It’s an interesting topic this week. Talking about my bad
habits. I’m sure if I lived with someone, they would be able to rattle off
quite a list. However, given it’s just me, myself and I that live together, I’m
claim to be somewhat blind to what you might call a bad habit. Why, well
because it’s just me. What is a bad habit to one person, may not be to another.
It’s weird like that. So, I’ll dig deep and see what I can come up with.
Of course, I’ve scratched the surface and have found a few.
My top three bad habits complete with a life lesson and words of wisdom at the
bottom. Enjoy:-
1)
Not making my bed in the morning
I would love to be one of those super neat
people, who manage to get everything done regardless of what is happening in
their day. Reality check, it’s just not Jen! If you’ve been reading my blog,
you’ll know that mornings are certainly not my best time of day. Making it to
work on time is on most days, an absolute miracle. Or rather, a chaotic
miracle. The fact that I am at work on time, is a miracle. However, actually
getting to work on time results in a chaotic trail of mess and untidiness right
through-out my apartment.
It’s fair to say when the alarm goes off, I
am very happy to snatch a few more minutes in bed. Especially on these cold
mornings. When I make it to the shower, the hot water blasting down on me is so
wonderful, I even stay there longer than I should. Sometimes, I manage to eat
some porridge for breakfast. Sometimes, it’s a case of grabbing toast from a
cafe as I am hurrying to the office. But every morning without fail, the bed
doesn’t get made. I’m at the point where I’m not even apologising, it’s a fact
and unless the domestic fairy is going to make it, this is one miracle that
won’t happen.
Although, it is weird that I am able to
have time for a coffee every morning, isn’t it?
2)
Magazine mounds
I love magazines. I’m not even
sure what it is about them that I love. I can’t resist a good headline, latest
diet or celebs without make-up feature. There are regular ones I buy every
month such as Super Food Ideas, Healthy Food Guide and Good Health. Love them.
Only problem is, they do seem to stay around for quite a while. Yes, I can be
somewhat reluctant to throw them out. I have this growing pile of magazines in
the lounge room, on the dining table and in the study. It never quite gets completely
out of control, but I’m sure it goes close.
3)
Not washing my hair
Now, this one may sound gross.
But don’t just screw your nose up, just yet. There is a story here and it’s
important to hear.
I don’t like washing my hair.
It’s curly, so I get away with washing it only a few times a week (and that’s
at a push). This isn’t something that’s developed from childhood. This came
about because I lost over half my hair several years ago.
I was completing a uni degree
part time, working full time, a part time fitness instructor on the side, going
to the gym regularly and having a social life topped off with ensuring I gave
my family some time as well. It was a recipe for burn out and that’s what
happened.
I always had thick, gorgeous
curls that were the envy of most girls. Especially when I was a teenager, perms
were all the fashion and girls were spending a fortune to get what I had
naturally. Everyone commented on my hair.
I was always driven and pushed
myself quite hard. Too hard. I started to develop health issues and wasn’t
listening to my body. I ignored signs of how I was feeling and pushed even
harder. When I wasn’t listening to my body, it screamed at me even louder. As
hair isn’t a critical function in the body, it diverts the nutrients to other
areas where it’s more needed and hair misses out. My hair was falling out in
handfuls and handfuls. As the handfuls of hair came out, the more I stressed,
the more I stressed, the more handfuls that came out. I cried and cried, till
there were no more tears to cry. I tried doctors, naturopaths, trichologists
and dermatologists. I hide inside, learned how to wear hats and struggled to
socialise. I lost alot of my confidence. The worst part was people. Some people
were dreadful with their comments and remarks.
I began to hate washing my hair.
I learnt by not washing it and very carefully combing it, I could minimise what
would fall out. So that’s what I did.
To this day, I still struggle now
to wash my hair. I even struggle to sit at the hairdresser. I can’t stand people
touching my hair or playing with it.
It’s still getting there and
slowing growing back. I hope that one day it will be back to the thick maine
that I once had. It was a hard experience to go through, but it’s taught me
alot. I’ve learnt to stop, breathe and relax. I’ve learnt that nothing is as
important as I am and my health. I’ve learnt that taking time out to do what I
love, is actually okay. In fact, it’s more than okay, it’s essential for me.
I’m no good to anyone, if I haven’t made time for me. I’ve also learnt that I’m
much more than my hair. If people can’t see past that, then I have no time for
them.
My parting words of wisdom this week are to ensure you take
time for you. Don’t get to such a point like I did. It wasn’t living. It was a
stressful existence.
Grab your diary or calendar for this week and block in some
time for you. Time for you to do what you want to. Let your partner, husband,
mother, sister, brother or friend help you out. Insist they do. Do not feel
guilty. Repeat after me, I WILL NOT FEEL GUILTY.
Drop me a line and let me know how you spent your “me” time!
I’d love to hear all about it!
Jen xoxo