WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN DECEMBER 5TH, 2020
WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN DECEMBER 5TH, 2020
HEY EVERYONE!
**WELCOME To Our End of the week "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN~ This is our "FIRST" Check-in for the Month of DECEMBER!
**If you aren't a member yet Please "JOIN" the Healthy Living Community Here!!
**FEEL FREE TO ANSWER ANY OR ALL QUESTIONS! Or Simply tell us about yourself and how you've been doing! Feel free to share or Vent!
**Hey Everyone~How have you been this week?
**This is the FIRST Check-in for the Month of DECEMBER!!... I cannot believe this is the LAST Month of the year already?!...There is something "Magical" about the Month of December~ Most likely due to the Holiday Season and all the decorations and lights around us. What are you looking forward to the MOST This month ahead?!
**What things do hope to take care of or accomplish for yourself in this before this month is complete? What goals would you like to meet for yourself by the end of this year?
**Even though this Holiday season might be a little "Different" for many,... How do you plan to celebrate this season? With all the treats (and stressors) that surround this season, How do you plan to keep it healthy for yourself Physically, mentally or emotionally? What things will you do to stay on track?
**Just for Fun: .....What is the BEST Gift you have ever "Received"for Christmas? What is the BEST Gift that you have ever 'Given'?
**What have been your "Highlights or Struggles" this past week? What were you able to do to cope or work through them?
**What would "YOU" like to talk about or share with us about your Week?! WE want to hear from "YOU"~
@DonaldDraper @Vivelespatates @StanDaMan78 @LinearWaves @AffyAvo @MellieTronx @lovingbanana5204 @Cloudysummer @AveryLove @Regmo7 @Goldcherry2113 @berryfields2409 @Rebekahwriter13 @betterchoices @Lexloveslife @Keola @GrowingGinkgo8847 @niceDaisy36 @888Butterfly888 @politeTangerine7243 @MoreThanAConqueror18 @estompe55 @GhostlyLilian @LK1007 @Skyy0 @herealways27 @sweetrosa1987 @7motivation
**AND ANY AND ALL NEWBIES!! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR WEEK WITH US!
**This past week has been kind of Meloncholy.... Its been a quiet and slow one of sorts. Which is not a bad thing. Mentally, emotionally and physically I was up and down a little. I actually taught ALL 4 of my Fitness classes this week. Which was the first time in a few weeks. My new indoor class while started off VERY well, was actually a little lower in attendance this past week. With some still on holiday and travel etc..... But, it can be a little discouraging since with Group Fitness classes, you tend to "Feed off the energy" of everyone else in the room. A class of 5 is not as energizing as a class of 10 or more etc... Just a little concerned for this month ahead with December always seeming to be a low attended month for as long as I've been doing this.
**I've still been in a "Self-care" mode due to some personal things, So on the days between my classes this past week I've been just using those days to rest my body and mind. I've still been finding it a little challenging to stay on track the way that I desire or am used to doing..... And find myself losing some focus. So I really need to work on figuring out some ways to deal with that to get back on track with much more consistency!
**I'm almost done decorating for the Holiday season, I just got to add the lights to the outside of the house and then it will be complete. I'm almost done with Christmas shopping. Just waiting on everything to be delivered and then get it all wrapped up!...I LOVE being able to "give" to my family at Christmas. I can't say that this has been a bad year. This year surely brought its challenges and difficulties, BUT... "pesimistic me" has certainly seen and found the 'positives" in it all as well! I look forward to this being a month of "healing in various ways as well as family time, and self care time".
**No major plans this weekend ahead as of yet, but looking to find something "Holiday-ish" to do. My Instructor friend is having a ZOOM "Holiday Zumba" class, so I might attempt to get up for that... and then see where the day takes us~
ENJOY THE WEEKEND~
@PoliteOcean
Yay well done on teaching your 4 classes! As for attendance, I don’t know if that’s doable and maybe it’s a silly idea, but do you think making some little “happenings” in your classes could help? With happenings I mean for example, planning a “Secret Santa” between people, or having people come in a christmassy outfit, or doing a special choreo? I’m short on actually ideas but something season-oriented?
