Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Savoring simple daily pleasures

If ever there was a reason to hone in on and drill down on the simple pleasures in daily life, it's most apparent when things are a little bumpy. To focus on the positives and feel genuine gratitude and thanks for everything you can appreciate that's going right, of beauty, kindness, warmth - all that good stuff.

And no matter how much you have managed to hone this skill in your everydays while travelling towards a life of contentment, bumpy patches occur.

Perimenopause Awareness

Perimenopause is, thankfully, much talked about these days, and more and more is being done to help and understand this life stage for women. And while it's certainly beneficial to have more information and potential relief and help at our fingertips, it's still a pretty white-knuckle ride for many.

This blog is a place of comfort, of positivity, gratitude, and hopefully, happiness and community. So I felt it was time to broach this subject - in essence, to assure anyone who is reading this who isn't necessarily at ease with discussing it with friends, family, or even your health care practitioner -

You are not alone.

You. Are. Not. Alone.

Self-awareness is a core component of living a life of contentment, and that encompasses all aspects of our well-being: Mind and body.

I had blindly ignored the early warning signs that my body was starting to change initially, and frankly, at that stage, I'm not sure I knew the difference between perimenopause and Menopause and just thought it was essentially when a woman's cycle stopped after a few hot flushes.

Boy. Tip of the (ignorant) iceberg.

An accumulation of a few symptoms began appearing, which at the time, I didn't link. These little niggles increased steadily, and it wasn't until a good friend sent me a link to an article

"42 Signs you might be in perimenopause" that the penny really dropped. I ticked 41 of them.

What are the 34 symptoms of menopause?

Above I linked a similar article - many of the same symptoms are described - so many of which never occurred to me could be anything to do with my hormones or perimenopause.

A matter of days after this revelation, I took a walk with another dear friend who educated me on the benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and her own recent journey.

I booked an appointment with my GP.

Living in New Zealand, while I have the utmost respect for my family GP and am grateful for our healthcare system, I firmly believe in many instances we are a little on the back foot with some medical practices and what is available to us. I was prescribed a low dose hormonal patch - to be increased in increments - and progesterone tablets to take at certain points in the month. Then I was recommended to be fitted with a Mirena (IUD) which would slowly release progesterone over time.

This was all a little daunting, but I had read up a little, talked to friends and acquaintances, and listened to podcasts, so I felt I was making an informed decision. It's not right for everyone, so I encourage you to do your own research and look into family history before considering.

I am also hyper aware that a one-size-fits-all solution is just not feasible in this field, and we have so much more to learn and discover about how to help women through this phase. I cannot understand how 75% of the women I know in this stage of life have all been prescribed the exact same medication to varying degrees - surely it's not that simple.

Now, I won't dwell on it, but suffice it to say the insertion of the Mirena, for me personally, was very unpleasant. I know many women see it as little more discomfort than a regular Pap smear, but for me, it was a pretty painful few moments. (On recommendation, I did also have a biopsy performed at the same time to check for womb health.) What I wasn't expecting was the ongoing cramping and spotting for as long and as strong as it was.

So this is not to scare you, but so perhaps some of you out there can gather information and be informed - especially those who perhaps don't find it easy to have these open conversations with medical practitioners or indeed other women. Looking back now - 18 months on nearly - I would still have made the decision to have the Mirena; it also transpired I have developed an underlying common condition for which the Mirena is the recommended course of treatment in any case. But I would have felt better forewarned that the cramping and spotting, in my case, went on painfully for a good 3 months and finally petered out around 6 months in.

Since embracing my perimenopause journey, I am mindful to continue to educate myself on new findings and evidence, recommendations, and important women's health discoveries from a holistic perspective.

Through my fairly extensive personal research, the core pillars are continuously reinforced by scientists and medical practitioners, as well as dietitians and naturopaths:

• Good diet
• Moving your body daily
• Good sleep hygiene

The last few months, I have sadly experienced firsthand some fairly brutal sleep deprivation and poor-quality sleep despite my best efforts. I have good sleep hygiene practices - I do all the right things (hydrate, magnesium, no alcohol, no smoking, plenty of time outdoors and a variety of exercise, good healthy diet, low sugar, limited refined foods and carbohydrates, no screens before bed, regular nighttime routine, lavender, shower, dim light... you name it!) - but sleep has still been eluding me, which has spiraled into affecting my everyday.

