Transitions, part three

Those of you who have given birth probably remember that the final part of labor is called the transition. I remember it well. I learned the Lamaze method for my first labor, did a refresher course for the second and third, and winged it for the last two. I did pretty good at controlling my response to pain during all five labors, except during that last part - called the ‘transition’. That was when things got rough. That was the only time I couldn’t stop myself from screaming due to overwhelming pain.

Transitions can be like that. If it is a difficult transition, something bad is happening that we’re reacting to by changing. For example a person might need to declutter their home, but if motivation is lacking, the house may stay messy for years. Then one day a child protective services caseworker might show up a the door and threaten to remove all the children. Now that’s something worth screaming about. Suddenly the parents go into hyperdrive and clean up their mess. They toss all the bric-a-brac and open the windows to let fresh air in. Life is better, but it took some terrible impetus to force change.

Transitions are often that way. We are getting so much stress from the way things are, we feel forced to change the conditions under which we live.

That’s what happened to me this time. My pants were getting tighter. Heaven forbid! I don’t mind buying new clothes, but not in a larger size! Besides, I want my health. I need it.

I put myself in health recovery mode, shut down my metabolism with the Lemonade Diet, and forced myself to reset my system. It had to be done.

Now I’m grateful to get a vegan sandwich… after ten days with nothing but lemonade and tea. To indulge in an apple rather than a slice of cheese seems luxurious, and altogether more clean than sticking more mucus into my body, especially after I went to so much trouble to get rid of it.

Transitions can be painful, but they are also bountiful. Just like in childbirth, where the worst pain gives forth the much-desired and longed for child, my food transition, ten days of fasting, has given forth a healthier and much more satisfying and healthy diet.

Transitions, part two

I was talking to a friend recently. She told me about her son who was complaining about the past and not resolving his present problems. Everything was blamed on things that had taken place more than twenty years ago. We tossed ideas back and forth for a while, then realized he can’t move forward with his life because he’s too busy looking backwards.

Rather than thinking about the future and how he’d like to enhance it, he was caught in the turmoil of a past he barely remembered. He fussed about his step-father, a man who he hadn’t seen since the age of six. Said step-father was held responsible for a drinking problem.

I wonder how many of you are looking forward instead of backwards. Hopefully, everyone is thinking about the wonderful future you’d love to have. And planning it.

By planning the future, I don’t mean just thinking about how much you would like to be rich, or have a shiny new car. I hope you’re writing down ideas on how you will achieve your goals. I hope you’re visualizing your future in vivid colors, getting ready to enjoy the amazing realities you can bring into focus by starting today to make things happen, one tiny baby step at a time.

If you’re a fence sitter in the future planning business, think about it. Will you spend your time complaining about the people and situations of your past, or will you look forward to a bright, happy, useful future? The choice is yours.

Part Three: The Pain of Labor

Transitions, part one

Recently I went through a food transition. I am overweight and want very much to have my health back again. But I’ve struggled with this for many years. I was thin when I was younger, but after my fifth child was born, gained weight quickly at the rate of about ten pounds per month, until I was about seventy pounds overweight. I later learned that my thyroid went bad. Hypothyroid disorder - an under-active thyroid gland - is common for older women. So that’s what happened to me. It took almost ten years for a doctor to point out to me that I needed thyroid medication.

I’ve been using the meds for a few years now but so far, haven’t been able to lose weight and keep it off. Because of my desperation, I decided to do something drastic. I went on the lemonade diet - the Master Cleanser - for ten days and now have transitioned to a vegan diet. I’m cutting all dairy products from my diet. I’m hoping that by staying away from cheese and butter, mayonnaise, etc. I’ll get healthier and lose the excess that has plagued me for way too many years now.

I’m going through another transition at the same time. I’m 55 - enjoying life, and grateful for it. My youngest child just had his 18th birthday this last weekend. So at 55, I’m child-free for the first time in about 35 years. I’ve been very much looking forward to this for many months. I plan to celebrate by taking a trip to Oregon Caves to stay in the Chalet overnight with Bob (my significant other).

Life without worrying about minor-aged children sounds like a treat to someone who has been responsible for young people for 35 years. Believe me, I am ready for this retirement!

Since transitions are on my mind, I’m planning to write about them this month in this blog. This will be my theme for the month. Since I’m in the kitchen, I’ll mainly be talking about food transitions. In my case, it is from lacto-vegetarian to vegan. A hard jump for me to make, but the time is right.

Part Two: Looking Forward