So not only am I bipolar, but I have OCD. I have my tendencies under better control than I do my anxiety and depression, but this disorder is still something that impacts my life on a day-to-day basis.
Let's start with my obsessive tendencies, because I believe this developed much sooner than even my anxiety did.
I like even numbers of things, odd numbers make me anxious. The best example I can think of to explain this is how the volume of things like my radio or the TV needs to be set to an even number, or it's all I can think about.
I like for things to be done in patterns; predictable and repetitive, and if something breaks that flow I get uncomfortable. If I am eating a mix of red and green grapes, I can't eat two of the same back to back. For example, I'd have to eat a red, then a green, then a red, then a green, and so on. If there were an odd amount left by the time I got to the end, I wouldn't eat them - I couldn't eat them. I'm the same way with foods like smarties or M&M's, I can't eat the same colour twice in a row.
I am also VERY specific on how I like things done. My books have to be aligned perfectly on my shelves, nail polish arranged by colour, or even what pen I'm using. I colour-code my notes for school, and if I mess up even slightly I will have to start over. Or if my notepad had even a slight rip or spot of something on it, I'd have to rip it out and start over. I used to spend so many hours after school re-writing my notes to get them perfect, and I fell very behind in my classes because of it.
Moving into my more compulsive side, I have an "all or nothing" personality. For example right now I am working a retail job, taking university courses, running a YouTube channel and two blogs, and maintaining a social media presence for networking. Two months ago all I was doing was working in retail, and posting on YouTube here and there.
I don't gamble or do drugs, because I know that I would get hooked on them too easily because of this trait. I'm the type of person that once I get my mind on something, I have to do it immediately or I can't stop thinking about it. I have driven myself crazy obsessing over something that I wanted to do, but was something I had to wait to happen.
I'm either in for something 100%, or couldn't care less. That could be the task I'm doing at work, relationships and friendships, even how I look that day. On Monday I could be dressed, hair and makeup, ready to walk the red carpet, but on Tuesday I don't get changed out of my pyjamas. Or with work I could go from wanting to call in sick, to putting in extra free hours all in the same week. It's not an easy task to find a balance.
I need to make lists, otherwise things get lost in my head. I've shown you that I use a life planner, but I am constantly writing down anything I need to get done for school or work. If I don't write them down physically, I tend to forget them with all of the other thoughts going on in my head.
Even after all these years I can't decided if having these traits are a positive or a negative thing, because they have both pros and cons depending on what situation I'm in.
My obsessive-compulsive disorder is something that I rarely share with people, even ones I am close to in my life, so I feel as though a weight has been lifted by finally acknowledging it. So thank you for being my outlet!
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Monday, May 14, 2018
Facts You May Not Know About Me !
Hi!
I know I seem like an open book, but there are a few things that might explain where some of my personality traits come from.
I can cook, but I prefer to bake
I only got into cooking when I started meal prepping, but I fell in love with it! I find it so relaxing, and I'm obsessed with being creative with recipes.
Because of my depression, I didn't go to prom or my high school graduation
I spent two years going to university in New Brunswick
I originally went with the intention of wanting to study communications, but discovered my passion for psychology. I loved Fredericton, and miss it and the people every day.
I lived a ketogenic diet for about three months
There were definitely pros and cons to following this diet, but in the end it just wasn't what was best for me.
I have taken the SAT
Yes I voluntarily decided to take the SATs, and gave myself four weeks to study for it. I did quite well and took it because I wanted the experience if I ever wanted to study in the US. Plus I actually love being in school and learning new things.
I've only worked for one company my entire life, and I've been there for almost four years
I love animals more than I do people
Since I was little I have wanted a Yorkie Terrier named Molly, and am obsessed with any animals. In my life I have had a cat, a bird, two hamsters, a variety of fish, a dog, and a lizard (my brother's technically). The only one I still have right now is one of the hamsters, but I am determined to get a dog soon.
