One offshoot of going through a crisis in my life has been a return of digestive problems so I have tackled it by following the advice of a recommended naturopath. I'd been on wheat free diets in the past which helped me considerably and now was advised to avoid gluten!
It had been a difficult time becoming wheat free (over 30 years ago) but there again there was not much ready to eat food (like bread) around for strange beings such as myself on funny diets. I remember buying all sorts of flours (potato, rice, maize for example) and then giving up and sticking to faithful ryvitas and rice cakes. (It must have been the beginning of the rice cake era!)
However, it's a different story now with a choice of gluten free bread and sweet delights available from supermarkets such as Asda (our local) and Sainsbury's. I've chosen as my favourite a lovely sliced brown gluten free loaf which is not as expensive as it might have been many moons ago and is most palatable when toasted. (Hint - always toast gluten free bread!)
My treat on my trips to the town centre in Hemel is a pot of tea or a cappucino at my favourite haunt the Tika organic cafe, accompanied by a lovely gluten free walnut brownie or a packet of gluten free chocolate biscuits which are, amazingly enough, YUMMY!
An evening out with family yesterday, included a restaurant meal at The Harvester - main veggie meal (yes, I am veggie as well as gluten free!) was delicious mushrooms stuffed with caerphilly cheese with new potatoes and peas, with a starter of healthy and juicy fresh melons and berries. No bread at all, so I felt satisfied and light. On return to the relatives' house late at night I had my own bread toasted (they were most accommodating and understanding!) and stuffed myself with unusually flavoured potato crisps with my cups of tea...
It's not so difficult becoming gluten free and when I do it properly I feel more well in myself than I have been for years while after a while it becomes second nature though does take some time to get used to!
Sunday 13 December 2009
Thursday 12 November 2009
Never give up!
When you're faced with a highly challenging situation sometimes it all gets too much. That is indeed the nature of a challenge. Now is the time to become really strong and focused and to work on yourself. Don't give in to stress and depression but use the experience to become stronger and wiser.
Life has given you this problem or challenge for a purpose. Indeed, if you are religious you may see it in a more spiritual light. And if you are not religious but have a spiritual outlook that will help profoundly. Otherwise, just be philosophical as there is so much we don't understand. The main thing is to do whatever is best for you, and throughout the time when you are challenged and all your inner resources are being tested to the limit, concentrate on looking after yourself, and try to enjoy life and all the good things it has to offer.
Finally, don't forget - the bad stuff doesn't go on forever!
Life has given you this problem or challenge for a purpose. Indeed, if you are religious you may see it in a more spiritual light. And if you are not religious but have a spiritual outlook that will help profoundly. Otherwise, just be philosophical as there is so much we don't understand. The main thing is to do whatever is best for you, and throughout the time when you are challenged and all your inner resources are being tested to the limit, concentrate on looking after yourself, and try to enjoy life and all the good things it has to offer.
Finally, don't forget - the bad stuff doesn't go on forever!
Friday 23 October 2009
Love and caring - appreciation
Loving and caring for each other is something that really matters in this life. It is so easy to take our nearest and dearest for granted and often many of us do. It is such an easy trap to fall into to wander around semi conscious, just getting on with what we do and, sadly, not fully appreciating the beautiful things around us and the beautiful people in our lives.
Ironically, it is when hard times hit us, and misfortune, adversity or an extremely stressful ongoing situation seem to envelop us that we really need each other to turn to. That is when, if you have a kind supportive spouse, relative or friend that you find comfort and solace in each other. It is when you really know who your friends are and who really are not part of your world.
When demanding times come around it is time to appreciate the things that really matter. Only you will know what those are and you will know when life throws a difficult challenge. Suddenly a lot of things don't matter any more or if they do they come after the most important thing - being fully conscious of each moment of life and truly appreciating the gifts that this consciousness brings.
Ironically, it is when hard times hit us, and misfortune, adversity or an extremely stressful ongoing situation seem to envelop us that we really need each other to turn to. That is when, if you have a kind supportive spouse, relative or friend that you find comfort and solace in each other. It is when you really know who your friends are and who really are not part of your world.
When demanding times come around it is time to appreciate the things that really matter. Only you will know what those are and you will know when life throws a difficult challenge. Suddenly a lot of things don't matter any more or if they do they come after the most important thing - being fully conscious of each moment of life and truly appreciating the gifts that this consciousness brings.
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