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Cancer Journal #8- Ride The Lightning

August 2, 2026 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Lightning strikes are a powerful and a natural phenomenon that occur frequently during summer storms. These flashes of light, are a reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the weather. Likewise, Life can be unpredictable similar to the weather. As a result of those unpredictable changes in life, we have a choice to “Ride the Lightning” or weather the storm in other ways. Read on to learn more about my personal “lightning” experience with cancer and how our own personal health OR life challenges can alter our trajectory.

Summer Storm Season

One of the instant visuals of a summer storm is lightning. Lightning releases electricity in the form of a bright flash of light. Lightning strikes are fast, moving at the literal speed of light! When lightning occurs, the atmosphere is trying to correct an imbalance within. If you see lightning, it’s time to take cover.

Lightning strikes are extremely powerful. The energy potential of lightning is 5 times greater than the heat of the sun! The impact of a single strike can be devastating.

We recently experienced a powerful storm on the evening of July 8th. Lightning tripped an electrical breaker and luckily only our internet connection was lost. We ended up having to replace our modem and had our internet restored 24 hours later.

Shortly afterwards of a lightning flash, one might hear the impactful sound, of Thunder. Roar… Boom! Sometimes the noise of thunder resonates through the windows of the house and the rattle of the thunderstorm is heard…the physical audible power and strength of the upcoming storm ahead.

Thunder is the sound lightning creates… the air has been superheated and expanding, creating a compression wave of sound, Thunder.

Both of these natural phenomena are part of the summer storm cycle that we are privy to each summer season… dynamic and unpredictable.

“Ride The Lightning”

I had a conversation with a good friend recently, and in that moment, he described life recently… “I’m just riding the lightning”. I laughed at that statement, but understood the meaning behind it… Finding those “electrifying” moments or events in daily life and simply working through them, building resilience.

After a bit of thought, following that conversation, “Ride The Lightning”, might be a good description of my journey with Cancer after treatment and moving towards cancer survivorship.

Life after cancer has become a journey of resilience and adaptability. Just as lightning can be both beautiful and destructive, so too can the challenges of cancer recovery.

Life After Cancer… Lightning Strikes

The last five months after completing cancer treatment, has not been a straight line moving forward into full recovery. The “thunderstorm” has lingered overhead.

The visible Zig Zag lines of lightning ⚡️… has definitely marked my cancer journey. Some days I can only zig. Other days I can zig zag. Cancer fatigue and heat have not been friends with me this summer.

Lightning streaks across the sky, creating a powerful show from the heavens. They say lightning never strikes twice, but in this instance it has… Menopause resurgence. Let me explain a bit further.

Estrogen slowly declines during natural menopause. Under normal conditions, when women go through menopause, estrogen levels drop from about 100-200 units to less than 25 units. In that natural process, body systems slowly adapt and women continue to monitor these ongoing changes and adapt as best as they can. I had already been through that adjustment, of Menopause, prior to my cancer diagnosis.

After my active treatment was completed, one of the medications I needed, was an Estrogen suppressant. These are commonly called AI’s or Aromatase Inhibitors. Since my breast cancer was strongly estrogen positive, one of the ways this cancer reoccurrence is managed is through estrogen suppressant medication. Most women on AI’s take these for 5 years, some must take them for 10 years.

After being on this new medication for only a few days, I quickly realized I was in a tornado of sorts. The goal of these AI’s are to drop your estrogen levels towards 0. This medication has been brutally unforgiving… My lightning in the storm.

The estrogen suppressant medication immediately caused a literal wreck of several of my body systems like “lightning” hitting a target. Boom! I was extremely surprised how quick and swift how my body systems reacted virtually overnight.

Like a powerful lightning storm, this AI medicine was creating havoc within multiple body systems simultaneously.

Those of you who have experienced breast cancer or have taken estrogen suppressant medications, can understand this analogy!

I have read that close to 40-50 percent of women choose not to finish their estrogen suppressant medication cycle due to the amount of side effects experienced from these medications. This form of “lightning menopause” is definitely different from a normal cycle of menopause.

Menopause is not something women go through and get over. This is a true life phase. Over time, the side effects may lessen in nature, but the body has changed forever without the estrogen… your bones, joints, muscles, skin, hair… just to name a few all have changed.

