne]

Catching up...

It is interesting, and different, to go into the year knowing it will be full of big changes due to moving and having to re-learn how to commute and how to work in the office again. I've changed so much since going to remote working and it is important to carry that with me. Part of how I want to present myself is tied to losing weight so I can dress the way I want to - modern classic business attire. I have managed to get one pound off, so finally heading in the right direction.

Self-care yesterday was a quiet day of putzing around and knitting.

Yah, the need to hibernate is strong right now. We're to the point in the year where the regular heavy overcast makes it feel like twilight all day long. It is predicted to be dry until Friday, so hopefully that also means we'll see the sun at least a few times. Sunshine always helps mood and energy.

 

[Oneanne]

When we shared memes I really didn't have any, but since then quite a few good ones have been in my feeds... this is one I hadn't heard before and it really struck a chord.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Everyone listened except my DH who bought a whole bunch of mediocre chocolate at HomeGoods. Nobody has really been eating much of it. So, it's hanging around taunting me. I don't even want it, but in my weaker moments, I have it. Then I get mad at myself...

I'm fortunate to be off today while most of the rest of the world is back at school and work. I haven't been alone in my house for so long except when I was sick and unable to enjoy it...

I think should discretely throw away a few pieces every time you're alone in the house!

 

[PollyannaMom]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty.

Thank you

 

[xipotec]

One wish.
Peace.

Personally, and globally.... can we stop interfering with others lives and killing each other.

 

[ShannyMcB]

Topic Tuesday…soup!
Love it? Hate it? Recipe you can share?

 

[PollyannaMom]

I love soup!!

When out, I like to get French onion or clam chowder.

And this:
Tortellini Soup

is the homemade one I get the most requests for in my house.

 

[Oneanne]

I've long thought I wasn't a soup person, but when I have it, I really like it so have had to re-evaluate.

I've recently started having bone broth every day, mostly to heal my gut which has taken so much abuse from the sugar consumption. So far there is just one flavor I really like, the rest are just OK. I need to look at their website for recipes to maybe amp it up a bit.

I do think I prefer soups with stuff in them rather than just broth. And of course, a nice buttery piece of bread to go with is required.

 

[PAsFab5]

@Summer2018 - I "liked" your post for your can-do attitude, and wish you a much better year!


I'm struggling a bit with thinking ahead to 2025. We lost one of our cats right before Christmas, the other one doesn't seem to be handling it well (I was at the vet with her this morning over some litter box issues) and resolutions just don't have the front-of-my-mind place that they normally would.

I know I should put declutering on my list (again ) and that I want to get more organized about regular trips to Florida now that my Dad is living there all year rather than "snowbirding". Walking on the treadmill is going OK, thanks to the exercise threads here on the DIS keeping me on track. I'll have to think more about what I should choose for food-related goals.

I am so sorry about your precious kitty

 

[PAsFab5]

Hello Friends!!! Catching up here after a busy time off and getting back to work yesterday.

@Summer2018 thank you for sharing your ups and downs as well as your positive mindset for the new year. I love hearing your outlook on things and value what you share with us. I have learned a lot from you!!

My #1 thing to improve in 2025 is having a “low buy” mindset. I actually didn’t wait until the new year I started the week of Christmas after the last present was bought. It’s going well according to my bank account and credit cards but I am dealing with some frustration with the process. I am not a shopping addict but i certainly buy too much impulsively and my biggest issue is overspending on groceries. I want to limit my groceries to only deliver every 2 weeks and no amazon or other orders unless all other options are exhausted (use something else, see if I have it already in the attic or shed, ect…) I have been “shopping” then abandoning my cart and telling myself if I still need it in 24 hours to go back and buy it…spoiler alert I have never went back and bought anything!

It’s freezing cold here but I am motivated to keep my body moving even if it’s indoors. I have done yoga for 30 mins before work both yesterday and today so off to a good start. I dared to step on the scale today and I gained 10lbs over Christmas…fantastic my eating has been good since 1/2 so hoping to keep that up.

I LOVE soup! If we are going out I am always looking for cream of crab or French onion!! At home I make a crock pot baked potato with cubed frozen hashbrowns and also a white chicken chili. I do need to expand my homemade soup making, I will make that a winter task!

 

[Summer2018]

Hello Friends!!! Catching up here after a busy time off and getting back to work yesterday.

@Summer2018 thank you for sharing your ups and downs as well as your positive mindset for the new year. I love hearing your outlook on things and value what you share with us. I have learned a lot from you!!

My #1 thing to improve in 2025 is having a “low buy” mindset. I actually didn’t wait until the new year I started the week of Christmas after the last present was bought. It’s going well according to my bank account and credit cards but I am dealing with some frustration with the process. I am not a shopping addict but i certainly buy too much impulsively and my biggest issue is overspending on groceries. I want to limit my groceries to only deliver every 2 weeks and no amazon or other orders unless all other options are exhausted (use something else, see if I have it already in the attic or shed, ect…) I have been “shopping” then abandoning my cart and telling myself if I still need it in 24 hours to go back and buy it…spoiler alert I have never went back and bought anything!

It’s freezing cold here but I am motivated to keep my body moving even if it’s indoors. I have done yoga for 30 mins before work both yesterday and today so off to a good start. I dared to step on the scale today and I gained 10lbs over Christmas…fantastic my eating has been good since 1/2 so hoping to keep that up.

I LOVE soup! If we are going out I am always looking for cream of crab or French onion!! At home I make a crock pot baked potato with cubed frozen hashbrowns and also a white chicken chili. I do need to expand my homemade soup making, I will make that a winter task!

Thank you.

 

[Summer2018]

I love soup, especially chicken noodle soup. I would love to make it, but every recipe I come across seems like an awful lot of work. My favorite is from Panera, but our Big Y and Stop & Shop also have a pretty good chicken soup in their delis.

I adore New England Clam Chowder, and there are many restaurants in Cape Cod that make it just right, but my favorite is from Moby Dick's in Wellfleet. When we went in October, we brought home two quarts of their clam chowder, and we froze them for a special occasion. We enjoyed the first batch on New Year's Day. Delicious.

I grew up enjoying Campbell's Cream of Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Does beef stew count? I make a good beef stew using my father's recipe, but my stomach no longer tolerates tomato's acidity, so I am no longer able enjoy beef stew or tomato soup.

If anyone has a chicken noodle soup recipe that's not too complicated, I would love to try it.