I am currently working on writing my novel
I have always wanted to be an author, and in April decided to start working on my manuscript. I've gotten all of the planning done, and about 20,000 words down!
I am NOT a morning person
I used to suffer from bad insomnia, and would be awake for days at a time. I find the night to be calming, and am most productive when everyone else is asleep. The longest I've been without getting any sleep is four and a half days, and my doctor wanted to send me to a sleep clinic but the idea of someone watching me sleep made me anxious.
I do work as a book blogger and reviewer, and love every second of it
I have made so many connections to publishers through my blog, and some lifelong friends from YouTube. I have gone on trips that I never thought I would, and even bumped into Jason Segel while at a book event in NYC a few years back. My YouTube channel has provided me with memories and opportunities that I am never going to forget!
I'd rather watch a basketball game than anything else
The Raptors are my first choice, but you can find me watching any NBA game. I am very passionate about it, so if you want to get into a conversation with me about players, it won't be a short one. I went to five NBA games this past season, but wish I'd seen more!
I have a pretty open taste in things
Whether it be books, movies, or music, I'll give just about anything a try. My favourites vary greatly depending on the mood that I'm in that day!
I know I seem like an open book, but there are a few things that might explain where some of my personality traits come from.
I can cook, but I prefer to bakeI only got into cooking when I started meal prepping, but I fell in love with it! I find it so relaxing, and I'm obsessed with being creative with recipes.
Because of my depression, I didn't go to prom or my high school graduation
I spent two years going to university in New BrunswickI originally went with the intention of wanting to study communications, but discovered my passion for psychology. I loved Fredericton, and miss it and the people every day.
I lived a ketogenic diet for about three months
There were definitely pros and cons to following this diet, but in the end it just wasn't what was best for me.
I have taken the SAT
Yes I voluntarily decided to take the SATs, and gave myself four weeks to study for it. I did quite well and took it because I wanted the experience if I ever wanted to study in the US. Plus I actually love being in school and learning new things.
I've only worked for one company my entire life, and I've been there for almost four years
I love animals more than I do peopleSince I was little I have wanted a Yorkie Terrier named Molly, and am obsessed with any animals. In my life I have had a cat, a bird, two hamsters, a variety of fish, a dog, and a lizard (my brother's technically). The only one I still have right now is one of the hamsters, but I am determined to get a dog soon.
I am currently working on writing my novel
I have always wanted to be an author, and in April decided to start working on my manuscript. I've gotten all of the planning done, and about 20,000 words down!
I am NOT a morning person
I used to suffer from bad insomnia, and would be awake for days at a time. I find the night to be calming, and am most productive when everyone else is asleep. The longest I've been without getting any sleep is four and a half days, and my doctor wanted to send me to a sleep clinic but the idea of someone watching me sleep made me anxious.
I do work as a book blogger and reviewer, and love every second of it
I have made so many connections to publishers through my blog, and some lifelong friends from YouTube. I have gone on trips that I never thought I would, and even bumped into Jason Segel while at a book event in NYC a few years back. My YouTube channel has provided me with memories and opportunities that I am never going to forget!
The Raptors are my first choice, but you can find me watching any NBA game. I am very passionate about it, so if you want to get into a conversation with me about players, it won't be a short one. I went to five NBA games this past season, but wish I'd seen more!
I have a pretty open taste in things
Whether it be books, movies, or music, I'll give just about anything a try. My favourites vary greatly depending on the mood that I'm in that day!
Friday, May 11, 2018
How I Use My Life Planner
Hi!
Most of you may not know that I am a very organized person, and am always using a planner. My life can be busy sometimes since I work in retail, co-host a monthly readathon, have a YouTube channel, two blogs, am back in university, and run two Instagram accounts. Keeping all of that organized with my personal life can be overwhelming, but my life planner keeps me on track.
I love watching planner videos and reading organization posts, so I thought I'd share with you how I use mine! This is my third year using an Erin Condren life planner, but my first year using a horizontal layout.