Take good care of yourself! <3
@LinearWaves
Hey there! Yes those are all actually GREAT ideas and do work for sure mostly with my Senior citizen classes in ZUMBA GOLD. (Gifts and holiday songs).....
I have incorporated a "Few" Holiday songs. (Warm-up, Cool-down, and one or two in the middle) for my "Regular classes"....But I try not to go to overboard as I know not all might celebrate and try to be empathetic to that....
I thought about a Secret Santa or Gift Exchange, but then I thought with so much going on this year, Not sure who is able to do it financially, and didn't want to place a burden on anyone. And with so many seemingly "out" last week and this week as well, there really wasn't enough people to really plan it...We only have one more week left of our class time together before Christmas week. And I am taking Christmas week off...... So that only leaves us One more class this week & 2 'Regular' classes next week. So Not much time to plan and might cause last minute stressors for the Very few that have been attending.
As far as Christmas Outfits, well..... I might be able to get them to wear some type of Christmas shirt or something cute. Lol.... They don't seem to be into that type of stuff..... even when we were all together at the previous studios we've been through together. Its challening to get my regular classes to "get into the spirit" of things. All they want to do is just come in, workout, get it done, and leave. lol... 
@PoliteOcean
-Hi, I have been 90% happy this week. It was really great. How have you been doing?
- It's not a festive month for us but, I am looking forward to having better health this month.
- I have come up with a list of long-term tasks I want to accomplish. Like:
1. Forgiveness: I want to forgive those who have hurt me and move on. It will take time to heal but, I hope I accomplish this as soon as I can.
2. Self-acceptance: For many years, I have been resisting to be the self I wish to be. But, now I want to accept the real me.
3. Self-love: I am done hating myself and blaming myself for whatever I have been through so, now I am practicing self-love to lead a better present.
4. Better health: For 5 years, I have been ignoring my health which just kept getting worse because of my carelessness and neglect. But, now that I have realized that I was punishing myself for no reason. I want to take care of myself and recover from all the health issues.
5. Learning to appreciate my efforts, hard work, and accomplishments. I reward myself every Sunday for accomplishing all the tasks of the week.
I wish to accomplish my 4th goal which is better health, by the end of the month. I have been exercising, doing yoga, and dancing. I drink a cup of milk every day. I take my immunity medicine. I eat all 3 meals. So, I guess I will be able to accomplish my 4th goal by the end of the month.
- Even if December is not much of a festive season for me. Still, I love December because December is the month that put an end to all the suffering we have experienced the entire month and it brings new opportunities in our life. December 2020, is somehow really special to me as during this period I have begun my journey of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-improvement.
- We don't celebrate Christmas but when I was in our school used to organize a Christmas party. I was in 8th grade when I had received a Red Scarf as a gift from my Vice Principal. We were really close to each other, she will always hold a special place in my heart. I have never given a gift for Christmas though.
- It's been almost 3 years, I couldn't make any friends which has made me really lonely. That overwhelming lonely feeling was making me struggle this week. But, I came up with an alternative solution to it. I have set reminders on my phone with long self-love and encouraging texts. They will remind me that I am not alone.
- I would like to share how precious yesterday was to me. Yesterday I forwarded a sweet note to all the members I have supported till today.
The note: (Also for the person reading this)
"Love yourself. You are beautiful the way you are, there's nothing wrong if you wish to change yourself. You are smart. You are strong. You are amazing. Things might seem tough sometimes but, know that it will be alright. Don't criticize or judge yourself on the basis of what others tell you, at end of the day, all that matters is what you think about yourself. Love yourself..."
All of them appreciated me which made me feel really happy and good about myself. I was glad all of them were happy with it.