After another GP visit to check what I can do from here and some blood tests to make sure there's nothing else going on, I am slowly getting back on track. I have some new medication - including sleeping tablets, which I tried for a couple of nights, but they're not for me. I have re-looked at my daily supplement intake and upped a few things based on some independent digging and listening to science-based podcasts, reading articles, and talking to knowledgeable people. So now, as well as my morning Age Mate (AgeMate) and nightly Metagenics Magnesium (Metagenics MetaRelax Raspberry 241g Powder: New Name, Same Great-Tasting Formula.), I am also re-introducing Iron alongside some vitamin C and taking a daily vitamin D3 supplement. At this stage, I feel I am probably getting adequate Omega 3's from my diet, but as winter draws in, I will re-look at all these again and tweak as necessary.

So sleep is a big component, definitely not to be overlooked.

But another HUGE one for me personally has been anxiety.

A couple of years ago, I would go as far as to say I would have poo-pooed the idea entirely. Having thankfully never struggled with mental health personally in any capacity, I just didn't get it.

I am now at a point where I am re-learning my limits, my boundaries, and my headspace capacity - just for now, it's all transient. As we know, all emotions are evanescent. But while we are experiencing them, they are very real indeed. Self-care and learning to say no are major changes for me. A self-care bubble bath is one thing, but pulling back on things you enjoy, turning down invites, and listening to your mind AND body takes a change in mindset and conscious effort, not to mention, at times, an inner battle with disappointment, and let's be honest - fear of missing out.

We are creatures of biology; our bodies and our minds are constantly changing, particularly women, which requires us to remain students of our health and well-being throughout.

A podcast I absolutely recommend you take the time to listen to - I listened over several days during my afternoon walks, and it's now saved in order to re-listen and further absorb - is the Diary of a CEO with Dr. Stacy Sims. An exercise physiologist, nutrition scientist, and expert in female-specific nutrition and exercise. A mind-blowing wealth of knowledge, and I guarantee that if you listen, you will experience multiple "Aha!" moments of symptoms or issues you have experienced explained in a biologically scientific way, not only validating them to some extent but also reassuring you that it's part of this process.

We are incredibly fortunate to be going through this time in our lives in this day and age. I'm certain my grandmothers just quietly battled on privately, and I know a lady from my book group's grandmother was sectioned - put in a mental asylum by her own husband - for being hysterical! The poor woman was most likely experiencing hormonal changes! It doesn't bear thinking about!

So while today's post is a long way from the usual content you will find here on the blog, I hope that it reaches out to someone who needs to read it. Or that it's passed on to a friend you know could benefit. Or that you take the time to listen to the podcast linked and educate yourself further on such an important topic.

Please feel free to message if you have anything you'd like to add or query or discuss. We are all in this together.

I am incredibly grateful to have the support of loving friends and family and the Everyday Contentment community here on the Blog.

The images today are just little snippets of beauty from my week. There is always everyday ordinary magic to be found even when it's an uphill day.

Till next week x

Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Savoring simple daily pleasures

During a somewhat arduous week, a walk with my eldest daughter punctuated one late afternoon. We often take walks together, and as she steps confidently into adulthood, I truly treasure these moments spent together chatting and being in nature.

This particular evening, we were on the topic of formal balls and the all-important DRESS.

Last year, the poor girl attended her first ball, and that week she and most of her friends came down with the flu and spent their special evening feeling decidedly under par - even though they were still very elegant and glamorous.

Her grandmother had very generously treated her to a beautiful dress we had happened upon by chance when we weren't even in the market for one - she tried it on on a whim, and it fitted like a glove.

So during our conversation on the walk, I was so delighted - and rather proud - to hear my daughter express her opinions on high-quality, well-made, timeless garments. To the point where when I suggested she sell last year's dress, I was immediately reprimanded, as apparently that one is being kept forever. "As a classic cut and well-made piece, it can serve her for many years to come - even if it occasionally requires tailoring with inevitable changing body shapes."

It was so refreshing in this world of fast fashion to hear a teenager value quality over quantity, to understand the fundamental value in that.

To have an appreciation of what makes you and your unique body shine is quite a mature thing to grasp - to not wish to look like everyone else your age and to have a little identity and an edge while appreciating quality, timeless garments - investments certainly, but a buy once buy right strategy for formal gowns and such, and recognizing and valuing quality.

A cost-per-wear mindset can be really useful in these situations when debating investing in a piece you will hopefully have and enjoy for many years, be it a well-fitted pair of jeans, a classic trench, or a beautiful gown. If you break it down in that capacity, it can really help you focus and decide if something is worth the investment - or if that cheaper item is really worth the quick fix when, with a little patience and possibly a bit of research, a much better alternative may be well worth investing a little more.