Riding out the Storm

After a few days on the new AI medication, I felt like I was walking into the eye of a hurricane. My body was dramatically different. I tried to adjust to these radical changes, by Zigzagging with the lightning, but the results for me have been quite mixed. Some days are better than others. Impactful Side effects like (sleep disturbances, heat intolerance, fatigue, joint/bone pain, brain fog/forgetfulness, and hot flashes) have been associated with these types of medications. I’ve personally experienced most of these symptoms.

Finding A New Normal After the Storm

The intense Menopausal Lightning strike had hit hard. I had to adjust to a “new daily normal” after active cancer treatment.

I soon had a lightning realization that it was virtually impossible to get back to the way things “used to be” prior to cancer right now. I’m still experiencing the Zig and Zag of the lightning. It is not a straight line to completion.

Ultimately, things will always be different as a result of my Cancer diagnosis and treatment. AND I knew my life would change as a result of ongoing scans, bloodwork, changes in eating habits, rest requirements, slower mornings, needing weight management, etc.

Cancer recovery is a lifelong process. Cancer recovery doesn’t end after active treatment and it can look very different for each individual based on their experience with cancer.

Cancer itself is the perfect storm, often no warning signs are present. It takes the body time to adjust and heal from the trauma like any huge health event. The lasting impact of cancer lingers on like a tornado or hurricane touchdown in a small community. The impact is felt for years to come in every single aspect of life.

Help Arrives During the Storm

My medical team has served as the umbrella ☂️ for the storm. That same group of professionals has helped me navigate the havoc, dealing with each new “lightning” problem. I’m deeply thankful for their guidance during this difficult transition. My medical team has truly dedicated themselves daily to cancer care, recovery and survivorship, I feel blessed to be in their care.

As a result, I’ve been able to find ways to manage ongoing side effects through the aid of supplements, acupuncture, and a change in my AI, estrogen suppressant medication.

A Storm Watch

It’s always good to know when a storm is approaching, especially if it is going to be severe in nature. Local weather channels will often call for a storm watch prior to the outbreak of a storm. This allows people time to prepare! No one enjoys Power outages from downed trees, or lightning strikes. Storm flooding can be devastating, and costly. Seeking shelter is a must during a storm.

A few people have said to me recently, “I thought you were good now since cancer treatment is over”. The long, but short answer is NO. Recovery takes time, it is not immediate for everyone experiencing cancer. I’ve faced a few challenges personally.

Storm Warning Issued

Once a storm warning has been announced, it’s time to bunker down and await the arrival of the storm. Likewise for me, the lingering impact of cancer fatigue, combined with high humidity and temperatures, and other side effects, has slowed my recovery progress dramatically.

Along with the those factors and the impact of Lightning Menopause has been my biggest obstacles in recent months… like a fallen tree during a storm. Simply delayed recovery.

Sleep disturbances have been more frequent than I like to admit. Sleep is one of the cornerstones of maintaining a healthy balance in life.

Managing Weather Impact Days

Our local weather forecasters love to use the term Weather Impact Day on the 7 day forecast. This terminology gives everyone a heads up about the coming weather for that impactful day. You can plan your activities accordingly and adjust to hopefully avoid any bad weather around that Weather Impact Day.

Here’s a quick tidbit about the importance of Estrogen and how the body uses it. As estrogen is depleted out of the body, during natural menopause, several key areas of the body are changing and not necessarily in a healthy way…. Cardiovascular, muscular, cognitive, and pelvic just to name a few. The body quietly recalibrates itself as estrogen slow declines in natural menopause, BUT in a “Lightning Menopause” scenario, this process is brutally quick. The AI medication drops your estrogen levels to near 0.

Why is this Important for all women, not just those on AI’s???? Estrogen keeps your blood vessels flexible, cholesterol particles small, and blood pressure lower. As the menopausal process begins, the loss of estrogen can lead to more increased health risks! More women die of heart disease in later life (after menopause) than cancer. This is a definite storm warning for us all!

Should we just stand by and await our fate, as estrogen slowly drains away? I think not, we should prepare for severe weather storm. Meet the Weather Impact Day with a full concept of what is happening!

