Wellness In Progress: December 2024

[itsfi]

Happy holidays, BIC!  2024 is flying by at a rapid pace, a pace that will undoubtedly pick up even more momentum as we draw closer and closer to the end of the month. This can be such a fun and joyous time, as well as a very busy and heavy one. Wanted to take an opportunity to keep our own self-care top of mind and to (hopefully) have some fun with it, so wellness bingo is back for December! 🙌

We're each on our own personal self-care journey, one that, if you're like me, varies - some days (weeks, months, years) are better than others. Wellness is a process - it's about progress, not perfection. It takes work. Much of that work will fall on us and our efforts, as it should, but it's helped, inspired, encouraged, and supported by others, be it friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, or those who make up this Community. Wellness takes work - let's do the work together, BIC!

How to play / participate:

All are welcome and encouraged to take part in this B Well challenge, wherever you are in your own self-care journey, and, as and how this game of wellness bingo serves you best. 

▶️  There are many ways to participate. A few are mentioned in the spoiler below, but if you have a way to approach wellness bingo that works best for you, go for it!

Spoiler

• Treat it like a game of BINGO, except in this BIC-version, you are your own moderator, either (a) selecting which activities you want to engage in or (b) putting them into a random generator tool, blindly pointing at a square, or writing each activity (or each square) onto a piece of paper, placing all of them into a bowl and pulling one out each day you intend to undertake a wellness activity, and then doing that activity.
• You can aim to do 5 activities in a way that earns yourself a BINGO!  5 activities across the same row, down the same column or across diagonally from upper left corner to lower right, and/or upper right corner to lower left. 
• You can just go about your day picking one activity to undertake and work towards doing all the activities on this B Well card (but see notes on making adjustments below).
• You can choose to go row by row or column by column each week. Thank you, @Mellmars1185, for sharing how you went about your wellness bingo last month. It's such a great approach! 😊 
• You can choose the activities that come more naturally to you, that you already do as part of your daily routine. Or, you can choose activities that are more challenging for you. Or a combination of both. 
• The self-care activities in the squares change from month-to-month, with some appearing in a previous month's bingo wellness card, and others being new or tailored to the specific month/season. If you're interested in seeing what others have done for some of the activities being repeated, you may want to take a peek at folks' replies on the Wellness In Progress: November 2024 thread.

🌟  BONUS CHALLENGE: This challenge is certainly one you can do on your own. It's also something we can take part in together! If you feel comfortable, share about the activities you did to earn each square by replaying to this original post. I love hearing from this Community, and others do, too. I've learned about new ways of doing things that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise. Some are incorporated into this month's activities; others may appear on future months' bingo cards.

🎀  Make Adjustments As Needed. We are all at different stages of our wellness / self-care journey. While it cn be good to challenge ourselves, sometimes, it's best to take make adjustments. I'm not at expert at this at all, and if there's an activity that is not something you are ready for or that you shouldn't engage in, make the adjustments you need to, or just skip that square altogether.

• Be safe. Consider weather conditions or where you are in your own wellness efforts. For instance, the second square in the last row is for a winter walk or hike - if it's storming outside or you're in an area where it is not safe to do this (e.g., weather advisory, shelter-in-place, etc.), then skip this one and stay indoors. Be safe. Also, for some of the activities listed in the boxes, particularly the physical ones, please consult with your physician or health care provider before starting, if and as appropriate, and adjust accordingly.
• Focus on one activity per week vs. one per day. We have BIC'ers who engage in wellness activities in some form every day, some more than one activity in a day. We also have BIC'ers who are starting out on their wellness journey or are coming back to self-care. There's be different objectives for each of us; make this work for you. If there's an activity in a square that you've been eyeing for whatever reason and you want to focus on that for the week, focus on working towards that activity for one day, two days, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 for the week. If there's another activity that piques your interest, give that a try for another week. 

⏲  The time periods for certain activities included here are arbitrary.

• For example, the third square in the first row is for "Exercise (20 minutes)" - if you want or can do more than a 20 minutes, go for it. If you're starting out or if you're crunched for time, aim for 5 minutes and work up from there, when, if, and as appropriate for you.
• Same with the "Stretch (20 minutes)" in the third row, second square.
• If you're starting out or are aware of certain conditions that may make either a more challenging effort, please discuss these activities your physician or health care provider before starting.

🤔  Wondering about the activities mentioned in the squares this month? Click on this link for a more detailed description of the wellness activities here - December Wellness Bingo Activities

Looking forward to another month of wellness bingo. Be well this holiday season, BIC! 