Sadly today, our anticipated treat of a foray into our favorite high-end department store in the city, with its sweeping staircases, iconic displays, and luxury brands - an elevated shopping experience historically - was a shell of its former glory. Times are changing, and these grand businesses can no longer support their exclusive brands and variety of extensive stock with a lack of clientele, shopping habits evolving, and waves of recession and less disposable income in general.

While the fragrance counters were still glittering and wafts of expensive scent mingled, the women's couture and in particular formal gowns were all tucked away in storage and not on the floor displayed. The upper floors were dark and soulless and cordoned off, scaffolding and roadworks framed the once imposing and grand exterior, and our ball gown mission was soon, disappointingly, abandoned.

I genuinely feel bereft. A dying breed of these Old Dames of elevated department stores - owned and run by families for generations. Another one as good as emptied out and packed away, no grandeur or sense of occasion left anymore.

I feel grateful that for as many years as we were able to enjoy it, it was an intrinsic part of family traditions and special outings - always a leisurely browse among the floors and refreshments at the in-store restaurant during our annual outing to the Christmas Ballet - usually the nutcracker, other big shows and concerts, visits to Father Christmas, sparkling festive window displays, and first ball dresses.

I am grateful that my eldest got to experience the lavish fitting rooms with her first special dress, walking away with a thick glossy bag tied with an opulent ribbon.

And that these special moments instilled in my girls a sense of ceremony, quality, timeless pieces, and of "Buy once buy right".

We are looking forward to a family trip to Melbourne in the next few weeks, so perhaps we will squeeze in some ball gown browsing too......

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

One of my most simple daily joys is being the first to pad downstairs very early each morning, drink a long tall glass of water to rehydrate after a nights restful (Hopefully) sleep, and to lovingly greet and feed my cats their breakfast. 

This morning, as I type, I have woken before dawn, but following a much better sleep than I've managed lately, and with 2 of the family not here this weekend, I savored the luxurious feeling of my fresh Belgian linen sheets that only I had enjoyed last night, then brewed a cup of favorite tea as the cats enjoyed their breakfast. There is no other noise but the continuous buzz of the cicadas and the melodic song of the birds starting their morning. 

After such a chaotic and full week, unsupported by decent rest despite my intentional and good sleep hygiene, and accentuated by the hot sticky summer temperatures, this morning's peaceful tonic, leisurely tea and sense of calm is exactly what I needed to begin what is still a busy weekend- but can be enjoyed and savored by starting with a calm mind and a feeling of wellbeing. 

So as my New York breakfast blend tea brewed in a favorite china cup, I reflected how much I am inspired and often enthused by other people's routines, meal ideas and healthy habits. I frequently channel these little inspirations or ideas to keep me level and on track, or to avoid getting tired of my typical meals or fitness activities. And how important it is to keep on track especially during the busiest and most stressful times so we don't spiral. When I've had a poor night's sleep I crave carbs and sugar- and sometimes yes, I absolutely cave, but I NEVER feel better for it, and inevitably have a crash shortly after indulging. 

So, keeping it succinct - I thought a post of just that might help or inspire some of you to change something up in order to stay on track with health goals or avoid a routine becoming tiresome. 

Now my rituals I never tire of- these are the aspects of my day that I look forward to, that I savor and enjoy and which ground me. Such as always greeting the day upon waking ( no matter the season) by opening the two windows at each end of our bedroom to allow the morning air to circulate. Or by signaling to my body each evening after a shower and enjoying (usually ) a peppermint tea, that bedtime is approaching, and its time to wind down for the day. 

Habits, however, while the whole idea is that they become ingrained and second nature, can also benefit from tweaking and changing up a little, particularly, in my opinion, when it comes to food and fitness regimens. If we get tired of these we lose enthusiasm and interest- and we cease to do them or we do them half heartedly. The lifestyle I strive to live, surrounding the cornerstone of contentment and gratitude, is a long and healthy one. I wish to look after my body so that I can enjoy doing the things I love, with the people (And furry companions) I love, for many years to come. 

My goal I suppose is essentially to Futureproof my Body for Longevity as best I can. 

Below is a brief rundown of how I choose to fuel my body, most of the time, and how I choose to use my body, most of the time. Consistency is key - But life is to be enjoyed too. 

*I rise early typically. On a weekday I get up, and enjoy gulping down at least 600mls of water, which I then top up and take to my workout. 