Also, it is critical that we note changes in how we feel, being mindful of what is going into our bodies as far as diet, remembering that sleep is restorative, and movement is key! Seek the advice of medical professionals if you are having difficulty weathering the storm.

Don’t hesitate to contact another medical professional if you feel you are not being heard. Yes, I once had a medical professional to tell me to not to ask any more questions about Menopause. I have since moved on to find a new provider.

I do realize that it is difficult to explain the Cancer Storm unless you have been in it and sometimes people grow weary of the Storm, seeking the sunshine and brighter days instead. My message today is for all women, not necessarily those who are experiencing cancer. Menopause is a life phase and the body systems change dramatically and can impact your health moving forward. That’s the storm warning, we all need to understand and comprehend.

Hope inside the Storm

After all the chaos of the last 5 months, I find there’s hope, in the storm. Rain offers a chance for nature to hit the reset button. I have found that to be the case for me as well.

Rain… brings restoration to the earth and the physical body, allowing time to heal and rest. I have found that rest is a MUST during the midst of a stormy day. Retreating into the safety of a shelter, getting out of the elements of a harsh storm with thunder, lightning, wind and heavy rains offers a refuge.

Rain… also brings the opportunity for growth. Without needed rainwater, plants and flowers can’t grow and thrive.

Which brings me to another thought, storms do come to an end. Thankfully, severe thunderstorms don’t last forever!!! Blue skies eventually return!!!

aging, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, challenges, finding inspiration, flowers, garden, gardening, Hardware Store Life, hope, journey in life, Life experiences, Life In Wilkes, Natural World, Resilence, seasons of life, Spring Gardening, summer garden, women’s health

Cancer Journal #4… Victory Gardening

February 18, 2026 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

The concept of a Victory Garden began during World War I and continued throughout World War II. People were urged to grow their own food, saving resources for the war effort. Victory Gardening was well received during the World War eras and recently we saw a revival of gardening that occurred during the Covid Crisis.

I personally have always enjoyed gardening. Growing flowers, herbs, and sometimes the occasional vegetable to add a dash of flavor into our lives. Fresh cut flowers are a wonderful addition to any space during the Gardening season as well as vegetables. I always hate to see the end of the garden season come to a close as colder weather approaches. Over the years, I have learned, as a gardener, I don’t enjoy weeding the garden! Ugh!!!

Weeds, the unwanted earthy material we desire to rid our flower & vegetable gardens of, forever. Weeds can somehow creep into your garden and appear almost overnight. Weeds steal valuable water & nutrients from your growing garden. And before you know it, your once gorgeous garden is chocked full of weeds and struggling to survive amongst the weeds. It only takes a few warm days of consistent rainfall, for those weeds to take root.

Usually around late February or early March, folks begin to search for their favorite garden seeds… The dream of the new garden begins in earnest once those tiny micro seeds are planted. The ultimate test of faith and hope, growing them inside from the seed starts. Eventually, these seeds will emerge as a small green plant… Ready to transplant once the weather permits. Hmmm… No one ever dreams about growing weeds 😂?? Right?

One of my cancer doctors recently used a “gardening analogy” to describe my experience with cancer. Upon further reflection, it was a clever way to describe everything that has happened thus far, and it just clicked. It is definitely worth sharing.

**Wherever Life plants you, just bloom.**

Stay with me for a moment, I’m going to share a bit of background information:

1. Breast cancer is caused by damage to the DNA of a cell, a mutation.

2. When healthy cells are damaged, those same cells lose their ability to repair themselves, and can continue onto the path of Cancer.

3. Cancer cells have the ability to exhibit uncontrolled growth. They never stop dividing, and these cells don’t die out!

4. The entire process of tumor formation from cancer cells takes on average 8-10 years. This process doesn’t occur overnight.

5. It is also worth mentioning that some Breast Cancers can double in size very quickly from a span of 29 to 200 days. Some Breast cancers grow much slower, like mine. Thankfully!!!

Obviously, other factors can influence cancer, like genetics. But the knowledge that we can control a portion of our own cancer battle is empowering !!! As the saying goes, “Reap what you sow”. Taking care of your garden, can benefit your ultimate harvest….with the outcome of focusing on wellness, physical activity, and good foods can make a difference… in your overall physical health… achieving Victory!!!