@Mishi1053
This is a really lovely and important list, best of luck for accomplishing it <3
@LinearWaves
Thank you 
@Mishi1053
Hey there! Wow ... what a great check-in!
Sounds like you have really thought about and thought out alot of things for yourself. Its great that you are looking forward to having a better month this month. I love the fact that you have a made such a very thorough list of the things that you want to work on and accomplish for yourself!
I think its really wonderful that you reward yourself "Every" Sunday!... What rewards do you gift to yourself for doing so well?!
Its great that you have been doing so very well with your 4th goal!... They are all really important. But Having better health is certainly at the top of the list!.... I see you are drinking a cup of Milk daily. Milk is great for Calcium and Vitamin D... What type of Milk do you drink? Is it regular/Whole, 1% 2%, Skim, Or something else like (Almond or Cashew)?! Have you been incorporating Water into your daily goals? Water is also very important. And can help us reach our goals even sooner sometimes as it helps to 'Flush" and detox our bodies of so much. Our bodies are made up of mostly water. And if you are one that doesn't like "plain" water, you can infuse it with so many diffferent fruits or flavors etc....
Sounds like the Month of December will be a very important one for you in working on and reaching your goals!
Wow.. how lovely of your former principal to gift you a scarf. That was very nice of her. And its so great that you were able to have a nice relationship with her. Do you still keep in touch with one another?
I'm so sorry to hear that you felt that you couldn't make any friendships and that you found yourself feeling so lonely. Just know that as long as you are here at 7cups you will never be alone!.. There is always someone here that is willing to be there and support you. And be there to listen. We are here to help you in any way that we can. And I love the idea that you have set "reminders" for yourself with encouraging texts and messages to help you cope and feel better!
What a lovely note! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!... And thank you so much for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing! Please feel free to stop by and check back with us to let us know how you are contininug to do! We would love to continue to hear from you!
@PoliteOcean
My rewards are: [ I reward myself with one of the following]
1. A bar of dark chocolate. I love dark chocolate also, it is good for health. It is nutritious. I have Premenstrual Syndrome, which is a set of emotional, physical, and psychological disturbances that occur after ovulation and end after the menstrual period. I experience really severe mood swings so, eating dark chocolate helps. Especially when I am stressed.
2. I cook my favorite food. I love cooking my favorite food is crunchy soya chunks with fried rice. Again, soya chunks are good for health. Soy is full of polyunsaturated fats, proteins, and omega 3 fatty acids. They are also rich in calcium and iron while providing no extra sugar or sodium to the body.
3. I let myself stay up late eat some junk food and watch K dramas.
I drink regular milk, though I am not a big fan of milk. When I don't feel like drinking regular milk, I drink cashew or almond milk. They are yummy.
I am not in touch with anymore. I had to move to another city so, I lost contact with her. I might not have met good friends throughout my life but, I have met really inspiring and amazing teachers. I was always open and friendly with my teachers and I've had a really strong bond with all of them 
They have always been there for me.
I really love leaving small encouraging notes for people. Those are the things that I crave to hear but, I don't have anyone who could remind me. I do feel sad sometimes because of the hard times I have gone through but, I am really thankful that I experience those things. I am grateful for my hard times, they are the ones who have built me, who made me strong, passionate, gave me a strong sense of compassion, and made me emotionally flexible.
A Little Update:
I came up with a "3 weeks of physical health care" challenge for myself which has motivated me to push my limits and improve my health. Yesterday was my first and I accomplished my tasks except for drinking milk. I had 3 meals, 8 glasses of water, I did yoga and exercise. In addition, I danced. Dancing releases endorphins in the body which generate happiness and positivity.