* I workout at home so I refill the big Ball Jar I use as my water glass and head to the home gym or the treadmill. I alternate days of running, resistance training to various degrees and difficulty, and yoga which I try to incorporate once or twice a week as a combination of stretch, strength, and mindfulness. I always feel amazing after even a short yoga session. These days my runs are not great distances, but enough for me to get my heart rate going and feel good about it. I typically run about 5KM with a walking warm-up up so Im done in about 35-40 minutes. It's doable in my busy weekday and means after a 5am start I'm ready to jump in the shower by 6am. 

I have been taking AGEMATE each morning for almost a year and its replaced all the other supplements and vitamins I used to take- plus it has a pleasant taste and ups your water intake for the morning. 

* I have practiced intermittent fasting for well over 4 years now- probably closer to 5. I suppose you could loosely say I enjoyed a mid-life glow-up in my 40's. We moved house, and it kicked off a new drive in me to be healthier and take care of myself. So I stopped drinking any alcohol entirely (Another story but something I am proud of and have never felt better about)  and took my health and fitness a little more seriously. We had the space for a treadmill so I started running, and with the intermittent fasting I noticed positive changes very quickly. I steadily shed unwanted pounds, became fit, some gut issues were resolved and I felt more vibrant and happy and alive than I had in quite some time! I am far less rigid with my eating window now, but I do still pretty much adhere to a 16-8 method. (16 hours of fasting and an 8 hour eating window typically) 

*Breakfast tends to be a smoothie- particularly in the warmer months. On a weekend I may indulge in protein pancakes or steel-cut oats but on a work day:

Breakfast Smoothie Ingredients:

• Water
• 1 Scoop whey protein isolate powder (Vanilla)
• 1 TBS Chia seeds
• 1 TSP Body Bloom powder or similar
• Generous handful of spinach
• 3/4 cup frozen berries (Usually Blueberries)
• 1/2 cup greek yoghurt unsweetened
• Optional: 1 tbs almond butter, 1/2 Banana, 1 Tbs cacao nibs

Blend in my vitamins and transport to work in my Yeti or Hydroflask

I tend to wait to have this until around 11am to give my body time to really fast since dinner the previous evening.

Lunch:

Typically a fresh salad with protein- 

Lunch Salad Ingredients:

• Generous handful of mixed lettuce
• Cucumber
• 1/2 Tbs Quality Mayo
• Dash of olive oil, salt and pepper
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onion finely sliced
• Maybe cubes of feta, olives, Canned Tuna, Shredded roast chicken, hot smoked salmon. I aim for 30g protein minimum per meal and plenty of fibre.

Snack

I try not to snack but If I know I cant last I might have a green Juice (Recipe below) a small handful of roast almonds, and cut up apple sprinkled with cinnamon, a CHIEF collagen bar if I'm on the go, or if I'm truly famished, some greek yogurt with a sprinkle of No-Grain-Ola and some fresh fruit. 

Green Juice- Thum-sized piece fresh ginger, 1 Grannie smith apple cored, juice 1/2 a lemon, 2 big handfuls spinach or baby kale. Blast until smooth. Serve over ice. 

Rain or shine I walk every afternoon for at least an hour. I also take an adult ballet class and play golf at least once a week which I love and is the social aspect of my fitness as well as mindfulness really.  A treat on a weekend is a big long walk with no time restrictions and maybe even a coffee. 

Dinner

We are a busy family with so many extracurricular activities between us (to to mention various dietary requirements like Gluten Free and fuss pots!) but my favorite simple dinner would be:

Fresh snapper filet, dredged in seasoned gluten-free flour. Pan-fried or done on the BBQ hot plate - no cooking smells and fewer dishes!

Carrot puree-  Cook down 4 medium peeled dice carrots per person until tender, add a knob of butter and salt, and a tiny bit of the cooking water. Blitz to a smooth puree. Top with the fish and if you've cooked the fish in a skillet, use the pan juices to make a speedy reduction of butter, a dash of white wine, pepper, and capers to drizzle over. SOOO good. 

A family favorite is Sticky Chicken- clearly, we are in summery mode here as this is another BBQ dish. 

Allow 1/2-1 Chicken breast per serving. Dice chicken into large chunks and place in a bowl. 

The marinade is very much an "eye balled' and "winged" affair depending on what you have to hand. 

Honey, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fresh garlic, dash BBQ sauce, olive oil, herbs, whatever takes your fancy. Cook on the hot plate until cooked through and deliciously sticky and black on the outside. Toss through buttery spaghetti, and serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or zero noodles. 

Dessert. 

I try not to but often crave a sweet something so if I have pre-prepared my banana bites I may enjoy one of those, or a square of dark chocolate (Minimum 70%), or a decadent chocolate truffle with peppermint tea after a shower. 

