2023 Doing it Differently brings about Great Change.

It is yet another year come and gone, has anything changed in our personal life. Are we satisfied with the anticipated changes the year could bring? What can we do differently to enhance our chances for better results?

We hear so much about gratitude, even gratitude journals. It is important to feel gratitude and to express it to those we live with, work with and interact with. We can even pray and thank our creator for any good we experience in our life.

The world has endured devastating changes and should not be ignored. We can feel grateful for the good we have, and make the best of it while sharing when we have the opportunity.

In our personal life we always have six areas in our life we can give extra attention to this year to bring about satisfying changes. Family, physical health and fitness, domestic, financial, spiritual, and our dream.

Family: If you have family, making a goal to do family oriented activities each week to bring about a greater family warmth. Taking walks, playing cards or board games, doing yard work together, changing the bedrooms around, going hiking etc. on the family calendar have scheduled each week activities that promote greater communication. If you do not have family schedule such activities with friends.
Physical Health and Wellness: The daily walks and regular workouts some people do, and the rest of the people do not do or are not consistent with such activities. Whatever we can do to change up our routine to be stimulating, in the 1980’s there were aerobics classes very common in most communities that people did. Some movement is essential to our daily life, mentally and physically. If we have health or weight concerns, consistency can help us to improve our situation. Use our calendar to track our weight, measurements and even calories if we are up for the challenge. Each week I put my weight every Wendsday morning so I know exactly where I am, by the end of the month I can see if I am maintaining, losing or gaining. In the calendar I can show which days I walked by putting a W in the corner of each. Our calendar is there as a reference and tracker.
Domestic: Some people excel in this department, and some of us are flailing in this department. The ones whom excel put in the time, energy, and take pride in it. The rest of us feel no pride, joy, as we feel we can never catch up. Our time and energy is always depleted and therefore we feel little joy with the lack of accomplishment.
Domestic includes many things, our homes, yards, home maintenance, cars, cooking, laundry, general upkeep, daily chores, deeper cleaning, closets, attics, basements, storage. For those whom are on top of all this, I am proud of you and I recommend you take up knitting, tennis or dance lessons. The rest of us overwhelmed with some or all, there is our calendar we can look at to decide a reasonable schedule to attend to the most important of these. I will write other articles about this as well. As, I am not an expert, my only experience tells me lack of consistency in anything impedes our rate of improvement.
Financial: Live within our means! A real challenge. Pay attention to how we spend it and see how we can have better solutions. Identify our regular weekly and monthly expenses. These obligations come first and is there anything left? Create an old school budget.
Spiritual: Mathew 5:3 says Happy is the person conscious of their spiritual need! Too many try to fill the void in unhealthful ways. Try daily Bible reading it makes the void disappear. The site jw.org has a free Bible download. It even reads the Bible to you.
The Dream: So you want to be a dancer, writer, woodworker, artist, explorer, musician etc. It is good for our minds and hearts to make time in our week for our dream activity if we are meeting our other obligations. Even if our life is so overwhelming, a little healthful activity doing a wood working project or knitting a scarf is good for the mind and heart. If we would love to be an explorer but cannot really go explore spend a couple hours a week looking up a location, learning about the place, people, economy, terrain, weather, etc. as that is almost like when we were kids doing a book report, it was fun. Create a file and work on it, a different continent each month.
If I could sum up 2023 for me Consistency is the Great contributer to a Successful outcome. This is my goal, by using the calendar to chart, track and set up our weeks and months I feel some achievement is a desirable outcome. Try it with me.
Written by: Gina Rydin of fatfitanfab.com

September, All is not at a Loss! Goalsetters, Get Ready!

September, the beginning of fall, where will it take thee’, where can I go…?

September is the fourth to the last month of the year. The ninth month of the year, we still have time. Time is still on our side, if we get busy now.

What goals did you have for 2022? We can still amp it up a bit and get good results. Take time to consider what you thought was important. Are those things still important? Here are a few to improve all aspects of life.

We still have four Fridays and Four Sundays. No, we really only have three Saturdays. Confounding really! This is Monday, September 5th, 2022.

We can put our time to good use. Here are twenty things we can do in September that will help make the next few months go smoother. Make life more enjoyable. We can improve family life and become more satisfied if we just try a few of these or all of them. I would love to hear if someone tries them all consistently til end of the year. Is anyone willing to try all twenty? Yea!!! We can do this!

1. Any outside special cleanup and repairs for our home, property And vehicles. You can make that punch list. Weatherizing before cooler weather. Mulching, glazing, window washing, pressure washing, minor repairs or major. Getting them done will just feel good. It is cool enough to paint the house or trip to improve overall look of the place.

2. Maintenance to lawnmower, bicycles, other equipment. Wash, pump up tires, check the belts, chains, and fluids.

3. Put a check mark on our calendar each day when we get a 20 min or better walk or workout done. A smiley face if you like.

4. Weigh once a week like Tuesday and put that number on your monthly calendar each week. A record to reflect on helps quarterly, or sooner if need be.