First, my monthly view! I follow the same idea for each month, and it has been working very well for me. On the right-hand column I list all of my goals for the month, since seeing them every day keeps me accountable. I always note when I get paid, and place a scale sticker on every Monday to keep track of my weight.
If I have anything planned or booked in the month I'll write it in an orange pen, but it looks like I'm pretty open this month. Besides my trip to New York obviously.
Something I started doing this year is tracking when I work out, and when I finish reading a book. I use little exercise and book stickers to make them stick out, and easier to tally at the end of the month.
I use these tally's to reflect at the end of the month, and write down all of the books I read. Here's a picture of what March looked like!
I like to keep my weekly spreads simple, but I keep my tasks and events colour coded! I'm obsessed with Sharpie pens, and found that laying out my week this way helps the things stick out to me.
My system:
Orange = life event, purple = YouTube, pink = blog, blue = Instagram, and red = school. Any other tasks that I need to get done that day/week, I just write in pen.
I don't use the notes section in the back of the planner, except for tracking what my yearly goals were.
And finally in the back pouch I keep the stickers I use often (like my ones for books and workouts).
I'm pretty sure I covered everything, so I hope you enjoyed this post! I bring my planner with me everywhere, and have no doubt I would be lost without it.
If you are interested in getting a life planner, check out my link here!
I love watching planner videos and reading organization posts, so I thought I'd share with you how I use mine! This is my third year using an Erin Condren life planner, but my first year using a horizontal layout.
First, my monthly view! I follow the same idea for each month, and it has been working very well for me. On the right-hand column I list all of my goals for the month, since seeing them every day keeps me accountable. I always note when I get paid, and place a scale sticker on every Monday to keep track of my weight.
If I have anything planned or booked in the month I'll write it in an orange pen, but it looks like I'm pretty open this month. Besides my trip to New York obviously.
Something I started doing this year is tracking when I work out, and when I finish reading a book. I use little exercise and book stickers to make them stick out, and easier to tally at the end of the month. I use these tally's to reflect at the end of the month, and write down all of the books I read. Here's a picture of what March looked like!
I like to keep my weekly spreads simple, but I keep my tasks and events colour coded! I'm obsessed with Sharpie pens, and found that laying out my week this way helps the things stick out to me. My system:
Orange = life event, purple = YouTube, pink = blog, blue = Instagram, and red = school. Any other tasks that I need to get done that day/week, I just write in pen.
I don't use the notes section in the back of the planner, except for tracking what my yearly goals were. 
And finally in the back pouch I keep the stickers I use often (like my ones for books and workouts). I'm pretty sure I covered everything, so I hope you enjoyed this post! I bring my planner with me everywhere, and have no doubt I would be lost without it.
If you are interested in getting a life planner, check out my link here!
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
My Experience in a Mental Ward
Hi!
A couple of weeks ago I shared a post in which I told you I've been suicidal, and in that post was my admission to spending some time in a mental hospital. I said that I would go into more detail about that experience sometime, and today is that day!
On April 10, 2013 I was admitted to Grand River hospital and placed on suicide watch. I remember so vividly being strapped to a gurney, placed in the back of a medical transport van, and wheeled into the ward - but it doesn't feel real. I was so overcome with my depression, that entire journey felt like it was happening to someone else. My body was there, but my spirit wasn't.
The ward is in the lower level of the hospital, in what could be considered the basement. In order to access it you needed a special scan-pass or to be buzzed in, and the same if you wanted to leave. There were cameras everywhere, so they always knew who was coming and going, and where the patients were.
When I was wheeled in the first thing I noticed was the common area where three girls (all around my age) were staring at me. They brought me to a bedroom door where they finally unstrapped me, and ushered me into the room. In the room was a desk and chair, a nightstand, a three-drawer dresser, a simple bed, an adjoined bathroom, and a small window about six and a half feet off of the ground.
