Wednesday 14 August 2013

When Abstinence becomes Indulgence.

 I have mastered the art of indulgence and rarely chosen, or adhered to, abstinence. So I used my ability to twist things around in order to make sense of it all and asked myself how to make abstinence an indulgence?

Instead of indulging an insatiable appetite The Captain and I have abstained from re-filling our plates with 'left overs' and started indulging a desire to be healthier and happier.

Abstaining from late night television and cuddling on the sofa means we have indulged in more sleep and better moods.

Abstaining from pasta and potatoes means we  have indulged in more colourful vegetables, beans and salads.

Abstaining from sugar has re-introduced fruit as a naturally sweet indulgence.

Abstaining from extra salt means indulging in herbs and spices.

Abstained from spoiling each other with immobilising treats, indulge in long walks in the forest.

Abstain from back hunching hours on the computer, indulge in lengthening stretches that give birth to long forgotten endorphins. .

Abstain from a sedative lifestyle, indulge in skipping ropes and racing heart beats.

Abstain from wasting money, save instead for indulgent holidays.

Abstain from talking too much, indulge in words of new stories you hear.

Abstain from controlling, indulge in spontaneity, at times it's the other way round.

Abstain from criticising  yourself and begin to indulge a desire to be loved - by you.



***

The Captain saw 14 shooting starts last night, I asked him if he wished my wish, be fit. He answered if that will make you happier then I wished it 14 times.


***

This from the man that  loves decadent meals.

Me: What, no cheese?
Him: Not today.

***

Me: I bought you a present.
Him: Chocolate?
Me: No. A skipping rope.
Him: *finds you tube clip on how to skip rope - starts skipping*
Me: *Wipes dust off my rope.*

***

This from the Captain, after a night shift, whose favourite dock has always been his own bed.

Me:  It's windy and raining, perfect day to spend in bed.
Him:  Mmm - I'll make you a coffee but you have to be dressed by 11.00. We're going for a walk.

Complaining is an indulgence I might just abstain from too.














10 comments:

  1. How lovely, Ida. Let's all indulge in health and well-being! Congratulations to you and the Cap'n for taking these steps to a healthier life.

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  2. Eek! Only one issue there: there's no excuse for skimping on cheese. ;)

    It's so true though--you give up some things for something better. It's all about our choices, eh?

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    1. We just bought a great stinky block of Danish cheese that makes me want to skimp on opening the fridge door as well as eating too much of it. I'm trying to change the give up mentality to give more to my health and well being, but yes change has to occur on some level

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  3. How wonderful to read this Ida thank you! I feel better already! So inspiring to all who read this. It shows me clearly how making conscious choices is the way to get those endorphins cracking. May you and husband continue to benefit from the 'e's as you both 'a' from the 'i'. O, u have inspired me! (Just using the vowels here).

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    1. thank you Ida ... does one make one's own inspiration or does the muse 'just appear'? I suspect a bit of perspiration (work) helps inspiration to get going?

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  4. So refreshing, reading this. I'm always looking for ways to a healthier lifestyle, and with a kid and such (pizza parties all the time), it's not always easy. Good for you.

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    1. It is easier to stick to simple foods the kids prefer like pasta and potatoes, but my bonus kids have learned to eat so many new things since I started cooking for them. I have tried to teach them that life is boring if you aren't prepared to try new flavours, as well as everything can taste good in the right combination.

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  5. 'try new flavours' - can be related to life in general as well ...

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  6. Shooting stars? I take it the meteor shower was visible from your part of the world...

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    1. It probably was a meteor shower, he often see's shooting stars when he's sailing, this is the third time in the last few years that he has seen more than a dozen or so in one night. He says he always wishes the same wish and so far it is continuing to be true :)

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