5. Plan a trip, a short close by one for a long weekend. Or visit local zoos and museums.

6. Plan a couple Fridays or Mondays off to get some big domestic projects done over a long weekend.

7. Consider a totally new hairstyle, a new refreshing look. Do we still look like we did ten years ago? Can we grow our hair longer or cut it shorter? Go to a stylist and get some professional input. Just nothing high maintenance please. If your hair is already high maintenance can we simplify things and stop doing something that makes it high maintenance? Keep it nice, just try something new.

8. Is there something you can tweak about your diet that could help you feel an look better? A small thing. Cut down on the soda, or increase the water. Have smaller meals and include at least one or two veggie salads per day.

9. A reading goal, read some poetry or even the Bible five minutes a day. Something refreshing each day.

10. Call family weekly, you know the family that you rarely talk to, and you never hear from them. Just call! Say hi! It has been a tough couple years for everyone. Sorry for my neglect., what is going on with you? How is everyone holding up? Then listen. Express care and concern.

11. Time to pull out a hobby or craft, how about finishing that one you started a few years ago. I like doing little quicker projects while I have a bigger project. Keeps it mixed up so I don’t get bored. I do get bored, jump around, get nothing done. You should see all my wonderful drafts of articles I have written and not published. Boo Haw! I will! I really will honor them and finish them.

12. A basketball, tennis ball, or football? Take your pick, they can do nothing without you. Oh, really has it been years…it is not the balls fault. Your not crawling yet. Get busy with it, get active.

13. New recipes please, the food has gotten boring. I will elaborate in a different article. Challenge: Use a real cookbook you own and find a couple recipes to enjoy making.

14. Clean the car, go get it detailed unless your good at detailing it yourself. I am not good at detailing let alone anything else other than keeping gas in the car sometimes. I do respect those w clean cars. Maybe my self respect will improve as I improve. Imagine that equivalent to self esteem. Good decisions, good actions, good results, good esteem.

15. Look at the body, yea, the one in the mirror. Take measurements quarterly and keep track of improvements and the need to improve. I lost 8 inches just w tiny little exercises since last September with no weightloss. Amazing! Don’t obsess! Just do toning exercises. Weightloss, another subject as I have a lot to lose. Always trying, never denying, and one will never lose. Made up by me just now. Some of us could afford to deny less or more.

16. Driving, how is your driving? Do you speed, do you get impatient? Do you get up close to the vehicle in front of you? Do you mess with your phone while driving? We know what we do, distracted driving and accidents are real. Aggressive driving is happening all around us, we do not have an excuse even if the other driver is inconsiderate and rude. We are responsible for what we do. Tickets, accidents, all cost money and time. Keep a good record and you will feel blessed.

17. Gifts anyone? Whom doesn’t like a gift? A gift is nice to give or recieve especially without expectation. A loved one we reside with, can we pick up something not expensive yet meaningful they may like? Or, the gift of time, have they been nagging we get something done that we just almost refuse to do, just do it with a smile and love to bless them and yourself. Don’t make them ask again. They will appreciate what you do even more! Can you arrange with them a long lunch and meet for a light lunch or a coffee? How much does eye contact and a smile cost? Can we try to stop a moment each day and look at each member while they are talking, really see them, really hear them and w a thoughtful response of positivity to validate their concerns or expressions.

18. Board games anyone? I am game, I really love playing cards or a board game w my favorite people. You know whom you are. No phones at table it is rude! Relax, have fun together.

19. It is still early enough in season if you like to go boating or camping or kyacking. It is fun! I do not do those things but my friends whom do are always happy they plan the time.

20. The final Big One! Mathew 5:3 say Happy is the one concerned w their spiritual needs. Include time to Pray to the most High at Psalms 83:18 about all these matters to improve your life in all ways. He really will help you. As you know principles are the backbone of structure. Nothing good can stand without it. As we learn his principles and apply them in daily life we will see the good results.

This is September, we have 17 weeks until the end of the years. Let us finish strong and achieving much so we can gain the esteem that comes with good results. Good results come from consistent efforts.

We can Do It! Finish Well, improve our health, wealth, family life, friendships, environment, spiritual health and esteem. Joy will come, satisfaction will be our gift.

Your Author, Gina Rydin from Fat fit an Fab . Com

fatfitanfab.com

Checking In

We are sailing thru the third quarter of the year. How smooth is your sailing?

It is important in these tough times to maintain joykeepers in our routine.

The worldscene is in a devastating place right now and although we do not want to be obsessed we must be aware of what is going on globally. It seems we may feel hopeless at times when we see what’s going on yet we can pray for others in difficult situations.