My transporters left only when a nurse entered the room. She had a folder in her hand and pulled the chair out from the desk while gesturing for me to take a seat on the bed. She asked me the questions you would expect, medical history, why I was there, etc. I think we talked awhile, though my answers were short, and she explained to me how the program worked. I found out that I would meet with a nurse every morning and every evening, that I would also have multiple check-ins with the group on how we were feeling, and some of the rules like that we aren't allowed to touch any of the patients. She also took a blood sample, which I still hate doing years later, to test that I wasn't on any drugs.
By mid-afternoon my mom hadn't yet arrived with my belongings, so I was guided into the common room wearing the hospital gown and booties I was transported in. I sat down on a chair, closest to the wall, noticing that none of the girls looked up at my arrival - instead completely engrossed in whatever was on the TV. I was uncomfortable and anxious, but not afraid. Once you have thoughts of taking your own life, there isn't much left in the world to give you fear - the real monsters are in your head.
I didn't move from the chair until it was time to go into the rec room for dinner, and because I was new I was given a generic meal of a hot dog, fries, and chocolate milk. I still hadn't spoken to anyone, but some of the girls were friendly with each other and I was a little envious. I wondered how long they had been there, why they were there, how they could be so happy in a place so dark.
After I'd finished eating I was escorted back into my room to meet with a night nurse about my medications. She asked how my first day was and if I was optimistic in my recovery, but was saved from disappointing her with the arrival of my mother. When she saw me sitting on the bed I could see her heart break in her eyes, and I knew I would never forgive myself for all of the pain I had put her through. I decided that I wasn't going to get better for myself, but for her. She'd brought me some clothes, books, and other things the nurses had suggested - but nothing that I could use to hurt myself. The draw-strings were pulled out of all of my pants and sweaters, I wasn't allowed my phone or any technology, but I could have snacks. The nurse came back into the room with what turned out to be a menu for the next day. It was a long thin sheet that was broken up into breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and had little checkboxes besides items we could request. Both my mother and the nurse stared at me while I looked over my options, encouraging me on what I should choose. Having an eating disorder also meant that my food intake would be monitored, and this was something we had to do every night that we were there.
From what I remember the hospital food wasn't anything special, but they had scones for breakfast that were some of the best things I'd ever had. It was my first time having a scone, and even five years later I'm trying to find one as good as those were. Every morning after we had breakfast in our rooms, we had to sit down as a group in the lounge and fill out a sheet based on how we were feeling, how we slept, something we were looking forward to, and other things like that. We would go around the room and have to share what we wrote, which I refused to do for the first few days. I am not much of a public speaker, and the idea of sharing my thoughts with a group of strangers almost sent me into a panic attack.
The days were all the same, there was a schedule posted on a whiteboard in the hallway, telling us where we needed to be at what times. Not that we needed a schedule, everything we did was monitored and we couldn't be left alone for too long. Our days consisted of our morning check-ins, group therapy, meals, an activity that promoted recovery, visits with the doctor on-site, and quiet "reflection" time in our rooms. None of our doors locked, making it easy for the nurses to come check on you frequently throughout the night.
Did I mention how awful it was to shower? It was communal, used one at a time, guarded by a nurse that checked in often. No matter how hard I scrubbed, I could never clean myself of my destructive thoughts. I have never felt so watched in my life, and to this day check everywhere I am for security cameras. I have a constant feeling of being watched, and prefer to have my back to a wall so that people can't be behind me. For example, waiting in the middle of a line makes me very anxious.
I have to admit, it wasn't the worst experience I've had. After a few days I started to settle into the routine and relax around the other patients, and my mom came to visit me every day. There were days that I would forget why I was there, but that only lasted until we'd go into therapy. What I really missed was my dog, and my freedom. After 12 days, they decided that I was stable enough to be taken off of suicide watch, under the condition I would continue seeing my therapist and psychologist on a weekly basis.
