I am still not sleeping great. That is not due to the aryuvedic lifestyle. Instead, it is stress. Stress of what is currently happening in my world. I know that I am not the only one suffering but sometimes I feel that I am alone in this. That I am overreacting.
Surprisingly, the no caffeine was less of an issue than I thought it would be. I have drunk coffee since I was a wee child, lol. My grandma Rita drank coffee every day. I remember staying at her house during summers. Typically, we would be dropped off at her house in Iowa for two weeks every summer. She was strict, church going, loving and consistent. Always drinking coffee out of the blue cups. I remember her telling me that drinking coffee would stunt my growth. Somehow that never deterred me. I have been a lifelong coffee drinker.
Most of the catering folk drink energy drinks. Multiple times I have been offered an energy drink which I always refuse. Now they know I solely drink coffee or hot tea.
So, to give up coffee seemed unimaginable. Yet, so far, I have done it. Hot tea is a great alternative. I have an assortment of teas to choose from or I have been curating my own. I have cinnamon sticks, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, etc.
The lack of alcohol has been manageable. I know there will be breaks from that. I will not give up wine for six months (which is required of the program). There is a trip to celebrate Brian's 19th anniversary, a trip to the Willamette Valley with Tom and possibly other days of celebration. Tonight, for example, I am hosting a yoga happy hour. I had been on the fence about whether or not I would be imbibing with my clientele. I decided yesterday that I would. I believe in solidarity and community. As above noted, I have not been sleeping and feel that I am all alone in this, at times. I want to participate with my community. Plus, I am making frito pie (which I love) and gougeres--both of which are not on my approved foods list.
We will see how that food affects my body and how I am feeling. I know that the alcohol and spicy foods will inflame my body.
I have been waking up and feeling energized. Productive and capable. That is something that I can build on and see flourish. In addition, aryuveda focuses on digestive health. Meaning, it is suggested to stop drinking any liquids thirty minutes before the meal, no drinking during the meal and for sixty to ninety minutes afterwards. Seems like a long time to not drinking water, but it makes sense for gut health. I believe long term that will truly make a difference in how I am feeling.
I feel that it will be more of a no buy six months focusing on creating meals at home. Only buying what is necessary to craft meals that I can eat. It will be interesting and something that I have never done. I have worked in the restaurant industry forever. I am very adept at getting takeout or dining out. I love the social aspect. There is about five places in my rotation. I have cultivated relationships with some of the bartenders. I love dining out. I will miss that aspect of my life. However, it's only six months. I can make it work.
More reflections as I progress. Make it a beautiful day.
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