It Is Not Easy to Be Green!
This is a continuation of the journal of my recovery process, since my previous blog, “Doing Embarrassingly Well”.
I do not know who said this, but a good friend of mine used to quote it all of the time:
"What is most personal is most universal."
So here we go (hope it helps!)
I’m pretty much back to my normal daily routine at work, home, and in social spaces. The other day, I even went to the movies to see the latest Mission Impossible! (You might think that’s easy, but it really took effort not to order the snacks I used to love. I’m proud to say I resisted—and loved the movie!)
The Ups and Downs of Cardio Rehab
I’m about to hit my two-month heart-attack anniversary in a day or two, and I’ve reached the three-week mark in cardio rehab. I’m really feeling it! The people and resources are great, but I have to be honest—it’s a bit boring and repetitive. The program is all about rebuilding your confidence, and after 12 sessions, I am definitely feeling more like myself again. I’m keeping up with my walks and exercises, and I think I’m ready to move beyond the “guided” gym machine workouts. While it was great to get me started, I don’t think I need all 36 sessions they recommended! (Yes, 36—can you believe it?)
The center is a bit far, so I’m considering cutting back to two sessions a week and maybe reducing my time there. I’m the youngest in my group during the 45-minute sessions. The exercises aren’t especially hard, but I always finish exhausted. I walk just fine, but it turns out I haven’t been exercising other parts of my body—which feels strange! A while back, I tried a slow stretch class, and it was surprisingly tough. I’d forgotten about that until now. I have a new appreciation for yoga and Pilates people—100%.
Managing My Meds
A new challenge has been keeping up with my medications. In the past, I never had to think much about this. Now, I have multiple alarms (thank you, wife and daughter!) reminding me to take my meds. Every Tuesday night, I prep my medications for the week. It’s not difficult, but it has to be done carefully. The idea that I have to manage my meds like this is still something I’m getting used to. (Feeling a bit old!)
Watching What I Eat
Eating healthy is getting tougher, too. My wife says I’m doing remarkably well—which is high praise coming from her! I photograph what I eat at every meal and measure my blood sugar before and an hour after. I have to be very intentional not to fall off track. It’s so easy to give in to cravings, especially when I’m a little hungry. (It used to be so easy to go for the cookie jar behind my desk!)
I never realized how much of my day used to revolve around food—snacks at work (brain food, I called them), treats at home, and little indulgences whenever I felt like it. Now, every meal feels like a carefully planned event. We’re experimenting with new recipes that fit my new diet, which has been fun and surprising at times. Sometimes, though, I still find myself eyeing the snack stash, but then I quickly go for a handful of almonds instead (willpower!).
The hardest part is resisting temptation when I’m out and about. Social gatherings, family celebrations, and even just walking past a bakery can be a real test of willpower. I’ve learned to keep healthy snacks on hand and remind myself why I’m doing this, but it’s not always easy. Still, every time I make a good choice, it feels like a small victory—and those victories add up.
Recently, we went to a restaurant for a family celebration. The first thing they offered was wine (fairly easy to say no to), but then they brought out freshly baked bread with butter. OMG—it took everything in me not to dig in! Fresh bread has always been my weakness, but it’s not good for me. I managed to resist, but I’m still thinking about how tough that was. I wonder if it would be okay to have just a little taste, but could I stop myself after that? The same goes for cookies—especially animal cookies. These are my kryptonite! And, of course, there’s an endless supply of them in the world.
The Power of Support
A couple of days ago, I listened to a YouTube video by Dr. Sarah Hallberg about a low-carb diet study (After listening to it I did a bit of research and wrote this blog post early this week) The presenter said that patients who stuck with the program for three years could get off their meds and even reverse their illnesses. The catch? You can’t do it alone—you need strong support. That really made me appreciate how lucky and grateful I am for my family and friends. Still, I must admit that many of our friends don’t fully understand what I’m going through.
A Memory That Sticks
All of this reminds me of a visit I had with my paternal grandmother when I was about 12. (She was a truly remarkable woman for her time—but that’s a story for another blog.) We lived in a different country, but my brother and I spent some time in Chile getting to know the family. We stayed with my other grandparents but made sure to visit her for several days.
She was in her 80s and lived in a house with a beautiful central courtyard. The rooms opened onto it, and the whole place had a wonderful smell—a mix of courtyard flowers, wood-floor wax, and the gentle scent of age. But what I remember most was her strict routine: meds, meals, snacks, tending to her plants, dressing for the day, cleaning one room per day, and calling her old friend on a rotary phone. Everything was timed precisely.
At the time, as her grandson, I saw it all with love and appreciation. But looking back, I remember thinking—and it’s stayed with me all these years—that I hoped I wouldn’t become like that. I was (and still hope to be) very spontaneous.
Looking Ahead
Today, I find myself having to plan my life around meds, meals, and snacks. I don’t have a friend to call every day yet, but I do have lots of family around me. Still, I have to admit, it sometimes gets me down.
Being green is not easy! But I’m learning that routines aren’t just about restrictions—they’re about building a foundation for a healthier, happier life. And while I might not be as spontaneous as I used to be, I’m grateful for the support and the progress I’ve made so far.
Who knows! Maybe one of these days, I might actually write a blog about me and Pilates—but for now, those who know me can just imagine the sight, because I haven’t even tried it yet! (My sister is a Pilates master instructor, and she probably just got a big laugh!)
Here’s to continuing to embrace the journey, one day at a time!
PS - Thank you for all the comments direct messages and emails. Really appreciate your support and thoughts!