As much as I didn't want to be there, I took a lot out of my experience there. One of the things that my mom helped me carry out was the habit of rating my mood on a scale of 1 to 10. If I felt like a 1, I was nearing or already suicidal, and if I felt like a 10, then I was feeling like Superman. I have never felt like a 10, but I'm hoping that day will come soon.
I wanted to share this part of my life because it is something that I tend to hide the most, and I don't want to be ashamed of it anymore. I am not afraid of being judged for who I was and how I felt, because I am now stronger than I ever have been because of it. I know that I never want to go back to that mental place, and I also want to do whatever I can to make sure other people don't feel the way that I felt.
Don't be ashamed of your mental illness, and always remember that it is okay to reach out for help!
Kristina
A couple of weeks ago I shared a post in which I told you I've been suicidal, and in that post was my admission to spending some time in a mental hospital. I said that I would go into more detail about that experience sometime, and today is that day!
On April 10, 2013 I was admitted to Grand River hospital and placed on suicide watch. I remember so vividly being strapped to a gurney, placed in the back of a medical transport van, and wheeled into the ward - but it doesn't feel real. I was so overcome with my depression, that entire journey felt like it was happening to someone else. My body was there, but my spirit wasn't.
The ward is in the lower level of the hospital, in what could be considered the basement. In order to access it you needed a special scan-pass or to be buzzed in, and the same if you wanted to leave. There were cameras everywhere, so they always knew who was coming and going, and where the patients were.
When I was wheeled in the first thing I noticed was the common area where three girls (all around my age) were staring at me. They brought me to a bedroom door where they finally unstrapped me, and ushered me into the room. In the room was a desk and chair, a nightstand, a three-drawer dresser, a simple bed, an adjoined bathroom, and a small window about six and a half feet off of the ground.
My transporters left only when a nurse entered the room. She had a folder in her hand and pulled the chair out from the desk while gesturing for me to take a seat on the bed. She asked me the questions you would expect, medical history, why I was there, etc. I think we talked awhile, though my answers were short, and she explained to me how the program worked. I found out that I would meet with a nurse every morning and every evening, that I would also have multiple check-ins with the group on how we were feeling, and some of the rules like that we aren't allowed to touch any of the patients. She also took a blood sample, which I still hate doing years later, to test that I wasn't on any drugs.
By mid-afternoon my mom hadn't yet arrived with my belongings, so I was guided into the common room wearing the hospital gown and booties I was transported in. I sat down on a chair, closest to the wall, noticing that none of the girls looked up at my arrival - instead completely engrossed in whatever was on the TV. I was uncomfortable and anxious, but not afraid. Once you have thoughts of taking your own life, there isn't much left in the world to give you fear - the real monsters are in your head.
I didn't move from the chair until it was time to go into the rec room for dinner, and because I was new I was given a generic meal of a hot dog, fries, and chocolate milk. I still hadn't spoken to anyone, but some of the girls were friendly with each other and I was a little envious. I wondered how long they had been there, why they were there, how they could be so happy in a place so dark.
After I'd finished eating I was escorted back into my room to meet with a night nurse about my medications. She asked how my first day was and if I was optimistic in my recovery, but was saved from disappointing her with the arrival of my mother. When she saw me sitting on the bed I could see her heart break in her eyes, and I knew I would never forgive myself for all of the pain I had put her through. I decided that I wasn't going to get better for myself, but for her. She'd brought me some clothes, books, and other things the nurses had suggested - but nothing that I could use to hurt myself. The draw-strings were pulled out of all of my pants and sweaters, I wasn't allowed my phone or any technology, but I could have snacks. The nurse came back into the room with what turned out to be a menu for the next day. It was a long thin sheet that was broken up into breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and had little checkboxes besides items we could request. Both my mother and the nurse stared at me while I looked over my options, encouraging me on what I should choose. Having an eating disorder also meant that my food intake would be monitored, and this was something we had to do every night that we were there.