[itsfi]

@CorgiMommy, I like that it’s a good full body workout with less stress on the knees.

[PDXXXX]

Things have been intense lately healthwise. I'm checking off boxes and that feels good. I've also been going through the process of searching for a new specialist for over two months and still not finding anyone who will take my case at a time when I'm pretty ill and beginning to realize my lack of mobility might be leading to a downsize or new living situation which I'm finding overwhelming.

Using this chart was a good way of seeing what I'm struggling with the most right now (gratitude) and what I want to work on to reduce stress levels (investing more energy into creative endeavors and hobbies).

Here is my chart. The X's are for things I've been doing. The blued-out squares are for activities I needn't worry about right now given my mobility. The magnified areas are my big goals. I'll discuss the things I have enjoyed doing and goals below.

WARM & COZY DRINK: KUSMI TEA PRINCE WLADIMIR

Spoiler

The minute I saw this I remembered how lovely it is to drink tea regularly. My favorite is Kusmi Prince Wladimir - a strong black tea with hints of orange rind and vanilla. I discovered Kusmi tea in a way too chic for me boutique about ten years back and remembering that place and the fact Kusmi has been around since 1867 always fills my cup with a bit of nostalgia and romance. It also doesn't hurt that I adore the packaging:

DECLUTTER X RESOLUTIONS X PAY IT FORWARD: I've been on a decluttering mission for a bit now first with my makeup and now continuing into my closet. This is part of a larger resolution to be ready if I decide to downsize my home in the next year and have less storage space and generally have a more calm environment while I'm here. I pay it forward to some degree by donating my clothes rather than Poshing or consigning them (if you didn't know and ever have clothes worth something, most Goodwills have a specialist who will list them on eBay to maximize their profit, I also like donating directly to domestic violence shelters as they rarely get "nice" clothing donations or programs like Dress For Success for women who need interview clothes or workwear).

HYDRATING X PRIORITIZING SLEEP are a little too easy for me as they're a big part of my healthcare needs and routine and my disability includes chronic fatigue. So, I get no credit there.

GET OUTDOORS: I may not be able to walk or stand long but I get out on my back porch quite a bit taking my two dogs out and it's a nice way to relax even if it's getting a little brrr.

Spoiler

THE DOGS: 
Finn, 9 months old sleeping on Edie, 3 and a half. They weigh 7 and 6 pounds respectively and crack me up.

SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES: I'm the only daughter of a single Mom and we're close and she often stays with me. I'm also looking forward to time with my best friend Saturday.

TREAT YOURSELF: I'm a perfume fanatic and treated myself to a 3 - 6 ml piece Discovery Set from Matier Premiere. I tried the first perfume tonight, Bois D'Ebene, and feel like I'm being hugged by amber and sweet guaiac woods. I can't wait to try the other two.

GOALS- GRATITUDE AND ARTS, CRAFTS, HOBBIES: I'm finding gratitude hard right now and feel guilty about it. I think taking a break from the stress of my situation by getting back into my music practice more regularly will help a great deal. I've played classical piano for going on 40 years now and also play the guitar and sing. Music is the love of my life and I miss it and just am not myself without it. I need a distraction and reminder there are still lots of great things in my life beyond my disability.

Spoiler

Me and the piano around 5 and proof my hair is not naturally straight.

[Samtian]

@PDXXXX That tea sounds good! Fantastic progress!

[PDXXXX]

Thank you @Samtian ! I need to make it more of a habit to enjoy a cup of tea as it feels like such a treat when I do so! Hope you're cozying up to some warm beverages yourself and your day goes well 🙂

[itsfi]

@PDXXXX, your approach to these wellness activities are very thoughtful; love how you identify your big goals. 100% agree on the packaging of the Kusmi teas - they're beautiful! Sending well wishes to you as you navigate the health care system.

[PDXXXX]

Thank you @itsfi . Why am I not surprised you know of Kusmi? It's such a lovely line of tea indeed and always feels so special.

[CynthieLu]

@PDXXXX I'm so sorry to hear things are rough. I appreciate your openness and honesty about what your going through. I hope you find some comfort sharing with us. The picture of little tiny you with the piano is sooo sweet! I love listening to people play they piano. I bet you can make those keys come to life beautifully. 🩷

[PDXXXX]

Thank you @CynthieLu . I worry it comes off as a pity party but I try to be open about my life b/c disability changes a lot of things and it's just part of me being authentic to my experience. I hope, in part, others who are disabled or struggling in other ways will feel less alone reading what I share and even get some potential hacks for when things get daunting. Aack! 5-year-old me! If only I had started wearing sunscreen then and never dyed or heat styled my hair so it still air-dried like that, lol.