The fact that we have our own situations can be challenging. There are those that are near and dear that we worry about. It is true we have our own responsibilities we have to care for. And sometimes our own situations can consume most of our time whether it’s financial responsibilities, life‘s responsibilities, shortage of time, funds or energy. It is hard to keep up, however we still have to make time to go out and get that walk to enjoy a little sunshine or read a bit in a book or listen to some good music. We can call someone that needs to hear from us. We can express love and care now. There are many things we can do to enrich our life.
We still have five months, approximately 23 weeks to accomplish self improvement goals. what goals have you set? To save a little, or to establish a new routine for improved rest, or to replAce one meal a day with a healthy salad, or organizing our paperwork so we can be ready for tax time early. There are many things we can do in this 23 weeks to be more organized and more healthy. Join me in this, I believe I will do this Eight Minute exercise routine every morning from today on. I found it on you tube. Now onto the joy keepers…

We could get a massage if you can afford it or a pedicure. It is vital to take good care of yourself. Giving more attention to our personal care routine like our hair, skin and nails once a week. Before bed I rub a nice jelly like lotion into my nail beds of fingers and toes, it is a way to acknowledge them each day for working so hard for me.

I enjoy being able to watch some PBS music shows. A great channel is JW Broadcasting on the Roku with some really positive and encouraging talks, movies, and beautiful music always free.

The walks can help take care of your physical health. Bible reading helps with my spiritual, emotional and mental health. Going out in the sunshine a bit always cheers me up.

Each month I try to find a couple new recipes to try. I want to make simple soups and not alot of it. A friend just recommended I try to go to bed earlier in the evening and I thought I would give it a try.
I am dealing with the exhausting effects of chronic illness. I have to rest more than I want. It is a joy buster having something interfere with your regular routine. Yet, I still try to include good things in my daily life. I want you to do that too.

I really want to know how you are you doing. Any new routine are you trying? Is anything new and different? Life is unpredictable and the sailing may experience much turbulence as the stormy winds and waves of life interfere with us maintaining our route. The problem is we must accept there will be storms for now, yet our efforts to Stay The Course will be blessed in due time. Keep up the joy with much prayer.

Written by Gina Rydin

Life is full of uncertainties, yet, we must find joy keepers to endure the trip and stay the course. This article helps us to consider some possibilities.

Endurance with Joy is a challenge. Let us consider a few possibilities.

July 2022

July, July, what can I say good about you?

The good news is that July has five three-day weekends. If it is possible to take a Friday and Monday off for a mini-vacation or staycatIon how wonderful would that be!

There are five long weekends either way if one wants to employ them.

If a household has school-age children then it’s a perfect time to go through the children’s room. The closets, drawers, etc. and see if they have age-appropriate things. Our children grow up in front of us yet we do not always see it happening. All too often their drawers an closets have things they can no longer wear. It is time to get rid of some stuff they no longer need or use. It us good to keep in mind that we have to exercise consideration and not get rid of things that might be important to them.

Yet by going through the closets and drawers seeing how many clothes they have that fits. This is the perfect time to make the list and take them shopping. A controlled shopping trip, is it possible? By having a list of what they need we can afford to get a couple things they really would like without blowing the budget. Then this is a good learning experience for them, purposeful fun w structure, control, yet a bit of freedom. Imagine that we can pair down, clean up, and be refreshed.

We can see it’s a good time to go through our closets, drawers and rooms. We can also see what we are no longer interested in or what we might need that’s new. We might need some new white blouses and some clothes have gotten dingy can get tossed or recycled.

Can we make time to clean the windows, baseboards and the doors. The furniture can be wiped down, do we need new bedding and can we change around the room? Time to consider is there any painting that needs to be done in these rooms.

Is there a room in the house that has become blaa? It is time to really look at this room, what do you see? Is there anything in the room that technically should be put away elsewhere? Is the rooms purpose obvious and utilized? Can the room be repurposed?

If you decide to repurpose the room or use it for its original purpose you need to plan an action. The first thing could be start with one corner and just pull everything out of that corner. Three things are handy like a trashcan, a box and a basket. Throw away everything that you just no longer have a use for. To put items in a box for what you can donate or sell. Anything in a basket to put the things that you’re gonna put away later when you leave the room. Set a timer and see how fast you can clear out this corner then proceed to the next one. See how much you can do and without stressing yourself out but feel a measure of accomplishment it may be an afternoon job or a job that may take you all week. I have areas like this and it’s overwhelming I didn’t see it happening at the time I don’t know how messes like that occur.

Although I’m not a big believer in ME time I do feel that getting some R&R is really important. If possible can you can plan a few days to go somewhere nice that’s not far away just to get some quiet time. Consider seeing some beautiful sites without expending a lot of money. Be refreshed!

