We had the loveliest time on the beach earlier this week. We follow the tide, aiming to go when it’s at its lowest, which made for an end of the day trip. A high in the 50s seemed like it would be warm enough, but between the wind and the setting sun, we must have worn a record number (for us) of my hand knits to stay comfortably warm. Of course, Beatrix went barefoot, which she ended up regretting.
I haven’t been active enough this winter, which is typical for me (I hate the cold and I’ve been extra cold), but I’m trying to get back in the habit of regular outdoor walks. The cusp of spring is always so full of promise, it’s easy to believe that there is so much goodness waiting right around the corner. Those bulbs I planted with friends last fall are propelling me out the door every day, excited to see what will bloom next. I’m still battling health related issues, and I have had pretty low energy and motivation these past couple of months. Of course that could be both a cause and a side effect of not being active enough. So I’m back at the drawing board, coming up with a new plan to try and feel better. My Hashimoto’s antibodies are almost gone, but I’m dealing with hormonal issues now (estrogen dominance/low progesterone) and of course that affects my thyroid too. It’s exhausting being so exhausted. Ha! But I’m chugging along and determined to fix this mess and feel better. It’s one foot in front of the other right now. And when I am able, one stitch at a time. Larkspur’s birthday is coming up next week, so I’m spending more time with my sewing machine this week than with my knitting, hoping to have a birthday dress ready. Actually, I can say pretty confidently that I will have the dress ready, because Larkspur expects me to, and it makes me happy to make her happy. I got a head start over the weekend, and I try to do a little each day. And for me, that is progress-big picture progress. Learning to slow down and just do a little each day. This is my motto for so many things now. Sometimes I struggle with it, but it’s getting easier.
The one good thing about having low energy is that I am finding it easier to do those things that I know I need to, but in the past were more difficult because I just wanted to go, go, go. I spend a bit of time reading my Bible, thinking and praying every morning. I am remembering to drink more water. I am making myself go to bed earlier. And now that I’ve seen my most recent bloodwork results, and know what needs fixing, I think I will start feeling better soon. But I don’t think I’ll go back to my old habits, rushing around, staying up too late, forgetting to drink water, etc. I think the downtime I’ve experienced over the past couple of years has been a necessary thing, ultimately for my own good.
It’s supposed to rain later today, so if I’m going to get a walk in, I better get out there now!
p.s. Here are links to most of the knits in this post: Mabel’s new Silverfox bonnet, Beatrix’s heart hat and pink cardigan, My Hackberry hat, scarf, and mitts, Job’s orange sweater, Larkspur’s hat, and Jonny’s hat (it has holes in it and I need to knit him a new one!)
Nathana says
Thank you for your vulnerability. I can relate. I struggle more than anything with energy. I know that I need to avoid my crutch of sugar and eat more protein. Though I am back to my pre-baby weight I feel flabby and lose everywhere. I tend to feel discouraged when trying to be proactive because our budget is very limited. We do our best to eat healthy, but meat is expensive to buy and we tend to compensate with too many carbs (even if they are whole wheat). I also consume too many sugary things during the long afternoon hours when I am most tired, but must keep pushing. I also use the excuse of our budget plus 3 kids under 3 to justify not getting a gym membership, but something needs to change. We’ve had a recent burst of nice weather, so each day I am trying to find time between meals and naps to get the kids (and myself) outside on walks. 🙂 On a positive note, God has really worked wonders in my spiritual life. As a family, spiritually we are united, growing, and feeling very renewed.
karen says
I joined a gym (because of my back) in October and all of that exercising and weight training has done wonders on my energy level and feeling better. It’s hard to get back into the swing of things after the winter days. I joke that I exercise so I can sit and knit 🙂
Love your family photos, everyone is growing way to fast for me!!
Julia Adamson says
I love your pictures and seeing your family exploring life. What is your son holding? Is it a fossilised dinosaur tooth? Whatever it is it looks very exciting and he looks proud to have found it. I do hope you keep finding the energy to keep working on healing. I’m glad you’re appreciating and using some of your slower time too though. I think it was you who commented on using the book ‘above all’ through lent? I got it and am really enjoying it and might get myself some other of her books. I’m especially enjoying being able to journal in the book itself.
Deborah Miller says
I’m glad you have a plan to feel better, and I hope you do so very soon! I love, love, love your pin cushion! Where did you get it? My name means “the bee” and it is my favorite motif. I love reading your blog and keeping up with your beautiful family. btw, I love my yarn and can’t wait to start the shawl!
Eileen says
Ginny, I admire you for ‘sticking’ with healing yourself and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love all the knits I see in this post! Your trip to the river looks amazing and that it was enjoyed by all. I am waiting for spring here on the Front Range, but so far it has come in like a lamb and we could be in for the lion’s share of snow this month. Trying to enjoy everyday no matter the weather, though this has felt like an unusually long winter.