**Like a wildflower, grow where people thought you never could**

Cancer treatment will vary depending on the key characteristics of the cancer itself, just like your garden. Each garden is unique to its surroundings, and what is cultivated in the garden space.

I have met several new medical professionals in this cancer journey. Each one of these individuals has a specific role in defeating the cancer. This is where the garden analogy comes into focus. Consider the human body as the garden as you continue to read on.

One of the first doctors I met was my Surgical Oncologist. The role of the Surgical Oncologists, using the garden analogy… She Pulls the “weed” (cancer) directly out and also the areas around the cancer “weed” (gaining clear margins) to ensure that the entire weed root system isn’t left. My cancer was fairly small, 14mm for a nasty little weed.

Next up, my Medical Oncologist. She does “weed pollen control”. My medical oncologist addresses the whole body systems to prevent “weed pollen” from spreading by using medications that can assist in fighting the cancer or help prevent a reoccurrence. I will spend many appointments with her in the future because of the medication (5 year cycle)that is recommended for me after the radiation treatments.

Pollen is the fine, yellow, powdery substance produced by plants and yes, even weeds! Spring pollen season isn’t always a pleasant experience for many who face allergies. But, pollen can play an essential role in the garden. Often plants rely on certain insects, bees, or birds to transport the pollen, while common weeds distribute their pollen by wind. My medical oncologist is trying to prevent the “weed pollen scatter”.

**Bees are wonderful pollinators in the garden**

I recently met my Radiation Oncologist. She is the one who used this garden analogy to describe my experience with cancer thus far. In her role in my cancer care, she targets the area around where the cancer was. In essence, radiation therapy will be the “weed killer”.

Often when you pull up weeds from the garden, especially the big, testy ones with strong roots, you might come behind with a targeted weed killer to ensure that those weeds do not come back. No one wants to do all that weeding work to find several more new weeds in your garden just a few days later!

As she continued with her explanation, Tiny microscopic cancer cells can be left behind even after surgery, the goal of radiation therapy is to kill those cancer cells that might be left behind and help prevent a reoccurrence of cancer.

As I prepare for the next phase of my cancer treatment, Radiation therapy, I find myself full of anticipation… waiting for the next major hurdle to pass. I’m scheduled to begin radiation treatment in early March.

Yet, the desire to grow my garden hasn’t waned. I realize that our personal garden is our own personal story waiting to unfold. Cancer has become a part of my story and a part of my garden that I didn’t expect to grow. Trust me it hasn’t been “all roses and flowers in my garden”. I have found myself recently, deep in the weeds and thorns. My immune system has been weakened due to this cancer and I have fought off Covid for the last two weeks. My own mind’s timeline of healing hasn’t matched my sickness. The rate of recovery has been a bit longer than I anticipated. But I shall continue pulling through the weedy path in my garden.

Thankfully, planting a garden is a definitive expression of hope, and resilience… And our forefathers got it right… the concept of a Victory Garden. I will bloom where I have been planted and turn towards the sunshine. Facing this new path where the weeds are, and begin anew in Victory!

**“Plant A Garden- Plant A Victory Garden” WWII Era Slogan**

Footnote: Please say a prayer for all who are “deep in the weeds” with any type of cancer treatment. My heart is heavy for others who are battling cancer or any other serious illness. This is a battle that no one willing wants to fight but sometimes prayers can provide that strength. Those prayers are often felt at the moment they are needed… that is a victory!

A new journey begins, aging, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, change, December, End of Year Reflection, finding inspiration, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, journey in life, Life experiences, Life In Wilkes, memories, photography favorites, Resilence, seaonal change, seasons of life, southern living, Transitions in Life, Western North Carolina, winter, Winter Photography, writing process

Seasons of Change

December 22, 2025 hardwarelifewife 3 Comments

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” —Ecclesiastes

The four seasons… Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are all marked a significant changes in how we interact with the Earth. Each season is uniquely beautiful and transformative. The never ending cycle of nature adjusting to each distinctive season.