What if there is a hobby you’ve ever wanted to explore doing. There are many reasons we put off personal interests you didn’t feel you had the room for it. Whether your limited with your time, space or finances. Maybe your life has changed or your circumstances different now. Has some children moved out or you have a little more room than you used to have? Or consider is there a possibility you really don’t need the guestroom and you can turn it into your activity room like your workout area with a desk in there for your office and if you like to maybe a sewing area. Really consider your interests and even if all you can do is make a corner of the room to suit your new interest your life will be enriched. July is a good time to reconsider the goals you had for 2022 that you came up with in January . Are you making headway on those original goals? If those goals were important to you? Is there anything more you can do to progress on the original goals? Are you watching your diet and getting your exercise that you intended? Some people have spiritual goals and wanted to read the Bible daily, are you picking your Bible up even if it’s only for five minutes or three minutes a day ? You can create a variety of things to do that’s different on each weekend to enrich your life you can plan it ahead of time even market on your calendar. The first week can be looking through your drawers and closets the second week can be some deep cleaning of those rooms and any necessary shopping. The third week could be a mini vacation. The fourth week could be repurposing a room or any other project that has been sitting to the side that you have wanted to make headway on. The fifth weekend it can be a joyful weekend having fun with family and friends . So whatever you choose to do with your month, look ahead and see how you can purposely plan it out to be rewarding where you feel accomplished and it makes the next few months a little easier by getting these things done and out-of-the-way. From your author Gina Rydin

2022 Not Just Another Year

Written By: Gina Rydin

Years come an go all the time. Where does time go? History is all about time gone by.

We have an opportunity to look back at the last few years, our family, health, spirituality, domestic, mental and financial health. Are we satisfied or dissatisfied? Can we improve our situation?

We can moan an blame. Life is complicated and we are victims to so much we cannot control. Proverbs 21:4 says If you become discouraged in the day of distress your power will be meager. So true! Sometimes I see a person obsessing about things as they are blind to the good, incapable of seeing past their problems while making more bad choices.

Time is considered a milestone in life, we make goals for a week, month, six weeks etc. We love the optimism of TIME and how we can be benefitted. The opportunity to make adjustments in our schedule, routine, and daily habits can fulfill many desires if we dedicate ourself to the practice.

What kinds of things could be on our shortterm/longterm goal schedule?

Family: Looking at our family situation and thinking about something that might destress the family and bring us closer together.
Could our health be improved by this or that? You know exactly what you need to do. Quit researching and spending, just get started and be consistent.
Spirituality, it is a real need many ignore or replace with other vices. Mathew 5:3 says “Happy is the man conscious of his spiritual needs.” I feel so offtract and off center if I am not consistent. I love the aids, music, videos and talks on jw.org. All free, and it is in over 1000 languages. International I feel better no matter what, try it and see.
Domestic, Why mention domestic? It is not an issue to obsess over, yet, if we can neaten as we go why not make tomorrow better with an environment that is managed. Personally I struggle in this department yet each year I do see improvement. A clean tidy environment I desire and function best in. My mind is fast forward and I am somewhere else before you know it and I do not know where the mess came from. Now as I try to slow down and practice a pattern of behavior it is helping. My friend Vickie moves so fast and takes care of many. Watching her clean a kitchen is pure entertainment as one movement flows into the next at high speed. She doesn’t want your help as you are in the way. Just back up and keep talking with her. She has things to do and places to go, in a micro-minute she will be done. Observing others has really helped me to figure out how I want to be. Do I really have to take forever to make these changes? Hope not! For now I will settle for improvement at a good rate. How about you?
Mental, I am not a psychologist or doctor. Do all these points and see if it doesn’t help some.
Financial, I have no advice. Double check the needs, some spend enough in drivethru each month they could pay all their utility bills. I personally am seeing the need to cut back on that. There are things to check and adjust. Times are tough we have some choices.

There are choices in daily life we can make. I have to pray alot so I can make good choices. I am always adjusting how I do things and I see improvement. Trying to make improvements and I love results.

The Power is all about consistency. Practice it! Do it again!

TIME can be our friend, we can make good use of our time. It is vital to consider our options. Only then can we have a measure of control which should and can improve our overall situation.
Written By Gina Rydin

Disclaimer: I am not a professional, these expressions are meant to be tried at your discretion. If you consider it beneficial then try at your own risk. It is your life not mine. Your choice based on your circumstances. May you be blessed and well.

Changing Times

This has been an amazing couple years for everyone. Adapting is something we have to become good at. I think of football, if the majority of the players just walked forward and couldn’t dash around the field for a good play it would ruin the game. You have to be able to reach, sidestep, aim for, turn and backtrack if you want a successful game. This is true in life, we must continue moving forward, keep reaching, dart out of the way, and sometimes turn to back track.

Everyone has experienced changing life circumstances worldwide. The loss, stress and uncertainties everyone in all countries is or are experiencing. What are we learning?

Right now my life has changed so much with alot of loss and uncertainty. Yet, the gains are most amazing.

I asked Jehovah again a couple months ago if he is aware of me. It is such a comfort because in so many ways…I see it clearly.

We can look forward as we adapt in these changing times. Photo by Gina Rydin

As my situation has been both stressful and changing it is the support from my sons and friends far and wide that helps me to stay positive. The love, with deepening friendships I will treasure most.

One friend drives over an hour each way and is very skillful with the work. Yet, the fun and interaction with the family is most precious. We appreciate and love the interchange of encouragement with good laughs. Great conversation so Dear.

Others have had to put up with me day after day while they use their skills. What comfort and good times! This week I am missing them all. How nice it has been being with others.

My friends in other places gabbing on the phone and my friends nearby taking the time to talk and comfort is the best medicine. Can I ever be such a good friend, I hope to be.