From what I remember the hospital food wasn't anything special, but they had scones for breakfast that were some of the best things I'd ever had. It was my first time having a scone, and even five years later I'm trying to find one as good as those were. Every morning after we had breakfast in our rooms, we had to sit down as a group in the lounge and fill out a sheet based on how we were feeling, how we slept, something we were looking forward to, and other things like that. We would go around the room and have to share what we wrote, which I refused to do for the first few days. I am not much of a public speaker, and the idea of sharing my thoughts with a group of strangers almost sent me into a panic attack.
The days were all the same, there was a schedule posted on a whiteboard in the hallway, telling us where we needed to be at what times. Not that we needed a schedule, everything we did was monitored and we couldn't be left alone for too long. Our days consisted of our morning check-ins, group therapy, meals, an activity that promoted recovery, visits with the doctor on-site, and quiet "reflection" time in our rooms. None of our doors locked, making it easy for the nurses to come check on you frequently throughout the night.
Did I mention how awful it was to shower? It was communal, used one at a time, guarded by a nurse that checked in often. No matter how hard I scrubbed, I could never clean myself of my destructive thoughts. I have never felt so watched in my life, and to this day check everywhere I am for security cameras. I have a constant feeling of being watched, and prefer to have my back to a wall so that people can't be behind me. For example, waiting in the middle of a line makes me very anxious.
I have to admit, it wasn't the worst experience I've had. After a few days I started to settle into the routine and relax around the other patients, and my mom came to visit me every day. There were days that I would forget why I was there, but that only lasted until we'd go into therapy. What I really missed was my dog, and my freedom. After 12 days, they decided that I was stable enough to be taken off of suicide watch, under the condition I would continue seeing my therapist and psychologist on a weekly basis.
As much as I didn't want to be there, I took a lot out of my experience there. One of the things that my mom helped me carry out was the habit of rating my mood on a scale of 1 to 10. If I felt like a 1, I was nearing or already suicidal, and if I felt like a 10, then I was feeling like Superman. I have never felt like a 10, but I'm hoping that day will come soon.
I wanted to share this part of my life because it is something that I tend to hide the most, and I don't want to be ashamed of it anymore. I am not afraid of being judged for who I was and how I felt, because I am now stronger than I ever have been because of it. I know that I never want to go back to that mental place, and I also want to do whatever I can to make sure other people don't feel the way that I felt.
Don't be ashamed of your mental illness, and always remember that it is okay to reach out for help!
Kristina
Monday, May 7, 2018
My Favourite Songs: Pumped Up
Hi!
Like most people, I love music. I almost always have music on, because my anxiety disorder makes me uncomfortable with complete silences. At the peak of my depression, the only way I'd be able to fall asleep was by having music on.
I know many of you have some of the same struggles, so I thought I would share with you some songs that always brighten my mood, and get me excited for the day!
Todrick Hall featuring RuPaul - Dem Beats
Video - Youtube
Pink - So What
Video - Youtube
Hardwell featuring Jason Derulo - Follow Me
Video - Youtube
Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Video - Youtube
Justice Crew - Everybody
Video - Youtube
Kenny Loggins - Footloose
Video - Youtube
McFly - I've Got You
Video - Youtube
Fall Out Boy - Immortals
Video - Youtube
Bon Jovi - It's My Life
Video - Youtube
Lil Mama featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain - Shawty Get Loose
Video - Youtube
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Video - Youtube
Smash Mouth - All Star
Video - Youtube
Like most people, I love music. I almost always have music on, because my anxiety disorder makes me uncomfortable with complete silences. At the peak of my depression, the only way I'd be able to fall asleep was by having music on.
I know many of you have some of the same struggles, so I thought I would share with you some songs that always brighten my mood, and get me excited for the day!
