Andre Hartslief
I’ll be 69 in 6 days, 70 isn’t far ahead and I’m amazed at how much I’ve aged in the past 9 years. At 60, it seemed like I was in pretty good shape to do most of what a male spouse has always been able to do around the house, albeit from the seat of a wheelchair.
But then, I have spent 3 winters in the high country altitude of Gauteng, where we have moved to, of necessity, and my mindset, is a soul-deep yearning for my vacation city, sunny Durban, 600 miles away to the east. Coming here was probably the worst thing I could physically have done to myself, because I ate and drank from the year-round frosty nights, and harsh winters, eating as if tomorrow was the end, and I put on 50 lbs in 3 years.
That is like hitting a wall in life, and by carrying this belly-pack of blubber, I tire myself out easier, and even worse, my leg joints have become severely impacted by all the extra weight my one good leg, the left one at that, now has to carry. So now, even though I earnestly want to, I can’t do what I could 3 years ago.
This last quarantined winter, I got sick and tired of being sick and tired, of my radically-impaired range, so I’m now eating way less, since June, and have started eating less than 1500 calories a day. It is now September 6, and I have lost about 15 lbs. The first 4 weeks were hell, especially at mealtime, but once I made a habit of simply eating less, twice a day, it has become my new way of life.
Where the cold had broken down my will power, and I ate like a starving man, I now enjoy my calories, knowing that I am improving my life, bit by bit, and will wake up slimmer tomorrow or the day after. Note, waking up fatter is a lousy way to start your day, so if you want to try what I’m doing, remember this song.
I’ve decided that if I can keep my current mindset, I will also ultimately keep slimming down, and by the time I’m 70, I will hope to have lost the 50 lbs I gained.
I suspect that will be like giving myself a new lease on life. I still ache from standing, but my range is longer, and I can breathe better, which I never would have suspected, and if I do this thing, not only will I get a renewed body but some new threads that fit as well.
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Can you relate to this?
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Yes
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we have to have the experience because again is extremely hard.
I feel the aches longer, the pain longer now than I did.
I suppose you are right on that score, Doc.
Happy Birthday and best wishes to you! I never consider age as a number it is all in the feeling. I could listen to my favorite rock tunes and just go back in time. Then when I get faced with a mirror I am glad to see I can still recognize myself. I hope you’ll be able to reach your goals,
Thanks, Sandra, I hope it happens soon.
I got confused with the title. Anyway have a happy birthday and may you have many gifts to come.
Yes, the gifts part is highly unlikely all my family and friends are far away in other countries, what I need I can never get and I surely don’t need more stuff but thanks for the thought.
Sending you birthday greetings. I hope you will have what your heart desires.
Thanks, Florel, I really hope what I need, happens soon.
Happy Birthday a little early to you Andre. I can relate to the lyrics of the song.
I cannot relate to exactly what you are going through. However, I have had my share of troubles, as you know.
You seem to be doing great with your goals. You got this! Keep going and never ever give up.
Will give it my best shot, thanks, Carol. 😉
You are very welcome.