My sons have been there for me in a variety of ways. Staying with me, letting me stay there, reassuring while expressing confidence. We are getting to know each other now as adults. We are becoming friends while having memorable times.

I am making friends far and near. The zoom is most fun, a friend in a nearby state had me join her husband an her with others for a jazz and pop evening. What fun, I just wanted to dance and dance. It was everyone from other states there also just relaxing and having fun. All these zoom things with my friends each week is keeping me in a good frame of mind.
Another friend is helping me with a most time consuming task. She is helping in a most incredible way.
I am trying to earn a little esteem. I realize as my situation and responsibilities change I must identify what they are. Then I have to pray for the wisdom and discernment to do a good job.
Even asking another to pray for me on the very subject as I felt under duress proved most helpful. I believe my Dear friend did pray because the situation turned around in a most unimaginable way and I was able to hold firm. It had to have been their prayer that made a difference.
Friends, grateful I am and our creator is the common thread motivating good amongst all.

As we all deal with changing circumstances, let us remember sometimes you just gotta run with the ball while feeling complete faith and joy.

Thankyou!, to all those patiently putting up with me and those loving me.

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20 May be a new epidemic. This year of 2020 has seen more isolation, social distancing, stress, anxiety, loneliness and economic pressure than previously experienced world wide.

The news daily giving daunting details of an illness most do not understand. The dangers that affect all countries, people, and ethnic backgrounds. This virus is bringing about such dread and fear that people are experiencing a stress. Comfort sought sometimes in unhealthy ways.

Some people are gaining weight due to stress and isolation. Being home is new for many, the stress is compounded by boredom. Due to the need for comfort some are eating more, unaware of grazing-like activities. They nervously grab a handful of cereal, some candy, some chips. Never quite satisfied wanting more, eating more. Continually, greedily, stressfully looking for more to eat. Feeling so stressed searching for something as the hand meets the mouth with longed for comfort that eludes… .
The Covid-20 may not be everyone’s reality. Yet, it will affect many, only time will reveal how mankind has been affected by this epidemic.
Gaining weight is unhealthy for most. It should be noted once the habits that contribute to weight gain go on blindly practiced it just compounds an already unhealthy situation.
Good News! I am aware of many that are still mindful of making healthy food choices. People whom are still taking walks or going for bike rides. Are these people the same ones whom have maintained healthy diet and exercise routines for years? I am not sure, yet, there are many I know that do not want to gain weight whom do strive to eat a healthful diet and they make an effort to exercise most days.

With many children and young people being restricted from normal activities they may be potential candidates for weight gain. As parents we have the responsibility to find ways to get our children out in the fresh air and to get exercise. For growth, brain health and immunity children need sunshine, fresh air, exercise, and stimulating challenges. This also helps maintain a healthy esteem despite all the world’s present dangers and circumstances.
Parents, Adults and caregivers with responsibilities are under an inhumane amount of duress. There is very little time to care for personal needs. Their situation merits much compassion. Small choices add up to big dividends. Making good food choices for self, healthy portion sizes and making time for exercize may help maintain a degree of sanity. As many depend on you a parent or caregiver your not expendable. Involve others in your exercise and healthy eating.
One trick that helps me in two ways is when I am almost done with my meal I set the timer on my phone for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

1. This helps me to finish my meal w satisfaction and know that I am done eating. Yes, done eating.

2. The second way it helps is that my sugar is not apt to go too low by then. Therefore I can have a healthy snack and reset the timer for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Breakfast 2:25 min a snack 2:25 min lunch 2:25 min afternoon snack 2:25 min supper and if you choose another 2:25 min a light snack in evening. Amazingly this trick let’s me know I will not starve to death. No nervous grazing like a cow. No nibbling out of boredom, I have things I need to do. Food should not be an obsession or a compulsion. This timer method I use helps me not think of food. It is very freeing. By the way, I am losing weight and I have a lot of weight to lose.
Remember: There was a time when hobbies,…clean hands keep the puzzles clean while we could be putting Them together. Clean hands keep our knitting, crochet, or sewing projects respectfully clean. Go ahead, make a rug or a quilt or do a woodworking project.
Children thrive with projects to work on why not make some time to get them busy. Remember coloring books, word find books and crossword puzzles? The workbooks of a child’s grade curriculum are great to have them do a couple pages each morning. It keeps their mind sharp and ready for school. I would get these workbooks at a bookstore and sometimes at wal mart. Every summer my sons had these workbooks to do.
We live in historic times, let us not respond like victims. We can be survivors by making healthful choices.
Previously people did not have time to pursue hobbies. During these uncertain times make time for hobbies. They can keep our minds and bodies healthy.
A few things I am exploring is of course developing spiritual interests as Mathew 5:3 says Happy are those aware of their spiritual needs. I read the Bible and look at the jw.org website which is always encouraging. Another thing I am trying is a new Domestic routine. Looking at small maintenance things that need done while I try to spring clean a room each month. I want to make a dress and finish a few small projects. My challenge is always health, energy and stamina. We all have challenges of sorts. That is why it is imperative that we have interests and goals we strive to practice and achieve. All this is stimulating and satisfying. Why not see what you can accomplish with joy!