Todrick Hall featuring RuPaul - Dem BeatsVideo - Youtube
Pink - So What
Video - Youtube
Hardwell featuring Jason Derulo - Follow Me
Video - Youtube
Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Video - Youtube
Justice Crew - EverybodyVideo - Youtube
Kenny Loggins - Footloose
Video - Youtube
McFly - I've Got You
Video - Youtube
Fall Out Boy - Immortals
Video - Youtube
Bon Jovi - It's My LifeVideo - Youtube
Lil Mama featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain - Shawty Get Loose
Video - Youtube
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Video - Youtube
Smash Mouth - All Star
Video - Youtube
Friday, May 4, 2018
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Losing Weight
Everyone knows that it's important to live a healthy lifestyle, but nobody tells you just how different your life will become. In 2017 I lost 70lbs, and although I wouldn't take that back for the world, there are some things I wish I'd known when starting my journey.
1. You won't notice results right away
Losing weight can be a very long and frustrating process. In the first month of my journey I lost nine pounds, but still felt like I looked the same. I had build these huge expectations of all of my clothes suddenly becoming way too big, but in reality I still wear some of my "fat clothes" today - they just fit a lot better.
My solution to this frustration was to take progress pictures once a month. I could go an entire month not seeing any difference in the scale or in my clothes, but then comparing the pictures I could see that I had slimmed down a bit. To make it easier to compare, I made sure to always wear the same sports bra!
2. People around you won't be so quick to notice or comment on your weight loss
And you can't fault them for it! It was very hard to swallow, but I learned to appreciate that when people see you every day, they aren't likely to notice a five-pound difference. On the other hand, they may notice and just not know how to talk to you about it!
3. Your body is going to go through a lot of changes
Don't spend a lot of money on shoes, because your feet might get smaller. I went from a size 10 to an 8 after losing the weight.
A change that blows everyones mind, including my doctors, is how much my vision improved. I have been prescribed glasses for reading since the third grade, but by the time I started university needed to wear them constantly. Last year I began to notice that my vision was cleaning and realized I could go an entire work day without wearing my glasses! Now I usually only wear them when I'm reading, doing a lot of computer work, or if I have a headache.
Oh, and start investing in good shampoo because your hair is going to thin out a ton
4. You are going to hit some plateaus, and maybe even gain some weight back
And that is okay! Weight loss isn't a smooth, downhill slope, and is instead more of a roller coaster ride. My journey was up and down so many times, and it is very discouraging. But don't give up, you will break through your slump!
5. Having loose skin doesn't make you unattractive
It is instead a symbol of how far you have come
6. Some people are going to get jealous, or try to sabotage your journey
These are not the people that you need in your life. You are putting yourself first, and if people don't support that, you might want to consider cutting them out of your life.
7. You are going to sleep so much better
I spent years taking sleeping medication, but once I started working out and losing weight I found it so much easier to sleep through the night.
8. Eating a cookie does not mean your diet is over, and it does not make you a bad person
You are allowed to have a treat every once in a while, you can't cut everything out or you will go on a binge - trust me.
9. Meal prepping is going to become your best friend
Be prepared to spend almost an entire day cooking, but it is so worth it to have a weeks worth of meals available for work. When I was working full-time at my retail job, I looked forward to meal prepping on my day off because there were so many recipes I wanted to try and it was a nice chance to spend time to myself.
I wish I had learned to research a ton of recipes ahead of time because I did get bored of my meals a few times.
10. It is the most difficult journey to take, but it will be so worth it
You are going to cry many nights, and want to give up many times, but you are going to feel better than you ever have. Your hard work is going to pay off when you not only get to wear the clothes you've always wanted, but when you are able to do things physically that you never thought possible. Believe in yourself!
1. You won't notice results right away
Losing weight can be a very long and frustrating process. In the first month of my journey I lost nine pounds, but still felt like I looked the same. I had build these huge expectations of all of my clothes suddenly becoming way too big, but in reality I still wear some of my "fat clothes" today - they just fit a lot better.
My solution to this frustration was to take progress pictures once a month. I could go an entire month not seeing any difference in the scale or in my clothes, but then comparing the pictures I could see that I had slimmed down a bit. To make it easier to compare, I made sure to always wear the same sports bra!