Daffodils are one of the first to bloom in Spring, bringing our landscape back into full color.

When the seasons begin to change, so do the needs of our loyal shoppers… each of the four seasons can bring a small shift of seasonal sales. Spring begins the lawn and garden season. Summer shopping is marked by a large demand of pool chemicals, and lawn and garden products.

Flowers are in abundance during the Summer season

Fall hardware store shopping centers around the demands of preparing for cooler weather, our customers are looking for stove pipe, wood stove maintenance products, rakes, and more!

Winter, the cold months, our customers need kerosene heater maintenance, heating essentials, and Christmas gifts!!! Each of the four seasons keeps us busy with ongoing orders, and resets of seasonal supplies. We shift with each unique season.

Winter can bring cold temperatures and snow!

This reflection on the four unique seasons brought to mind the different “Seasons of Life”. We shift from season to season. I believe AGE is not necessarily a factor in these shifts in the different seasons of life.

I began to dwell on the changing of the seasons as we head into a new season, Winter.

Don’t we go through each of the four seasons as we age, possibly over and over again depending on the circumstances of your personal situation?? Hmmm… our lives are seasonal??? Can you imagine which season you are currently living through right now?

Spring as a living season is full of renewal, change, new growth, and planting. This season is marked with new beginnings… like purchasing a new home, getting married, falling in love again, beginning a family, a new career, the list is long!!! Feeling of hope abounds in the Spring season.

Summer is a time of warmer days, time feels endless. The phase can bring more growth opportunities, whereas, harvesting your hard work from the Spring season. Taking risks becomes easier, pushing harder outside comfort zone. Motivation is key.

Fall is a time to reflect. Reflection brings the opportunity to learn from mistakes, making plans for next phase, adjusting goals, noticing change, and simply enjoying the beauty around you, practicing gratitude for all things in your life.

Winter brings rest. Winter is a time to recharge your batteries. If you are in the winter season, you might be experiencing sickness, or grief. With the “stillness” of the winter season, it can often bring clarity or wisdom (looking back and having peace) from earlier seasons previously journeyed through.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” —Ecclesiastes

Whatever season you find yourself in life’s journey, relish it. If you are currently feeling the depths of the winter season, spring will come.

Footnote: I often begin writing pieces for my blog months prior to publication.

This specific blog piece I began writing and processing prior to finding out about my diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer.

After reflecting on this blog piece, I’m currently in “winter”, looking forward to seeing “spring”.

Whatever season you find yourself in right now, please know that seasons change and each will not last forever. “When your heart is tired, and your spirit is worn, remember God is your rest. He will renew your strength and carry you through the storm.” Isaiah 40:29

A new journey begins, aging, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, caregiving, challenges, change, Christmas, classic movies, community, December, family, Hardware Store Life, Home, Hometown Holidays, journey in life, Life experiences, Life In Wilkes, Resilence, The Grinch, Transitions in Life

The Grinch That Didn’t Steal My Christmas

December 15, 2025 hardwarelifewife 14 Comments

Often the Christmas Classics have an unscrupulous or “misfit”character that is central in the story. As the Christmas story unfolds, that unruly character evolves and begins to change over time, reaching a new level of understanding and empathy. The Grinch is no stranger to this scenario. The Grinch has a unique meaning for me this 2025 holiday season.

The Grinch… the neighbor North of Whoville who hated the entire Christmas season.

The Grinch…hated the thought of the people of Whoville experiencing joy on Christmas Day. He stole all of the Christmas presents, stockings, Christmas trees, feasting food and even the firewood logs!!!

The Grinch…hoped the joy of Christmas would be spoiled, every home had been emptied by him as he taken all of their possessions. But, it didn’t happen. The people of Whoville celebrated Christmas anyway.

The Grinch… eventually realized that Christmas had come without all the excitement of Christmas presents, toys, wrapping paper, and all the other components of how we often celebrate Christmas Day. Christmas was about something so much more.

The Grinch… Experiencing Cancer, sickness OR even the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. These life altering events can definitely steal the Joy of the Holiday Season and leave you feeling sad, stressed or “Grinchy”.