Disclaimer: Some people will succumb to Covid 19 and this is a very sad loss. I am not a physician or healthcare practitioner.
Please consider your own situation because only you know your situation and I hesitate to advise. Please talk to your physician or other responsible person before you change your situation. This article is meant for healthful consideration. May you and yours be safe and healthy.
I, Gina Rydin decided to title the article Covid 20 as we are living in 2020 and 20 may be an unhealthful weightgain for most. It may be a reality for some. Let’s work together to be healthful with good choices.

Feeling Blue

Blue in the sky is most inspiring, everyone loves a blue sky associated with happiness. Yet, a cloudy day can cause some to feel uninspired, tired or depressed.

Why is blue when associated feelings commonly associated with being in the dumps, depressed or almost grieving?

I do not have the answers yet I wondered why a beautiful bright blue sky and or a mournful type of mood could be associated with the same color.

Blue can be a complementary color for most people to wear. Midnight blue is a different hue than navy blue which is different than bright blue or light blue.
Some are born with blue eyes, blue green eyes, light blue eyes or grey blue eyes. Elizabeth Taylor was said to have had a violet type of blue eyes.

Yet, feeling blue is a true blue we feel that most understand. A very wide variety of emotions, or circumstances, can create this. Understanding the difference between feeling a little blue compared to true depression is important to consider.

Physically under the weather, a bad day at work, or some temporary feelings of loss or loneliness are experiences most people occasionally have.

Longterm distress, loss, physical pain, financial duress, health problems, stress, feelings of failure, painful experiences and the list goes on. This can bring on a form of situational depression. And if we cannot figure out solutions to our problems than this brings on a greater form of depression.
Understanding our situation, have we a total loss of control of our situation? Depression is inescapable making us incapable, the cycle goes on.
When hit with all types of problems at once we can be devastated. It seems there are no answers and it is hard to discern the best answers. One thing I am trying is a new list. Do you like making lists? They can help us identify, and accomplish.
The list I am working on is my top ten stressors now in my life. What seems out of control? What three things can I do for each thing on my list?
Yet, something to consider is the control offered by striving to practice these few things can remedy much. The reality is we must strive to practice a simplified daily routine

Eat regular healthy meals an snacks

Get daily walks or exercise

Make time for your spiritual needs, as Mathew 5:3 days, Happy is the man conscious of his spiritual needs. Of course, reading our Bible daily can greatly nourish our mind an heart an give us direction.

Try to pick up after ourselves daily. This is not an easy one for me but it makes me happy when I do.

Keep up with our daily chores another thing I am always seeking to improve on.

Oh, how I yearn to make good choices, responsible decisions, educated conclusions. There are so many opinions, faulty guides that do not always care about the consequences we must endure.

Personally I am between feeling blue and a deep depression. Some situations feel forced upon me yet I am unable to find valid solutions. The situation causes me to feel rather helpless an hopeless.

Prayer and Principle are my only valid options right now. I am praying a lot, and seeking to maintain principles of integrity and always wanting to bring honor to my God. Therefore, my current circumstances are distressing as I am trying to make the most honorable choices.
Just as Job an David in the Bible felt distress at times, we seek to, despite our problems, we want to make beneficial decisions and sometimes only Jehovah God can help us when we have tried to make decisions, only he can bless us.

How is that for a long sentence that breaks all the rules with sentence structure? I am a writer, not an editor.

If your depressed, feeling lonely or blue, hurt, defeated or depressed try praying to Jehovah about it. Talk to a close friend, relative, or even your doctor about it.
I hope you will be seeing sunshine and blue skies again. I desperately need that too.
Let’s work on our lists an see what we can accomplish while we clear the clouds away.
Written by: Gina Rydin

Luxurious Living

Living in the Lap of luxury was a common phrase generations ago. Is this something people do? Is this truly prosperous and satisfying? How can we live in a prosperous and satisfying manner? We will seek to answer these questions. The answers may make a positive change in a person’s life. Please consider…

Throughout history man has been in search of more. Some whom have a lot want more. Some whom have little are satisfied and why? There are always times of plenty and times of famine.

Think of times when food was rationed, could it happen again? Is it always some far off place? If a person has plenty, why should they worry about this?

In some places in the world a person can go buy what they want or think they need. Getting the vehicles, homes, clothes, beauty treatments, vacations, etc…and fritter money here and there without much thought . Then they do more, buy more, and more is never enough, not recognizing situations change. The money may not always be there. Most people do not feel the need to worry about it. But should we consider our circumstances?

We never expected our situation to change so dramatically. It can change on a dime is also an old phrase. I personally know this is true. Our situation has changed. I wish I had thought about all this sooner.