December already… another week gone in a blink! It’s been a really busy week again, I’ve had another meeting, which was really productive since starting next week I’ll start being trained in statistics which I’m really looking forward as I was struggling with it, plus no one in my lab is competent in this kind of statistics so no one could help me. I’m not really looking forward the whole Christmas/New Year’s Eve part though…
I’d really like to go back to drawing/painting, yup, once again! I don’t like to offer gifts that aren’t personal, at least to my family, so I’d really like to have a painting for my sister and also for my mother, in addition to other gifts they want to make it a bit more personal. Plus I’ve noticed that with the whole semi lockdown we’re in, my screen time has just exploded so I’d like to find some activities away from it. So that will be the goal of this weekend, although I also have to go to work…
I’m hoping next week goes okay, as I’ll have once again more than I can handle to do..! I’m hoping to eat better as well, lately I’ve only been eating one meal (which is usual for me) but this meal used to be bigger/more complete, so I’d like to have it more complete again, or to add some kind of snack at some point of the day.
@LinearWaves
Hey there!... Yep.. another week just like that! lol 
Thats great for you that you had a meeting that you felt was productive. Thats the important thing when it comes to those. Having meetings that are productive and produces positive results in some way! And how nice for you that will getting ready to start something new that you are looking forward to as well despite that you felt you struggled with it before.
How lovely that you like to offer personal gifts. My son is the same way.... he's been that way since he was a little boy. I wouldn't expect anything else from you though because I can tell you are such a Very sincere person! So it doesn't surprise me! A painting too?! How awesome.
I hear you on the "Screentime".... I normally don't look at that or even think about it, UNTIL I get an 'Alert' that is to remind me of the damage! Lol...
.... Its ok though, I try to tell myself that we are in some challenging times, and we have to find not only "productive" stuff to do, BUT....also some down-time as well. Even if that means Screentime.~ We have to find ways to un-wind from the stressors. If that is your way, then there is nothing wrong with that. Only if you find that its interfering with major things in your life. Then it might be a problem!
I hope that the week goes well for you too!.. And that you find that you are able to nourish yourself better as you desire. I see that you only do One meal a day... do you find that helpful? Beneficial? to your goals? Like as far as weight loss etc...? I have been seeing alot of people do that lately as apart of Intermittent Fasting. So I was curious and thought I'd ask! I do hope though, that if you find yourself needing a healthy snack, that you allow it or find the time for it!
Thanks so much for checking in this week and for letting us know how you've been doing. Always love to hear from you as well as all your thoughtful insights each week!
@PoliteOcean
I feel they’re producing too much results actually, there’s a lot to do, pretty much everything at the same time and it’s hard to know what to prioritise as everything is important!
You’re right, screentime definitely is good to unwind and a way to relax, I just find it sad sometimes not to turn to more active/creative things like reading or drawing, but whatever helps relax after all!
As for one meal per day, I don't do it for weightloss, it’s mostly to match with my appetite: I don’t feel much hunger throughout the day so I prefer to force myself to eat only one big time rather than every meal. Plus I find that I’m more awake/focused when not eating lunch. I’ve read a lot about intermittent fasting though and I don’t think it’s for everybody, it really depends on your metabolism, hunger, lifestyle. As for weight loss, intermittent fasting alone can’t make people lose weight, because at the end of the day you eat just the same. It can help combined with working out at the right times though, if you work out right before eating you will burn things that were stored “deeper” but I don’t think it can produce results right away (like everything) and it needs to be done carefully!
Thanks a lot for your answer <3
@PoliteOcean Here's how this past week went. Monday my caretaker Deysi decided to come back to work for me. She took me grocery shopping later the same day. Wednesday my girlfriend Michelle broke up with me. 
Thursday I had a therapy appointment. We talked about my girlfriend Michelle. Friday I went to the lab where I was supposed to get a blood test. Their web site said that no appointment was necessary, but when I got there they said an appointment is required.
It was pretty disappointing since I had been anxious to get it done. The trustee of my mother's estate is going to let me back into the condo Dec 23rd so I can move my stuff around.