The Grinch…personally present for me this holiday season, but NOT stealing the hope for healing, or the joy of celebrating the holiday season with family and friends. Will the holiday look potentially different? Yes. But, so will the next few months. Meeting my care team, Surgery, radiation, and ❤️‍🩹 begin the process of healing and recovery.

The Grinch… learned that the Whoville community gathered together to celebrate what was wonderfully good about Christmas, ultimately making his heart grow bigger.

The Grinch… has nothing our own hardware community….We are blessed. I always look forward to your smiles, laughter, and conversations as you have continued to shop with us for the last 10 years. You have become a part of our family.

The Grinch… The arrival of Cancer within my own life has made me very thankful and grateful for my community of family and friends who are supporting me daily as I embark upon a journey to find wellness once again. My heart is full of strength, hope, and courage as I continue to live ONE day at a time.

The Grinch… Unable to steal Christmas away, because Christmas is so much more than the day itself. Christmas is more about tiny acts of kindness, compassion, community spirit, and finding Grace in second chance opportunities.

The Grinch… Often when sickness or grief comes, we don’t allow ourselves the opportunity to live in full grace. The daily mantra should be for us all, not just cancer patients to live ONE DAY AT A TIME. When experiencing grief, anxiety, sickness, or cancer, every single day can be challenge with ever changing health conditions, or emotions. Through God’s grace, tomorrow is a uniquely different day. Celebrate the positive days and allow ourselves to rest when we need to.

Foot Note: Earlier this month, I was officially diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer, my Grinch. This cancer was found after my regularly scheduled mammogram. I strongly encourage everyone to keep all medical screening appointments. It’s so easy to get “busy” in the moment and forget about or delay them months down the line.

My initial prognosis is good and surgery will be scheduled soon. I have two appointments this week in Winston Salem. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months. I covet your prayers.

I know many of you that might be reading this today, have faced similar health challenges whether it was long term sickness, loss of a dear loved one, or a personal battle with cancer and can empathize with my personal situation.

Moving forward, we may find it necessary to alter our store hours to accommodate my appointments. Please be patient with us as we try to navigate this new “un-normal” phase of life for us.

Please also consider that if you reach out to our social media pages that a response might be delayed due to this new phase “unwellness” I am experiencing. That being said, If you need an immediate response to a specific product question, please call the hardware store for further assistance. We thank you for your support and understanding.

Wishing y’all a very Merry Christmas season! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

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The Heart of the Matter

February 19, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

My heart is sad today. We lost a dear friend a few days ago. He died of a heart attack. I’m sad to say that he was younger than me.

*Rest in peace dear friend and may you rise in glory*

February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Did you know that one of the leading causes of death among women in America is heart disease? I was stunned when I heard that fact recently on the news. It was one of those moments in time when I began recalling women in my life who faced heart health challenges and it created a bit of discomfort in my mind. So where do I go from those uneasy thoughts??? And now the loss of friend due to heart health issues.

Those thoughts… led to a bit of reflection on my current lifestyle, eating habits, and a mental checklist of progress since LAST February when I began my weight loss journey.

In February of 2023, I was unhappy with my weight and just in general, how I was feeling. Both of our eating habits had deteriorated into a fast-paced lunch without a lot of thought into what we ate. We were grabbing whatever was convenient and easy, not necessarily healthy. Planning meals or even thinking ahead about what we should eat… well, that simply did not happen. Change had to happen and it finally did!

*Time is a factor for many… do we make wise heart healthy food choices??? Well… maybe not always*

Change and progress has been slow but steady. To date, I have lost and kept off consistently 36 pounds, which I’ll consider as success! I realize that I still have a few more goals left to accomplish, so my work is not done yet.

My eye doctor always jokes around with me about A-G-E disease… we both laugh and nod about how much AGE can impact our eyes. I bet that if we really think about it, A-G-E disease can be applied elsewhere.

That being said, AGE can slowly creep upon you, whether we realize it’s happening or not, and changes are inevitable… the body IS changing with age. That’s not revolutionary, that’s just simple science.

*Happy Heart* ❤️ *… finding beauty in the world each day*

Unhealthy eating habits and patterns can impact health. These factors combined CAN influence our overall physical health and wellbeing. Heart health and establishing healthy eating habits go hand and hand.

