Soft Music
Today I had both a chiropractor and acupuncture appointment – I felt positively spoiled. Chiropractic was first thing this morning (which was badly needed – my entire back was so incredibly tense). The Dr asked me how acupuncture was going. I told her how I have been just meditating and zoning out during my sessions. Her suggestion was that I start doing it at home – that if I can meditate with needles in me, I should be good to do it wherever. I ended up thinking about that the rest of the day. I knew she was wrong, for me at least; I for some reason I can meditate easier during acupuncture than I can elsewhere. Later in the day I was driving when the answer hit me, and I started giggling out loud: during acupuncture, with all the needles in me, I can’t move! I mean, I know technically you can move… but mentally I feel like I need to be perfectly still until they are all removed. I don’t like so much as twitching my foot, just in case a needle will brush against the sheet. It freaks me out a little. You wouldn’t think that would be relaxing at all, but just think, it’s the ONLY time I lay perfectly still for an extended period of time. No distractions. I just let my body hum (yes, I often get a buzzing, warm feeling), and let my thoughts turn inward and out.
The music and low light doesn’t hurt, of course. I set off to Amazon to find myself the perfect CD, and I think I found it: Reiki: Hands of Light. Isn’t that gorgeous? I’m apparently very picky when it comes to my meditation music. I like strings, wind instruments, piano, but I needed something soft in the background… I needed a specific, warm feel to it.
Before I found the right music myself I walked into my acupuncture appointment with the intention of asking what CD she was using. After she got started she put a CD on and it was… Enya. Ha! One of the two CDs that I own, actually. So much for finding something new.
Last BCP was yesterday. Normally my period would arrive Thursday. Given the spotting it could be sooner. My acupuncturist mentioned that acupuncture can make it show sooner too. So… we’ll have to see, I guess. I’m thinking Wednesday. I will be starting stims by the weekend. It wasn’t such a big shock, since I have everything written out on my calendar and I’m giving myself lupron shots every evening, but at the same time suddenly “later” became “this week” and I wasn’t entirely expecting it yet. I have some nerves about how the stims process is going to go this time, so I am continuing to just not think about how soon it’s all starting. Today is lupron, a lot of pills (minus the birth control pill), and I’ll deal with tomorrow in the morning.
Now if only I could handle the other stresses in life by simply shelving them for another day. Sadly my work projects don’t function quite that well.
Nat, congrats on stating stims! I’m sure it’s with mixed feelings that you start this phase, but I’ll be very much hoping for the end of your infertility journey with this one!!!
Would you mind doing a quick post (or reply or whatever) when you get a chance to what you are doing to lose your weight? Congrats on that by the way- that is just amazing!!!! I have some extra weight that I’d just love to shed, and I know you’ve been on a slow and steady decline so I’d like to know if you have any tips, or thoughts on what changed for you to make you lose the weight. Thank you!!!
Hey Shilpa! The biggest two things I did are cutting out the extreme amounts of milk I used to drink (which was around 8 glasses a DAY – I drink almost entirely water now), and cutting down my portion sizes. I eat a lot less than was used to eating… and feel full faster. It takes a while to get to that point, and it took me giving myself permission to STOP EATING when I’m full – do NOT finish the full plate. I give it to my husband or put it in the fridge or toss it.
Oh, and buying less processed foods, more fresh foods. I found a local market in the town that I work in now that sells all kinds of produce and deli meats and fresh foods for really cheap – so I’m eating healthier AND saving us a bunch of money. I only go to the grocery store for the other stuff we need, like some of the mixes and baking supplies and bottled water and such.
The biggest thing I did NOT do is deny myself anything (other than milk, since I’m practically addicted to it – and I’m not kidding). I don’t deny myself sweets or ice cream or whatever. I just try to eat less of it… I have a snack rather than eating the whole thing. But I also don’t buy the stuff in the store anymore. If I want something I have to make a special trip for it, which tends to dissuade me since I’m very lazy. But I really try not to focus on what I CAN’T eat because then I get obsessed about food.
Now I’ve started exercising at the YMCA… swimming, to be exact. Only gone once so far, but I really want to try to make it a habit. I’m at a good weight for me now…. I just need to build muscle and tone my body and get in shape.
Those are great changes Nat! Totally balanced and not unhealthy at all. I’ve implemented similar changes and have actually lost 25lbs from my high (which was WAY too high and had a lot to do with the 3-candy-bars-a-day emotional eating of IF). I still have about 20 I want to lose though, and I’m going to make a renewed effort to make healthier choices and watch portions carefully. I’m not a terrible grazer, but I also tend to graze- particularly when I’m cooking- so I’ll watch that too.
Swimming is AWESOME- I’m convinced it is the best way to get in shape. Good for you! (I suck at swimming laps so it’s not something I choose to do, but still- have sooo much admiration for swimmers, like my DH actually).
Anyway, congrats again- I am sure you look just amazing and hopefully feel that way too!