Lana says
My life was changed ten years ago when a friend lent me her copy of ‘What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause”. I read it and got going on Progest, which has no weird odor like many others, and in a few weeks I was a new person. My husband calls it the happy cream. 🙂 I still depend on it now after menopause to stay balanced and sleeping well.
Emma says
I have visited your blog off and on for years now, Ginny, and like so many others, truly appreciate your perspective, and the beauty you share. I have an 8 year old Mabel! I also studied forestry in college long ago (I think we are almost the same age), and now am home with my children enjoying sharing the natural world with them. I am struggling with some of the very same hormonal issues, and just wanted to tell you I appreciate your honesty and openness, and hope for your continued healing. I only check my favorite blogs once every couple of weeks, and I always love taking the time to catch up with you, so to speak.
Janet Reinhart says
Ginny, I always appreciate your honesty and vulnerability about your health and energy. And I love to see your knitting, since it’s absolutely my favorite thing to do!
Do you know what the flower is in the second photo? I saw one a few days ago — and we’re in Germany! Blessings to you today!
Kat says
Beautiful photos! Lovely to see the family excursions and time together. I, too, am in a long journey of conquering health issues. Sending my good wishes and encouragement to keep moving forward. Every time I feel a bit better by a change in my diet or my habits, it gives me more incentive to keep going, in addition to the increased energy to spend with my family. Thank you for sharing your journey as it encourages me so much! I am like Susan, I find myself talking about “this neat homeschooling mom in Virginia I know”. I have reduced the blogs I read to give myself more off screen time, but your blog remains a regular. ?
Cathy says
I, too, have struggled with similar symptoms. I have found an oatgrass infusion, and nettle infusion, taken every other day from each other, and PROBIOTIC mood Plus( a pure form of probiotic) to be instrumental to my daily health. ?Cathy
Marion says
I love seeing your family. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to see Larkspur’s dress. Prayers that you will be feeling a hundred percent . Take care.
Marion
MotherOwl (Charlotte) says
Wishing that Spring and thougthful managing of ressources will eventually heal you and your family.
I love your bee pincoshion, did you make it yourself?
Toni says
Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing and for being such a blessing and inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as I suffer from some health issues of my own. One day at time, seeking the Lord, finding hope and peace in the small things, that really do matter the most, these, keep me going. Blessings to you and your family.
Shirley says
What lovely photos of you and your family. Sending prayers you feel better and have more energy but also sending good wishes for you during this downtime . 🙂
Emily DeArdo says
I love those photos of you and Johnny and Mabel! (And just you and Mabel) So adorable!
I feel you on the energy thing. I’m in that mode right now. The transitions from fall to winter and winter to spring are so hard for me, for some reason. So I just have to be extra gentle with myself.
Kate says
I have a mundane question. What do you do with your “holey” knitwear when it’s no longer usable? Unravel it? Compost it? Or hang on to it because “I made this!” (my temptation).
Penelope Arbuckle says
Ginny, oh my gosh, that gorgeous spring color of Larkspur’s dress is just soooo pretty. She will love it and look so nice wearing it. You pick the best colors !!!!!
You might try asking your doctor to check your Vitamin D level if he/she hasn’t already, it seems most everyone is low especially on the east coast. Supplements are an easy fix. I love reading your thoughts. ?
Missy says
I can’t wait to see the completed dress. The linen looks lovely, it is my favorite fabric. What is the pattern?
Teresa says
I was blindsided by a cancer diagnosis recently and I was talking to my chiropractor about the immune system and how to tell if it is or is not working optimaly He said it is really hard to go off of symptoms because so many diseases share symptoms but he said the bottom line is, “if you don’t feel energetic and ready to tackle life, something is wrong”. I wish I had known that sooner because it was basically my only symptom for a long time. I just thought I was tired because of kids and homeschooling but it was so out of character to be tired. I should have listened to my body. I hope other moms will have a heads up and work on building their immune system Praying you are feeling better soon.
Julie Z says
Ginny,
I have been a long time reader, and sometime commenter. 🙂 I have wanted to ask you for awhile if you have heard of the Juice Plus product? It is basically allows you to flood your body with 30 fruits, vegetables, and berries every day. Our whole family has seen our health improved in so many ways, with my 5 year old leaving behind his asthma inhalers, etc. If you wanted to watch a video about it, let me know, I am happy to send something your way. I am SO impressed with this product, as it truly gives your body everything it needs on a cellular level in order to function at it’s best. As a Mama of 8 myself, I just know I need help in this area…I try to eat well, have a garden, etc, but I know I can’t this variety every day. Just a thought for you!!
Susan Kuhlman says
It is so rewarding to listen to your journey. Sometimes I find myself saying “I know this woman in Virginia..” and then explain that I have never met her and do not know where she lives, but that I KNOW her. Thank you so much for sharing your life with me.
Katie says
Praying for complete healing and renewed energy for you. I’ve followed your blog for some years now and I love your photography and writing style. So encouraging that you can see the good and trust that God lead you through this season for a reason. Keep fighting the good fight. ❤
Katerina says
Beautiful pictures of you and your family…fingers cross for your health issues ♥