For this upcoming week, Monday I have a therapy appointment. I want to talk about my creepy roomie Ken from college. He was creepy because he treated me like I was his girlfriend. Wednesday I have a chiropractic appointment, and Friday I'm going to try to get a blood test done again. I made an appointment this time so hopefully that will work out. I'm still studying my statistics.
@Regmo
Hey there!.... So glad to hear about Deysi! And that things are going well and working out there!... And so sorry to hear about everything with Michelle. I see you said you talked to your Therapist about all of that. Did they have any "insight" for you about your relationship with her? What were their thoughts about her? Sorry to hear about the whole "Lab" thing. Good grief. Had a similar situation recently as well. I know things are challenging lately, but you'd think that Healthcare field would have their "act" together. Especially regarding appointments and such. That is so very important especially during these crazy times that we are in. We need to have accurate info. Thats really great for you that you will be allowed back into your Mothers estate to get your belongings! Do you have alot to get? Will you be able to take it all with you, or will you need to move it elsewhere? Sorry to hear about the 'Creepy Ex-Roomie from college"! Yikes!...Glad that you are getting a chance to talk about it. Sounds like you have a very eventful week ahead with your appointments. Hopefully they will all work out with no issues, and that you will find them all to be beneficial! Thanks so much for checking in this week. And continuing to let us know how you are doing. Always great to hear from you!
What are you looking forward to the MOST This month ahead?! - I've always loved getting tea and drive around and look at the christmas lights.
**What things do hope to take care of or accomplish for yourself in this before this month is complete? What goals would you like to meet for yourself by the end of this year? - I would like to keep going on getting back into shape.
**Even though this Holiday season might be a little "Different" for many,... How do you plan to celebrate this season? With all the treats (and stressors) that surround this season, How do you plan to keep it healthy for yourself Physically, mentally or emotionally? What things will you do to stay on track? - I've been making sure to stay active and keep my home clean. I am also making sure to keep journaling.
**Just for Fun: .....What is the BEST Gift you have ever "Received"for Christmas? What is the BEST Gift that you have ever 'Given'? - The best gift I ever got was my parents paid my rent and my car for Christmas and the best I ever gave was I took my Best friend on a trip.
@Goldcherry2113
Hey there!...
Oh what a nice tradition. I love driving around to look at the lights as well...What a nice touch with the tea.
Thats great that you are still working towards getting in shape for yourself! Way to go. Staying active,keeping your home clean, and journaling are ALL awesome and amazing ways that will help you Physically, mentally and emotionally! Keep up the great work there. And let us know how things are continuing to go with that.
Wow.. that is actually an awesome gift ... to have your parents pay for your Car and Rent. That certainly helps financially. And how nice of you to gift your Best Friend a Trip!... Very cool! Where was the trip to?
Thanks so much for checking in this week and letting us know how you've been doing!
@PoliteOcean
I am looking forward to giving gifts to my boyfriend and my family... its really fun to see peoples reactions when I give them gifts.
I would like to keep my grades up and be happy
I plan to spend time with my boyfriend (who lives 5000 miles away, so that wont be hard) and watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music (because all of those things make me really happy. And I also plan on playing Among Us with my family
I cant even remember the best gift I have ever recieved... I think it kind of depends on my age and what hobbies I am interested in during that time. Some of the things I have recieved I have grown out of. If I had to choose, I would say my American Girl doll which I was given for Christmas when I was 13. But I have grown out of that now. I havent given it yet but I am excited to give my sister some Among Us stuffed animals that are holographic. They are so cute and I am sure she will love them.
My highlights have been ASMR and music ASMR calms me so much and I really love laying down at night and feeling like someone is there for me and calm me down. Music does the same... I am able to relate to the lyrics or just bop to the beat. My struggles have been my dad turning the wifi off and feeling alone.
I just joined 7 Cups this week! I love it. Thank you for doing this. It makes me feel welcomed and makes me feel like I can connect with myself and with others.