Banana Bite:

In a silicone mini muffin pan;

1 slice banana, top with 1 tsp crunchy peanut butter, and drizzle over melted dark chocolate. Freeze and enjoy as an ice cream-like dessert. 

At night I alternate between peppermint tea and Metagenics CALMX magnesium powder.

On evenings I have time and am feeling prepared for the following day, I like to do a gentle 10-minute stretch before my shower. 

I hope you've found one or two elements to take away from today's post whether its to rise a little early, or to throw your windows open first thing, to re-asses the supplements you're currently taking, or recipe inspiration. 

Until next week. 

Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

My notes for today's post - a task and topic I've been pondering and indeed looking forward to all week, are somewhat redundant as I sit down to type on this balmy, warm and still evening, the cacophony of cicadas still very much telling their summer story.

I think—I hope—we are all friends here, and while the entire ethos of this blog and my books is about simplicity, joy, and savoring everyday loveliness, I do very genuinely and consciously show up to my days seeking those qualities, paying attention to the little details, and endeavoring to keep a good, positive outlook and be reflective, I too have my challenges.

This week, I have felt the pressure of life building, the busyness creeping back in, and the to-do lists starting to take too prominent a place.

So, while I had felt the compulsion to spend the weekend getting stuck into some home organization tasks, primarily my wardrobe (Yes, again. I like to keep abreast of this task every 2-3 months, go through with a critical eye, edit, cull, and rearrange according to season and usage and occasion.), my reality was that after such a full week, I was spent. My nerves were a little frayed, I was emotionally and physically drained and needed quiet space; time at home.

I gratefully enjoyed a long and restorative night's sleep last night and woke to a stunning, hot summer day. A day that was not calling to be spent indoors - let alone a walk-in wardrobe or Butler's pantry - re-arranging and organizing. And while I absolutely know how much the knock-on of having these areas spick and span and orderly affects my mindset and productivity- and positivity- today was not the day.

Today was a day to savor summer. To spend with family at home. To find the joy in bringing in the laundry off the line so warm from the sun it felt like it was fresh from the drier, to deadhead some plants around the porch, to relax over a cool drink in the shade with a visitor who popped by, to take a pre-dinner walk then cook on the BBQ and eat alfresco. I still accomplished several indoor tasks - at intervals, but with no strict list or schedule, and I encouraged myself to have a "clean enough" mindset. I freshened the bathrooms, but I didn't scrub the showers on my hands and knees as the mercury soared. I ran a few errands but was very brief in my outing and went early enough to escape the crowds and the heat. I prepared dinner with every door and window in the house open to catch the breeze and paused often to pet my cats and talk to them- slid them a tidbit even. I even decided that the book I had been reading as our chosen Ladies Book Club pick just wasn't what I needed. I'd persevered long enough. It really isn't that important if I don't finish it before our next meeting - so I picked up a Cosy Mystery paperback I'd bought a few weekends back on that rainy Sunday instead.

Sometimes we need to remember to take our own advice - go a little easier on ourselves. Let up a bit. Take time to breathe.

I needed that today.

I needed to feel the pressure ease. And I wanted to cherish and savor this blissful summery day. All too soon those tell-tale signs of Autumn will be starting to make an appearance - the grass under the clothesline won't be warm under my bare feet. It'll be too cool out come dinner time to sit on the deck. I'll need to use the dryer to dry the bed linens.

SO relish in today. Absorb all the goodness today has to offer. Sometimes that's just what you need to do.

My wardrobe will get done - and will feel fabulous and spur me on to other organizational tasks no doubt as it usually does, the butler's pantry is a perfect rainy day task - it can wait. It's tidy enough. Good enough.

The house is clean and orderly. The laundry is up to date (Always, I can't help myself.) Fresh sheets are waiting to greet me on the bed soon, and the Garage has been swept and tidied - enough.

So my anticipated post of before and after photographs of my curated and organized wardrobe will have to wait, and while I do not have that lovely buzz you get from accomplishing that kind of task or project, or the drive to keep ticking off areas requiring some attention or home organizing, I do have an overwhelming (in a good way) sense of peace and tranquility. A feeling of calm. A definite feeling of a summer's day well spent. Savored.

And there is still all of tomorrow to enjoy before the new week begins.

It's ok to not always accomplish everything on the list you have written for yourself. Sometimes it's more important to allow yourself a day with more drifting and less ticking.

I have a feeling I'll be doubly productive tomorrow as a result.