[curlychiquita]

I love your pictures of your dog and you at 5, @PDXXXX!  I’m sorry to hear about your struggles with doctors.  One of my sons has a very rare disease and all his doctors are great, but there’s a lot of them. I understand you feeling overwhelmed. Good luck! 🍀 

[PDXXXX]

Thank you @curlychiquita . It's nice to hear from someone familiar with how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system at times. I hope your son is doing OK and you're holding up and being extra good to yourself as a caretaker.

[curlychiquita]

@PDXXXX Thank you! The FDA actually approved a new drug last December for what he has - it’s actually working much better! And, it’s a pill, the last drug was an infusion that had to be done at the hospital. It’s a very expensive pill, though, because it’s so new (the infusion was incredibly expensive too, though).  He looks and feels the best he has in years. We’re so lucky to live right now. New medicines are being developed so rapidly. I hope there’s something new for you soon! 

[PDXXXX]

@curlychiquita it must be such a relief to have a pill now rather than going in for infusions! The new meds do give me hope (even if I have to battle insurance like heck to get them). That makes me so happy for you and your son.

[Titian06]

@PDXXXX - I'm sorry you're struggling right now!  Sending positive vibes ~~~ your way!  For support, please join us on the Health and Sanity Check-Ins thread.  No professionals, just us loving and caring BIC members.  Your dogs are too cute!  Please feel free to share them on thePet Paradise thread; we'd love to have you and them!  You can post your thoughts about your perfumes on the Fragrance Junkie Central thread.  This is where us fragrance junkies gather.  You don't have to be fluent (I'm not), just enjoy scents.

[PDXXXX]

Thank you @Titian06 . I've been meaning to visit the fragrance thread in particular! It sounds like a lot of fun.

[peculiarzmakeup]

First and foremost I am sorry to hear your health isn’t keen right now. I’m incredibly glad to see all the things you’re doing to take care of the fabulous you! That tea sounds amazing! That is such a kind thing to do, I know those people will be so thankful. Glad you got to spend time with your adorable pups and mom! That picture of you playing the piano is adorable and such a neat skill to have. I can relate to the fatique it stinks, but I’m proud of you! Great job on your wellness ❤️ @PDXXXX 

[peculiarzmakeup]

December Start Off 

Second Line Across- B.I.N.G.O 

Being Inspired Navigating Great Outcomes (as soon as I separated the letters I was like acronym time) 

Declutter 

I tend to have difficulty Decluttering although these steps help me on my path. 

Organized my makeup 💄 (touching up every evening, before it goes back to not knowing where a product is) ( this may be an ongoing box as I reflect in time)

Other types of declutter, emails, notes, prioritizing what needs to be at top of list, setting alarms, reminders.

Quite Time/ Meditate/ Journal

Many poems, this has always been a great way of self expression. I like this format for myself because it’s in the moment when the quiet sparks inspiration. 

Fruits and Veggies

This thread inspired me to pick some up at the store I got carrots 🥕 (not to go off on a tangent but I used to have a series called the Carrot Chronicals 😂) apples and some pears, I forgot to get my favorite grapefruit! I’m so glad I did this! 

Pay It Forward

I pay it forward by always being mindful as well as kind, I feel like kindness is contagious and there is so much of it here at BIC. Which I’m very thankful for. 

Arts Crafts and Hobbies

I have been studying for an exam for work so I haven’t done much but I did start a project with my makeup empties or near empties for the season it is a makeup painting on a stoneware vase 🙂 

 I’ve been search of an inspiration to start collaging again most of the walls in my home are collaged with different things I admire! 

 I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s unique experiences ❤️

[CynthieLu]

Ooh you've already got a whole line? That's amazing. @peculiarzmakeup  I love that you acronymed it for us. Being Inspired Navigating Great Outcomes.  That is just perfect! 👌

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you! I love acronyms! They are fun! These challenges are so meaningful! @CynthieLu 

[curlychiquita]

I love your walls, @peculiarzmakeup! I can see that it’s a real labor of love.

[peculiarzmakeup]

Thank you so much! That is so kind 🫶 @curlychiquita 

[PDXXXX]

@peculiarzmakeup you are rocking it! I love seeing how much creativity feeds you - I'm also a creative type and getting back into a regular creative practice is one of my goals right now. Way to hit a BINGO and love the acronym.