2. People around you won't be so quick to notice or comment on your weight loss
And you can't fault them for it! It was very hard to swallow, but I learned to appreciate that when people see you every day, they aren't likely to notice a five-pound difference. On the other hand, they may notice and just not know how to talk to you about it!
3. Your body is going to go through a lot of changes
Don't spend a lot of money on shoes, because your feet might get smaller. I went from a size 10 to an 8 after losing the weight.
A change that blows everyones mind, including my doctors, is how much my vision improved. I have been prescribed glasses for reading since the third grade, but by the time I started university needed to wear them constantly. Last year I began to notice that my vision was cleaning and realized I could go an entire work day without wearing my glasses! Now I usually only wear them when I'm reading, doing a lot of computer work, or if I have a headache.
Oh, and start investing in good shampoo because your hair is going to thin out a ton
4. You are going to hit some plateaus, and maybe even gain some weight back
And that is okay! Weight loss isn't a smooth, downhill slope, and is instead more of a roller coaster ride. My journey was up and down so many times, and it is very discouraging. But don't give up, you will break through your slump!5. Having loose skin doesn't make you unattractive
It is instead a symbol of how far you have come
6. Some people are going to get jealous, or try to sabotage your journey
These are not the people that you need in your life. You are putting yourself first, and if people don't support that, you might want to consider cutting them out of your life.
7. You are going to sleep so much better
I spent years taking sleeping medication, but once I started working out and losing weight I found it so much easier to sleep through the night.
8. Eating a cookie does not mean your diet is over, and it does not make you a bad person
You are allowed to have a treat every once in a while, you can't cut everything out or you will go on a binge - trust me.
9. Meal prepping is going to become your best friend
Be prepared to spend almost an entire day cooking, but it is so worth it to have a weeks worth of meals available for work. When I was working full-time at my retail job, I looked forward to meal prepping on my day off because there were so many recipes I wanted to try and it was a nice chance to spend time to myself. I wish I had learned to research a ton of recipes ahead of time because I did get bored of my meals a few times.
10. It is the most difficult journey to take, but it will be so worth itYou are going to cry many nights, and want to give up many times, but you are going to feel better than you ever have. Your hard work is going to pay off when you not only get to wear the clothes you've always wanted, but when you are able to do things physically that you never thought possible. Believe in yourself!
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Popular TV Shows I've Never Seen
Hi!
So I used to think that I watched a lot of TV, but recently people keep trying to talk to me about shows and I realized there are a lot I haven't watched. I have every intention to watch them, however, just can't seem to sit down and start them!
When I watch TV shows I like to binge watch them from start to finish, and a few of these are still currently running so I'm currently using that as an excuse. I've heard so many things about all of these shows, and I'd love to just sit and watch a couple episodes here and there, or even be up to date with the shows for when new episodes are released.
All of these are either on Netflix, or I own a copy of the first season of. Yes, I am the type of person that still buys physical copies of TV shows or movies, because I like to see them collected on my bookshelves and watch them whenever I want.
Unfortunately there are a lot of other shows that I haven't watched, like Seinfeld, Modern Family, the 100, and too many more. I'm not sure which one I will start with, so please leave me any recommendations that you have!
Happy watching!
Kristina
So I used to think that I watched a lot of TV, but recently people keep trying to talk to me about shows and I realized there are a lot I haven't watched. I have every intention to watch them, however, just can't seem to sit down and start them!
All of these are either on Netflix, or I own a copy of the first season of. Yes, I am the type of person that still buys physical copies of TV shows or movies, because I like to see them collected on my bookshelves and watch them whenever I want.
Unfortunately there are a lot of other shows that I haven't watched, like Seinfeld, Modern Family, the 100, and too many more. I'm not sure which one I will start with, so please leave me any recommendations that you have!
Happy watching!
Kristina
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