A diet that actually works!!

I would have never believed it, if I hadn't tried it myself, but I am now living proof that you can eat all day and still lose weight. Amazing isn't it? You bet it is.


I think it was easier for me, because I am a vegetarian. Besides not eating meat, I don't smoke or drink alcohol and I generally avoid fried foods. While I don't take sugar in my tea or coffee, I love desserts and chocolates are a major weakness, but I was so proud of myself....for not cheating during this 21 day cleansing diet that I undertook.


Giving up caffeine, meant giving up my morning tea....and the first few days, I struggled to keep awake and seemingly crawled through the day.

While determination and sheer willpower will get you anywhere...there were times, I just wanted to indulge and eat everything that was not permitted.


Needless to say, my colleagues found it hilarious and I pretty much felt like a rabbit, munching away at greens and different veggies, like there was no tomorrow....broccoli, celery, carrots, grapes, strawberries, cherries, almonds......you name it, I ate it.

Oh did I tell you how much water I drank? After I while, I just lost count. My kidneys were being flushed royally and the trips to the washroom, were endless!! 

Now don't get me wrong, I didn't just eat fruits and raw veggies 24/7. I ate whatever vegetable that I cooked for the family and took second helpings at times, but without eating rice or bread with it.

But you can't just diet and not exercise, so I did...a little bit of this, a little bit of that...whether it was yoga, brisk walking, dancing and I really enjoyed it.

Overall, its amazing how all that healthy stuff actually filled me up and I was never really hungry.

The outcome of this was seeing the bulges dissapear, fitting well into my clothes, feeling more energized and people actually complimenting me on my leaner frame.


It was so worth it - gosh, I can't stop smiling!

My life....so my way?

Can I really live  life my way, my terms, any which way I want?


Well, in my dreams I certainly can, but in reality, easier said than done.

Call it a culture thing, but as a woman, you can't separate yourself from the family unit that you are a part of. You can't ignore the fact that you are a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother and your life is entwined with others, your decisions impact others, either positively or negatively.


Many a time, we put our loved ones before ourselves, without even thinking twice about it. Sometimes though, it is at the cost of our dreams, our desires and happiness and we short change ourselves.


Our dreams are lost, our own personal growth stunted, our desires squashed, leaving an unfulfilled emptiness, that aches to be filled.


However, that emptiness looms large, once the children have grown and you have more time on your hands. That is when it hits, that although you have raised your children well and are happy about their achievements, for yourself, what have you achieved?


You have involved yourself so much in their lives, that you have lost your own identity.


But I have realized it doesn't have to be that way. We have it within us and we should  pursue our goals and touch the skies, but for that we need the support of our loved us. 


It is important that they understand our needs, our desires, our hopes and dreams and the importance of establishing our individuality.


Will they understand? Those who do will encourage and support us in our endeavors, while others, who refuse to move forward with time, still think that a woman's place is simply within the home.

As women, why do we always have to fight to establish our place in society?

I have learnt....

Don't waste your time trying to change other people. Instead, change your attitude, your overall outlook and it will enable you to see and accept them, in a way you never did before.


Don't judge others.....everyone is dealing with their own demons, that you probably know nothing about. Focus on your own life instead.


Rather that dwelling on a problem and crying over it, use the time to consider a course of action, towards possible solutions.


Don't make someone else's problem, your problem. We all have our own baggage to deal with. Sympathize, offer help when you  can and move ahead.


Never under-estimate your sense of self-worth. By doing so, you are undermining God's creation, if you think you are less than anyone else.


When you think no one listens or understands...remember, God does.


Even if the whole world is against you, God is always with you.


Time heals, every turmoil...just give Time, time.


Keep the Faith - even when there is no end in sight, put your Trust in His Hands and watch miracles unfold.


Lastly, you are a child of God. No matter how hopeless you think it is, cling on to that last strand of Hope, secure in the knowledge that God knows best. 


Only He can make the impossible, POSSIBLE - but in His time!

The Thing About Birthdays...

I still remember my 7th birthday.  Dressed in a frilly white dress, edged with pink lace and a pink ribbon in my hair, it was one of my happiest birthday parties.


Our huge garden was decorated with colorful balloons, people were everywhere and the birthday song played in the background. I welcomed my friends, eyed the growing pile of presents with excitement and had lots of fun.


Today, way past my 7th birthday and decades older, so much as changed. There certainly is no excitement about a birthday, I certainly don't want to be  reminded of being a year older. Then again, like they say, age is just a number and I feel young,  happy and absolutely healthy and that is what counts.


Spending quality time with my family celebrating my birthday, has made it special. Receiving messages, phone calls and flowers from relatives and friends, makes me feel loved. While I revel in the attention, I am also humbled and overwhelmed.


For a couple of years now, I have cut the birthday cake without having candles on it...my excuse is that the cake won't have space for all the candles and it takes way too many puffs and  energy to blow them all out. 


I also have an argument with my children, who keep wanting to buy me gifts and like I tell them, no gift can compare to having them in my life. 


Needless to say, when they throw that line back at me, when it comes to their birthdays, saying that having a mum like me is all they need, I don't listen, but then I am the mother and I have the final word, like it or not! When it comes to hubby, I often get what I want, without having to wait for a birthday, so we stopped the gift exchange years ago.


Also now that I am older and definitely a little wiser, I realize while candles,  balloons and gifts add a certain ambiance to a birthday celebration, it doesn't take away from the spirit of the occasion. 


When I have a loving family to celebrate with, share conversation and laughter and feel that bond of togetherness, what can be more perfect than that? 


So as I reflect on what a wonderful day it was, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all that life has given me.


So thankful, so blessed.