Thursday, January 10, 2013

A Few Deeper Breaths

Today was the first day that I started to feel quite a bit better. Unfortunately I'm still coughing, and although I can take deeper breaths, I still cannot deeply inhale and exhale without choking/coughing ... so there's a ways to go.

Today marks 1 full week off from the gym. I cannot describe the frustration ... but I am just trying to hold on to the thought that this is needed rest time. Rushing back could cause a relapse, and then that would just be devastating!

Dad has been visiting from Bangladesh for the past few days. He leaves tomorrow night.
When he was visiting back in October [you can read this past post], we had quite a few issues with food. I was in the middle of the Whole Life Challenge and he just didn't get it. As a diabetic, he should be extra careful with his food intake ... but he isn't, and it drives me insane.

The second day he was here we stopped at the supermarket - he bought some chips, some chocolate, cake, and different types of bread - sliced, pita, croissant. In the days leading up to his visit I kept telling myself - don't get into a fight with dad over food. He's only here for a while. Just let it go. I tell you though after seeing him put those things in the shopping cart, it was insanely tough to bite my tongue. Of course he offered me the foods; he commented about my eating habits; he joked about food (which gets me the most) etc. etc. I had a really rough time dealing with it ... but I still kept quiet. I decided that it was his life. He could do whatever he wanted to do. In my house, I'll only provide tasty, healthy options. If he wants something from outside, then he can do it ... but that does not mean that I need to partake.

The main reason that I didn't want to get into an argument with him is because he's my dad after all. I tried to make clear (again) that his joking about food really upsets me but I also didn't harp on it. He's set in his ways and his mentality. I do not want to fight with him and then have him travel back to Bangladesh ... I do not want there to be bitter feelings between us because I might hurt his feelings by being angry about food. It's not worth it. I would be so devastated if something happened to him and the last the we had done was leave each other in anger.

Bigger picture. Bigger picture.

The best I can do is lead by example and stay true to my new lifestyle.

So, that has been quite a challenge. It's gotten a bit better though of course there are a few daily incidents that drive me crazy. Still. No need to lose sleep over it. We all make our choices and then have to deal with the consequences.

I'm hoping to get back to the gym by Saturday. I'll probably ease myself into my routine, which is fine. I just want to move again (and not cough)!


7 comments:

  1. I'm glad you are getting better little by little. The flu is raging here in the states and I'm hoping we will escape it. I've only had the flu three times in my life and it was horrible. Hang in there. :)

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  2. Hi EW - I have a 34 yr old son that has type II diabetes for the past 10 years. He isn't trying 100% to take care of his health. More like 25% of the time he makes an effort. I used to harp at him, but all it did was make him angry. He lives 1200 miles away. I decided a few years ago - to just enjoy his company when we are together. It is easier for both of us.

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  3. Hi! I am glad you're recovering enough to get annoyed.

    Your Dad probably doesn't know how to talk about your weight loss/fitness. And he probably loves you dearly no matter what you look like or do.

    :-) Marion

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  4. Glad you are feeling somewhat better! Your situation with your dad/his food choices are very similar to mine with my mom/her food choices. You are right, the best thing you can do is try and lead by example, and take care of yourself :)

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  5. I have the same relationship with my mother. She has so many health issues. She is not happy, but won't change her lifestyle. She thinks prescription medicine is her only choice for her health issues. My parents live three hours by plane from me. I want to enjoy our time together and don't bring up certain topics.

    Happy you are starting to feel a bit better.

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  6. I never realized how awesome taking a full breath really felt until I couldn't do it anymore. That full expanded lung feeling is one of my favorite things.

    Glad your feeling better and that you were able to spend some time with your father.

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  7. Well done on staying calm! Glad you're feeling better x

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Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I can use all the support I can get :)