Listed below are FIVE key takeaways that I have learned from my weight loss journey which have served me well in the last year. I hope that these tips will inspire you to keep working towards good heart health, consistent weight management, and overall better wellbeing in 2024.

1. Find your willpower. Weight loss is not easy and it takes considerable effort and dedication to make it happen. The weight loss curve is not a true downhill line. Mine has been full of zips and zags along the way. Be consistent and keep going strong, your heart will thank you!

Weight fluctuations happen. I have consistently been weighing in each day to monitor my progress, expecting the fluctuations to occur so that I’m not disappointed in my overall performance. Did you know that Wilkes County Hardware has scales in stock ???

2. Eating in a calorie deficit was an adjustment and an eye opener!!! I had no idea how many calories I was consuming daily until I started managing my intake at each meal. It was surprising and shocking! 😳 Enough said!

3. You can eat anything within reason, when you think about portion size AND as long as you plan ahead… example… if you eat lunch at a restaurant with friends, plan to eat light at your evening meal. Choosing to focus on filling foods (green foods – those with a high water content),eat a balance of protein, and eat the rainbow of colors (thinking about colors of vegetables/fruits) have been helpful to me.

Many people think it’s expensive to be on a diet and buy food for that “diet plan” … BUT, when you shop differently, there are simply things you don’t put in your shopping cart anymore, which could make a difference in your shopping habits and overall savings! If you are shopping around for the best app or diet plan to try, pick one that best suits your needs and lifestyle… Making sure to look at the overall long term impact.

My personal experience taught me that eating more vegetables and smaller amounts of meat was helpful. I don’t exclude anything from my diet but, I do try to honor a cravings, while make wiser choices when it comes to food choices, staying away from empty calories. AND you can eat well and on a budget by shopping around for the best deals on fruits and veggies! We love Aldi and Food Lion locally here.

4. Just Keep moving! Keeping up a vigorous exercise routine might be great, but most of us don’t have the time for it. Consistent movement each day… that is the key!!! Just keep on moving and going. Monitor your steps and add try to add a few steps more each day. You might be surprised how many steps you can get in just by cleaning the house, running errands, etc.

*I’ll often walk to pick up lunch from Main Street or to do a quick errand… it’s actually great exercise and I can get a few extra steps in.*

5. Drink plenty of water. It helps!!! Reduce your sugary drink consumption… You will quickly notice the difference in how you feel and your heart will appreciate it too!

*We keep water stocked in our drink cooler at the hardware store!*

My motivation was simple. I didn’t like how my weight was making me feel physically. Being overweight can create heart health issues, higher cholesterol, diabetes, and a host of other problems. I didn’t want any of those health concerns coming into play in my life anytime soon. So I decided to take action. I know my numbers… I had my yearly check up this month so I’m familiar with my current progress and what I need to do in regard to my numbers… blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. It’s a balancing act of all of these things… managing your numbers, weight and stress. Do I do that well enough??? Well… that’s a work in progress but the effort is there.

*Stress relief… find those beautiful places, hobbies, or take time to unwind and recharge.*

In closing, I’m sharing a few tips directly from the American Heart Association to GO RED Campaign for women which can apply to anyone who wants to be Heart Healthy.

• G: GET YOUR NUMBERS – Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.

• O: OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE – Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat healthy.

• R: REALIZE YOUR RISK – We think it won’t happen to us, but heart disease kills 1 in 3 women.

• E: EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY – Make healthy food choices for you & your family and stay active.

• D: DON’T BE SILENT – Tell every woman you know that heart disease is our No. 1 killer. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined! The more we know about our heart health, action can occur and prevention strategies can be developed.

Before we leave this subject… use this website for more information: https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/signs-and-symptoms-in-women

I’ve decided to not be silent. I’m sharing a small portion of my journey with you and my hope is that you can take away something from my own personal experience to help you or someone else who might benefit from this.

*February Reading about Longevity patterns across the globe.*

I’ll often draft/edit a blog post and leave them in editing mode… I had honestly thought about pushing this one off for a while. But after the events of last week, I changed my mind. It is never too late to start a new chapter in life. Here’s to being Heart Healthy and having Happy Hearts in 2024!

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business