Time flies..........

I never intended to be a one-blog-a-month girl. I had visions of blogging every day, gathering followers in my wake, forging alliances along the way. Hmmmm, I hadn't quite factored in the Busy Life. No busier than anyone else's, but a combination of home, work, children and pets doesn't always leave room for much else.
However, I must update on the last five weeks. Big Things have happened.

I have stopped drinking.

I am sure I will provide more context for that statement at some point, suffice to say that it was necessary, a long time overdue, much longed for and exactly what I needed. I never quite believed I would be ok without wine as a crutch. Although why I needed a crutch seven nights a week, often alone, heaven only knows.......
Anyway, I have deliberately immersed myself in all things about being alcohol free for months, actually years, in the hope that it would rub off on me, and it finally did. I have been following an amazing blog mummywasasecretdrinker - check it out if not for incredible advice and info about not drinking, then just for the sheer humour and brilliant writing.
I have also read a boat load of books on giving up.
So, here I am, five weeks in, and feeling better than I have in a long time. Sleeping better, clear conscience, improved skin, weighing less and eating less (without the constant munchies that booze gives you).
Just to clarify, I wasn't drinking tons, and was totally functioning, but I knew in my heart that it was not good, mentally or physically, to drink every day. Not good for my children to think it normal to drink every day. I was more isolated and paranoid than I realised. I always felt one step behind. I totally believed that wine was what helped me out in social situations. I saw it as a TREAT. Now I am treating myself tenfold by NOT having wine. I am looking after myself properly. And the big thing is, I am leaving my brain and body clear to look after itself. No cover ups, no foggy shrouds of oblivion, no constant killing of brain cells day in day out. I am allowing my physical self to be me. And I am actually quite liking it. I go to bed at night feeling as if I have Done The Right Thing.
And that is absolutely priceless.

So, in my efforts to be Better from 50 I have made, for me, the biggest change first. Yee ha!

Here's hoping it's not another month before I get round to blogging again!

Why now?

As I turned 49 the year before last it occurred to me that I could, in fact, be healthier and fitter at 50 that ever before, certainly since school days, if I chose to be.
Hmmmm, I didn't quite factor in my intrinsic lack of self discipline and stubborn pursuance of anything indulgent.  I am not naturally fit, I love drinking, I adore eating food, especially things not good for me......cake, cheese, anything with cream.......you get the picture.
I turned 50 in the latter stage of last year and realised that, darn, I hadn't quite managed to transform myself into that fit, svelte, younger version of me that I had allowed myself to imagine.
And being a girl who loves a fresh start deadline (a significant birthday, New Year, Monday morning) then I felt as if I had somewhat missed the boat.
So, here I am, steadfastly heading towards being 51, and starting to make some changes. As it is hard work sometimes, I thought I would give myself in to some healthy introspection every now and again to chart these strange waters, to try to map out the territory I am embarking on.
If I falter then I can look back and see how far I have come.....assuming I do actually travel some distance in the improvement stakes. 
Here's hoping.