I have had a lot of time to think over the last few weeks (for people who know me they will understand this is not always a good thing :P).

Anyway, after writing my last blog about what I have learnt (https://fromaveragetofabulous.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/i-have-learnt/) I started thinking about how things were different and came up with a list – 40 reasons so far and counting (to be added to as I think of more) 🙂

I have been feeling a bit bleurgh lately (but getting over it). I am so tired and frustrated  not being able to do anything with my hands (and twisting my knee the other day just made it so much better lol), I am bored, tired of watchng DVDs but despite all that, I am still so much happier and feel so much better than I did 6 months ago. Honestly I really can’t remember exactly how I felt then. I do rememeber thinking that if I disappeared hardly anyone would notice. I remember hating myself and what I had become with a passion but it all just seemed too hard to change anything. I remember being able to sit all day at the computer or watching DVDs or similar without feeling like I do now. That was the norm for me and I never want to go back to being like that.

So this is how my list started – ways that my life is so much better. I know there are so many more, but its like everything; as soon as you sit down to write what has been lurking in the back of your mnd for ages, it disappears. Or is that just me?

I was talking to a friend today who lost her husband exactly 10 months ago. I feel so sad for her because I know exactly what she is going through and at that point you don’t think you will ever come out at the other end. As I talked I remembered how I felt and then compared it to now and the difference is unbelievable. Of course I still miss John, he was part of my life for almost 25 years, but I can look back and remember with a smile and only a touch of sadness now. I know this is my time and this is my year and look at all the things that are so much better than they were 6 months ago!

1. I can walk up stairs without puffing at the top (or on the way up)
2. My cholesterol level is almost down to normal
3. I am not always tired
4. For the first time ever I can wear a underwire bra without it digging in
5. People look at me differently – and not through me
6. I am setting a better example to my kids
7. I am much happier
8. I can look in the mirror without grimacing
9. I like me
10. I have more confidence
11. I worry less about what other people think of me
12. I have more energy
13. I am beginning to believe people actually like me for me
14. I love clothes
15. I feel like I have a future
16. I don’t avoid social situations as much
17. I enjoy exercising
18. I don’t sweat as much
19. I am taking and letting photos  be taken of me and not always hiding behind the camera
20. I have more patience
21. I can do my shoe laces up without having to lift my foot onto something so I can reach
22. I can buy clothes I like not just clothes that fit!
23. My feet are not sore all the time
24. My knees ache less
25. My back no longer aches as much when I stand for a long time
26. I will go for a swim with others (still reluctantly but at least I will go)
27. I will try new things and step out of my comfort zone more often
28. The smile on my face is real not just one put there to fool myself and others that I am happy
29. My boys are not so worried they are going to lose their mother as well
30. I eat healthier and therefore so do my boys
31. My house is tidier
32. I am more organised
33. I get up earlier and enjoy it
34. I love going to the gym
35. I no longer avoid going out of the house because I don’t want to be seen
36. I don’t get sick as often
37. I can go to the movies and fit in the seats with room to spare
38. I can cut my toenails without puffing
39. I sleep better and don’t wake up feeling tired
40. I am enjoying my food more

PS if anyone can tell me the proper way to add a link to another page of my blog I would appreciate it ❤