As I have mentioned, last year was a really tough year for me. I struggled. Alot. I didn't realize how much until recently. It's like during the school holidays the layers of pressure and stress have been slowly peeling away. As I reflect back over last years posts, I can hear it in them. Thankyou for continuing to read and stick with me! I do so appreciate it.
These holidays and having the time to be....well it's been wonderful, and energizing. I feel like slowly as the layers of stress peel away I am beginning to re-emerge again.
Don't get me wrong, last year was full of blessings and new beginnings. Im so very greatful for it,
but I'm not sad it's over.
I have gained alot of weight, (eughhh) my joints ache and my energy levels have been extreemly low. Middy naps anyone?
I have been to the Dr and they are giving me a good once over, blood tests and all the like - so far everything is clear and I suspect nothing significant will show up.
I believe this is simply the cost of stress, and the hormone response chronic stress triggers. It takes a serious physical toll on the body. Despite taking the time to be mindful, and slow down last year. It was still a tough year. If I hadn't been on this simple living journey, I would hate to think where I would be now. Very ill I suspect.
So I have spent some time simply reading and getting inspired about our health again. Putting back in place old, familiar routines, as well as starting new practices. I have no words for just how lovely it feels.
Re-starting my milk kiefer, broth on the simmer, youghrt straining for soft cheese and to use the whey to help soak beans/grains and sourdough starter under the blue cloth.
I have had "Nourishing Traditions" on my shelf for simply aaaaages. But have been put off by it's size and depth, and a lack of time and energy to give it the proper time it deserves. But being on holidays, and first half of the house is mostly renovated there is no excuse. Over the past week I have been nestled down with a pen and paper and cuppa, menu planning, shopping list writing, and taking notes of pages to refer back to. I am keeping it very simple. But this slow, simple food resonates with me.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about using "click and collect" due to work/study/travel and being stretched for time. My goodness it is working AMAZINGLY well. I save time shopping during the day and now I can use that time to food prep/cook. I have found my cooking mojo! It's a little fragile, but it's there.
I'm finding I'm shopping every 1-2 weeks. I have slowed the process right down to carefully look after our produce better. Taking the time to rotate things in my fridge, store them better, and organize my fridge everytime I shop so nothing gets tucked in at the back. My food wastage has gone right down. Not that it was ever wasted - as it went to the chooks, but you know. When we hurry and rush we forget whats there. We dont take the time to value what we have.
As I unpack my groceries I pop the veggies into a sink of water with a good glup of whit vinegar to let them soak. This gets any dirt and impurities off and they last much, much better.
Well the boys are giving me the hurry along - we have a mother hen hatching out her eggs today and best we check on her, I hope to get some photos to share tomorrow!
Much love,
Emma
xx