Personally I have never been into the beauty treatments and getting nails done. I kinda like being a plain Gina. It is Good not having to worry about being a diva or beauty queen. Being ordinary takes the pressure off. I get my hair trimmed or cut twice a year and trim it the rest of the time myself. My hair is a blaa blond, and when I am outside it brightens up some. I dream of cutting it a shoulder length and dying it a dark red. The only deterrent is being a slave to roots. I do not do well with chemicals so I just continue as it is anyway.

Doing my own fingernails and eyebrows helps too. I wouldn’t win any awards for the outcome.

I do not smoke or gamble and rarely have a glass of wine so that really cuts down on expenditure. Imagine the money that literally goes up in smoke for some. My mother spent so much money on her cigarettes when I was growing up. One time when I was a young teenage girl I figured out how much she spent in a month on her cigarettes and I mentioned this to her. She hauled off and slapped my face. I never figured out whom was in the wrong with that one. I just remember her being on the phone saying she needed money for the power bill.

I use to love going to thrift stores and yard sales. But it really cost me a lot of money and I was dragging stuff in the house. I had to put a stop on that.

Do you like clothes? I love clothes and shoes. I fall in love with clothes all the time and I always see the need. Yet, my closets are bursting at the seams. If I got rid of some of the less best garments I might be one of the best dressed women of our generation. What generation? This one of luxuriant living is what I refer to.

We love eating out, yet, we have cut back on this. We still do eat out sometimes. It costs so much more than it use to. Like a days wages if you think about it. Something else to consider: It is just, when I was young, the tips for your server were usually 10%, then later it went up to 15%, then 18%, now it is 20%. Sometimes the tip is so big it is like paying for another meal, for the invisible person. It is almost painful. The knowledge that the waiter may be emotionally hurt if they do not get the 20% is something that keeps us pigeonholed into this. They really rely on this income. The other problem is that they may not even receive all of their tip if paid w a credit card depending on the establishment. How can I support this big game when the cost of the meal could really buy a couple bags of groceries or fill a gas tank? What is balance? That, each man or woman or family must figure out. Try looking at a month, compare to another month. Start keeping track. This does not mean we cannot go out to eat. Just, how often…might be considered.

Junk food, what is that? It happens to us, going to the store hungry, our cart is always fuller. A drive thru happy meal would be more economical.

Just the requirements of daily life have snuck up in costs. And it seems what previously was considered a luxury decades ago, cable tv, Internet, cell phones, not everyone had them. We always seemed to be the last to get them. The latest, the greatest, and speed seem to be a factor.

The utility bills have come up and take out a chunk of change.

I feel bad for many children being raised to think that this is normal. They are unhappy always wanting more, always wanting newer, competing with their peers. The status symbol, and their esteems are built on a slippery slope. Parents are begged and bullied into getting their children expensive phones etc. The assumptions by children that they can expect their parents to provide all this and so much more. Most cannot afford but quietly, stressfully, helplessly go along which creates unrealistic expectations.

We are truly trapped it seems. Can we say No!!!.? Where are the boundaries? Can adjustments be made? How can I create satisfying boundaries in my life?

In high school we had an Independant Living class. We looked at a potential monthly budget based on a basic wage. Then we subtracted the rent for home, the utilities and insurances, and fuel, then we knew what we had for groceries. We then could see what was left and we put a percentage of that in a savings account.

The times we live in are really more expensive when we add it up.

Remember a game of chess, or a board game and the fun we had. How about the woodworking, sewing, knitting, embroidery, cooking and baking? A hobby was very satisfying and earned you a real esteem. A child proud of a picture they drew is a real event. Sadly, many are more proud of their scores playing their games on their phone.

People have many vices in search of something, it breaks up families, and leaves people broke and depleted.

Slow down, calm down, recollect, reconnect, reconsider, appreciate, make new boundaries, stress less, be satisfied sooner, reassess needs. Save yourself, save your family. Hebrews 13:5,6 says: Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” So that we may be of good courage and say:”Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid… “ please read the whole chapter of Hebrews 13. It shows us how we can live a better life.

Changing things up here financially is helping. Yet, it has not been soon enough. We still feel the stress of the heavy load we unwittingly created. The scriptures admonish us to “live within our means”. Inflated needs which are built on an imaginary lifestyle. Needs the world around us makes us believe are normal. The scriptures talk about us being satisfied with our daily needs being met. Figuring this out can be a rewarding challenge. In the last three years I have quit using three department store credit cards. Three other credit cards I no longer use. I am down to two credit cards and I am working on using them less. It really is making me happy. It still seems our credit/debt/income ratio is off balance. This makes me really uncomfortable. When we consider what this really is and how this affects so many aspects of our lives, it is rewarding to make an adjustment. We still have a long way to go and more adjustments to make. It seemed we were blind to boundaries we should have had. And financial situations change in many ways, the world scene, the country we might live in, the income, health, living expenses, job security, all are temporary.

How often do you say no to yourself?. I do not say no as often as I like but I do say no more often than I use to. It feels good. A small measure of control.

Luxurious living is living within our means while having joyful interactions with those we love. Cooking together, going to the park, enjoying creation, gardening, building something or sewing a garment are also rewarding activities. Really living a life with a positive outcome in view.

