Losing weight - this is how I do it. Part 4

"Get back on the move!" That's what it feels like. The last few months have been extremely intense. In addition to the already planned lecture and seminar dates, there were two more important conferences, a book launch and a wedding - so there were hardly any gaps to catch your breath. And, of course, not very helpful food. When I'm a guest, I eat what's on offer and don't say: "I'd rather have a green smoothie for breakfast!"

To make matters worse, I also caught a really bad cold. A purulent sore throat. And often slept badly. Strange beds, noise, rooms that were too cold... Then two weeks on holiday with friends... with far more food than I usually eat.

The result: My body has regained its cushion and I'm back to square one in terms of weight. I don't find that funny at all. And even if it's all easy to explain and understand, I can sympathise with everyone who suffers from the yo-yo effect.

What the hell. I'm back and starting all over again.

What I do

• Lots of vitamin C and ginger to fight the common cold.
• Hula Hoop - I discovered this for myself on holiday and think it's brilliant! See: IMG_6309
• Cure for the soul
• Clean up

Cure for the soul 

I read in the Rule of the Benedictines: "Take care that over-saturation or drunkenness does not creep in...." .... We urge you to refrain from grumbling!" 
I find it fascinating that the Benedictines obviously saw a connection between dissatisfaction and addiction - too much food, too much drink.

I find the practice of asking myself prayerfully at the end of the day when I was most alive and when I was least alive on that day very good (Latin technical term for this is "examen"). This helps me to track down what is good for me and what is less good. I still do this far too rarely. However, I recently discovered an English guide on Pray as you go that you can listen to. Sometimes I find it helpful to be guided a little on the path into my heart.

Clean up

For years, I have been fascinated by the fact that there is a connection between outer and inner order and between a slim body and a slim home. So, when I discovered that the scales were at their highest, I got to work. I went through all the cupboards in my flat (I don't have that many - there are only four, with an office of 6) and had a relatively rough look through them first: What do I actually no longer use? That's what came out. I'll be going through the details soon: Books, documents, photos. But the rough stuff is done for now.

One Sunday, I then invited people to a giveaway party via a Facebook group. Neighbours also contributed something (the two large boxes were not mine and some of the items were misprints from the publisher). Around 25 people from 10 countries, including a number of refugees, came and helped themselves to my treasures. It was really nice. Some brought something to eat, others helped me repair cupboard handles - how nice that everyone has something to give.

And yes, the first kilo has already disappeared from my hips. And it feels good.