This is just a quick update, subject to change, of how far I’ve stepped out of my previous comfort zone, a.k.a. The Pit of Despair.

I’ve been here in Hopefield for 9 months. In that time I’ve birthed a whole new Hanlie!

• I cook almost everything I eat. Previously I was too sore and tired to do much cooking. I lived on take-out (delivered, of course) and convenience foods. Surprisingly, I’m enjoying my kitchen adventures. They’re not all successful, but I will be sharing some of the better ones.
• I shop around for the best ingredients. My go-to is the Foodie Hub, where I buy fresh, local and artisanal products and produce. Previously I had almost everything delivered and the rest came from convenience stores. I was simply too tired and sore to go to grocery stores.
• I eat what is in season. Food just tastes better that way.
• I know where the bulk of my food comes from. As in, I know the farmers.
• I make my own dressings, sauces and relish. You can’t always find your favourite products here, so I am learning, through trial and error, to make my own.
• I’m learning about gardening, hydroponics, and permaculture. For now I only have a few herbs in pots, but one day…
• I attended a Sourdough Workshop. I bake my own sourdough bread and it’s glorious! I never thought I would bake bread! I have started Keto, so no more bread, It was glorious though.
• I started the Keto Diet in September 2023, and have managed to get off all my diabetes medication. While I still have diabetes (for now), my blood sugar is lower than when I was on Victoza and Metformin.
• I’ve weaned myself off my anti-depressant. I’d been on Welbutrin for close to 10 years. I’m off it now and doing just fine!
• I stopped vaping. This happened a year ago, but after a lifetime of smoking and vaping, I just stopped. I was fidgety for a day. Since then, nothing. I’m so done!
• I socialise. I’ve met so many amazing people here. I used to avoid people before…
• I started my own bookkeeping business. It’s been a steep learning curve with many setbacks, but I’m making progress.
• I’m learning new skills. I’ve had to learn to market my business, and have also started micro-learning, using Youtube, Duolingo, etc.
• I started EFT (tapping) to help with stress management and self-doubt. This is changing my life.
• I listen to affirmations while I sleep. It’s really helping me with confidence and self-esteem.
• I go to bed around 10 pm now. It used to be 2 am! So yes, I get a lot more sleep.
• I’m learning to meditate. This one is taking some time, but I’m making progress.
• I exercise. I set hourly reminders when I work on my laptop to get up and dance, walk in place, or stretch for the duration of one song.
• I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it.
• I’m happy!