Written by: Gina Rydin (the photo is a dinner my husband and I prepared together, leftover spaghetti baked, sautéed asperity Gus And avacado) that was a nice luxurious evening.

Interests Consume Me!

How interesting are you? Oh, I should say what interests you? Or may I say, what interests do you Pursue? What interests do you put off? I have a bad habit of imaging a better time. It is common to wait for more favorable circumstances. What do you just dream about? How do you spend your free time?

You would likely like me to answer my own questions. It is only right that I offer it up and maybe it will bring us all to some worthy conclusions.

I have many interests. Many seem impossible or difficult to pursue. To far away, no one to take me, too expensive, no one else wants to go. A museum or a historic home walk are just a few.

Dealing with Chronic Illness causes me to want more favorable circumstances like, when I feel better or have some energy. Is that a false positive? Time and opportunity evade me.

The cost of putting off is that our esteem goes up and away like smoke. We can feel angry at ourselves and be self critical. Some days I feel anxious and sad because I did not get near to meeting my own expectations.

Unreasonable expectations are common among all. Yet, unreasonable or not, striving to meet a goal accomplishes more than if we did not try to meet a goal. This can elate us if we look at it correctly.

I prayerfully tried to imagine a generic day that included some basic routines practiced daily that could make my life more fulfilling. It worked overall well.

I want to try it again to see, let’s say, I would like to practice it ten days and see how it goes.

Today, I cannot do a thing on my schedule. I burned my hands and foot on a lightbox yesterday. Also, later I had picked up a pot and hundreds of ants came out and got me. On benydral, and using ice packs which are keeping me in a rather inactive state. Decided it was a good time to finish this article I started a couple weeks ago.

A couple weeks ago I was so excited when I started this article. My delay in finishing it means I have lost all those thoughts and feelings that fueled my motivation. Now, I have to contemplate where I wanted to go with this exciting subject.

Too many health problems and complications interphere. You might understand. For instance, they did a heart cath almost a month ago. Two weeks later suffering fevers and fatigue and swelling at the spot of entry on my wrist I showed them at the cardiologist. They were nice and all, not too concerned to get a culture and were just going to start antibiotics. I told them my doctor would do the culture and has before, no problem. They set my appointment up with the physician’s assistant for the next day. During the night my abscess erupted and I was worried they would not get their culture. Although fatigued, nautiousness with a fever and in bed til it was time to go to my appointment at 1:00 pm. I wanted to stay in bed and not get up. I went to my appointment. The physician’s assistant refused to examine me and accused me of opening it myself. I pushed my fingers nearby the area so she could see how swollen my wrist was. She said “Do not do that and get your nails away from there”. I responded that my nails were not touching me and that I needed her to see I was still swollen and needed a culture done. And as I expressed to her how sick I have been and the fevers she challenged me and said “are they greater than 101.5”? I told her “what did I bother coming in here for, your accomplishing embarrassing me and helping me to feel totally stupid wasting my time”. When my husband picked me up and I told him what happened he immediately took me to urgent care. They took me right in, a doctor there did not hesitate to culture it and was shocked at how much pus and fluid came out. He started me on antiobotics and he discovered I also have a urinary tract infection and a yeast infection. He said you have plenty of reasons for feeling bad. Get some rest. I was amazed at how unprofessional and disrespectful the woman was and how professional and human the male doctor was. Time and expense with running around. If she had done her job I would not have had to go to the urgent care. Didn’T I previously write about unnecessary complications in my article “Toil Toil”?

All that happened since I started this article. Yesterday trying my perfect routine is when I burned my hands doing one of those items and got bit by ants doing the other. Could be discouraging but it is not because I am happy that I stayed on my list. Although I cried.

Today, being In this condition is detouring my efforts to accomplish anything. That is fine. This is life. Try, try, and try again.

I have many interests and limiting them helps me to accomplish more in my favorite activities. I love to design jewelry yet, making the space to do the craft, the expense for the tools and the costs of always being on the lookout for sales etc would clutter my life in more ways than I could feel rewarded by. If I have the compulsion to design a certain piece for a certain outfit than I buy the materials and lay out the design and ask a friend to assemble it for me and they can keep what is left and have some compensation for their good craftsmanship as well. They feel validated too.

If you want something to talk about then be involved with something. A couple of my friends sew and we love discussing our projects and encouraging each other to finish something. Spurring each other on. A couple of my friends like to garden and although I am a lousy gardener it is always fun discussing and planning. Checking with them about what they have growing in their garden. If I might have something doing well it makes me happy.

I believe conversation comes easy when there are things to talk about. Good, positive and upbuilding things the Bible encourages. That is the best thing to talk about of course. What could be more interesting than learning our creator plans to restore paradise right here on earth with peace worldwide and only those complying can enjoy life without end. There is a free Bible study course on jw.org.

Despite problems, we can have healthful interests and pursuits that bring joy and satisfaction. Start now.

Author, Gina Rydin of fatfitanfab.com

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