@violalover1234
Hey there!...Welcome to 7cups!!!
I have to agree.. I love giving gifts too and see everyone's reactions when they open them.
I hope that you are able to keep your grades up. I'm sure that you will be able to do this and persevere!
Wow.. your boyfriend lives 5,000 miles away?! ...Is it a natural long-distance relationship or is he in the military or away at school etc..? That is wonderful that being that far away that you will be able to spend time together during the holiday!
Yes, I've heard of those American Girl dolls... I understand they were (or maybe still are) very popular?! Almost like the 80's "Cabbage Patch Dolls" of the New age~ Those things were very popular as well.
Thats is so great that you have found comfort in something that helps to keep you calm when you need it. Thats is important to have. Sorry to hear that your Dad turned off the WiFi...I'm sure that is very difficult. Especially during the times that we are currently in and so many things being "Virtual" at the moment. I think its important for everyone to be able to stay connected to the things that they enjoy right now. I do hope that this is only a temporary issue for you and that he changes his mind about it.
Thank you so much for stopping by to check in with us this week! We are so glad to have you join us here. Just know that we are here for you. And are here to help support you in any way that we can! Please continue to stop by and let us know how things are going for you!
@PoliteOcean
What are you looking forward to the MOST This month ahead?!
I'm looking forward for this month to end, so that this awful year is over. I'm just ready for this year to end honestly XD
What things do hope to take care of or accomplish for yourself in this before this month is complete? What goals would you like to meet for yourself by the end of this year?
I would like to accomplish every Christmas present that I'm making my family. It makes me feel really good to be able to make things for someone, and it makes me feel better to be able to stop thinking about myself and more on other people. I don't like thinking about myself, so being able to spend time thinking about others is sooooooo much better than thinking about and taking care of myself
How do you plan to celebrate this season?
Um, I know that we are spending some time with some of our family of Christmas, other than that... We don't celebrate any other holiday during this season. Unless New Year's is a holiday...
How do you plan to keep it healthy for yourself Physically, mentally or emotionally?
Probably not emotionally since I can never emotionally relax when I'm with my family and considering break is for 2 weeks, yeah will definitely not be emotionally, maybe not mentally healthy during thise time. Physically, I'm trying to start doing the exercises that I've been needing to do for over a month for my knees. I've finally started doing it last night
What things will you do to stay on track?
Along with doing my daily devotional, I'm gonna try and do those leg exercises that I was told to do over a month ago XD I know that I'll most likely not be able to do them everyday, since a lot of days I'll most likely feel too lazy to do them
What have been your "Highlights or Struggles" this past week? What were you able to do to cope or work through them?
I don't know if I would say I had a highlight for the week. Nothing special happened that popped out at me. A struggle of this week would probably have been yesterday when I was driving with my parents, and they kept yelling at me for things I was doing, yet they were claiming that I wasn't doing it. Plus, every mistake that I was making, my entire family was teasing me and just making fun about it, and it hurt. I was so close to just breaking down.
@zunygne0505
Sorry to hear that your year hasn't gone so well for you and that you are ready for it to be over... I know and can agree that it has certainly been a "challenging" one for many of us!
Its nice to have Christmas to look forward to... and how cool that you are making gifts for your family! What types of things are you making for them? You must be a really "crafty" person. I wish I was and could make more personalized gifts for others that I know. I'm sure your family will love them.
Thats good that you are working on your devotionals as well as exercises for your knees. What is wrong with your knees? Are they therapy-type exercises? I have issues with my knees too, probably from years of sports and dancing and other things age-related. It would be great to see some good exercises that others use that help!
Despite this not being your best year, its good that you seem to be in good spirits for the most part and that you are looking forward to getting your gifts made! I'm sure it will keep your mind off other things and as you wait for the New Year ahead.
Thanks so much for checking in this week and letting us know how you are doing!