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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!!!

A new journey begins, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, Cancer Foods, Cancer Journey, Cancer lifestyle, change, Hardware Store Life, Healthy eating, heart health, journey in life, Life experiences, Life In Wilkes, March, Nutritious foods, recipe, Resilence, seasons of life, Southern food, Wellness, women’s health, Works in Progress

Cancer Journal #5- Simple Switches for a Lifetime of Health

March 8, 2026 hardwarelifewife 5 Comments

I’ve been attempting to learn how to play Mahjong. This tile game has been around for many years and has become extremely popular recently. When the opportunity to learn to play came my way, I decided to try my hand at this tile game, and laughing with good friends an extra healthy benefit ☺️.

Sometimes in the middle the midst of a game, I can sense that the tiles I need to complete my hand are not coming to me. It’s time to pivot. When playing Mahjong, hopefully this insight comes earlier in the game than later… Is there potentially another hand that I can easily switch to… making a swap for success???

Mahjong Tiles on the mat before the game begins!

Recently, I was talking with another cancer patient, who is also a good friend and it’s worth mentioning that I have relied on his own personal experiences with cancer as my own cancer health journey has unfolded. Carl and I often discuss the “good foods” for cancer patients, and discuss the research behind it. Carl said something very insightful in a recent conversation. Looking back, I’m not even really sure what foods we were discussing at that time, but what he said definitely stuck with me. What Carl basically said that totally describes the evolution of how cancer has impacted my food choices… it is the simple swaps that creates the lasting change, adding them in slowly over time.

In reflection of that conversation, have been just that! Cancer has brought about the time to pivot… just like my Mahjong game analogy!

My dietary switches haven’t been a sprint to the finish line but a slow, steady pace of change, with the focus on nutrient rich foods to fuel my body through this cancer journey. I’m very thankful for dear friends who have been down this path of healthy eating during treatment and yes, even after active treatment, who have been able to guide me through this new way of eating. Thank you fellow cancer survivors and friends… your support means the world to me!

Food plays a key role in prevention…“you are what you eat”, as the old saying goes … it is true! Our overall dietary choices impacts inflammation, metabolism, and yes, future disease risk. Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer has definitely changed what I consume. The nutritional needs of a cancer patient focuses on the maintenance of muscle mass, while combining healthy eating as well as boosting the immune system. In order for all that to happen, simple swaps have been necessary for better health.

Instead of potato chips I have made purple sweet potato chips!!! A fun little swap

Breast Cancer patients need a good portion of protein each day (90 grams). Please keep in mind, these recommendations are for women… men your recommendations may look slightly different! Good sources of Lean animal proteins… chicken and fish, eggs, and whole grains. Beans/legumes are all good sources of protein. I’ve been experimenting with lentils recently as a new additional swap. I recently made a lentil casserole… lentils, mushrooms, and veggies. We enjoyed it!

My cancer dietician used the analogy of imagining a deck of cards as a guide for protein on your plate. That “deck of cards of protein” on your plate would be equivalent to around 28 grams.

Chicken is a dietary staple. I was struggling to figure out how to boost my remaining white rice in my pantry to add more nutritional value… added frozen veggies and saffron and it was a definite improvement!!!

According to the cancer dietary guidelines, some Proteins need limiting…red meat! Ugh!!! Red meat lovers… this one is hard! Red meat consumption (18 ounces week) and another suggestion…eliminating processed meats (sandwich meats, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, etc)!!! That’s right… BACON!!!😬

Why??? Processed meats are considered a class 1 carcinogens. These types of meats include chemicals that can increase risk of developing certain types of cancer like colon cancer and other cancers. More research is ongoing but it is definitely worth noting this.

Based on my research, and discussions with my cancer dietitian… I am trying to make half of each meal fruits or vegetables. Vegetables are a powerful source of not only fiber but nutrients needed in the body. The goal is to have at least 25g of fiber and LESS than 25g of sugar a day. Folks, that’s not a lot of sugar… bye, bye dessert! 😳

Cruciferous vegetables are fantastic for cancer patients… broccoli, cauliflower, red cabbage, Brussel sprouts

As a result of these new switches over time, I have begun to decrease my carb intake since last November. Pasta is pretty much a thing of the past for me and I don’t miss it. It is also worth noting, Carbohydrates and sugar are important in maintaining a healthy diet and I haven’t totally ignored them.

Instead of pasta… I have moved to a full plate of steamed vegetables with some spaghetti sauce. It is absolutely one of my favorite switches!!

Let’s move onto the elephant in the room… Sugar. Sugar is found in two forms.. natural sugars and added sugars(processed sugars). Natural sugars are the way to go! Natural sugars that are found in whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, milk, vegetables and grains…these are considered complex carbohydrates.

Breakfast fruits (natural sugars) with Low sugar Yogurt gives me a punch of protein too!

The body processes complex carbohydrates more efficiently and slowly. It is more work for your body to digest complex carbohydrates than digesting simple sugars. Processing simple sugars can create spikes of glucose in your body. Complex carbohydrates contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals in addition to natural sugars. All of these nutrients are important to overall energy, health and immunity.

So here’s the kicker for cancer patients… Every cell in the body requires glucose for fuel, including cancer cells, AND glucose also feeds the cells in the rest of the body. We cannot pick and choose which cells get what nutrients/fuel… the phrase sugar feeds cancer cells is somewhat true!

The fact is that all cells, including cancer cells, need sugar in the form of glucose to generate energy. All Cells use glucose the way cars use gas for fuel. Normal cells use a reasonable amount of gas, but cancer cells are like gas guzzlers! 😳

Cancer cells are like cars with the accelerator stuck to the floor, using glucose at higher rates because they are dividing at much faster rates than normal cells.

*Cancer cells definitely don’t use a speed limit!!! 😬*

What is absolutely amazing… dietary switches and changes can limit that gas guzzler impact!!! If those changes or swaps aren’t made, diets in high in added sugars and ultra-processed foods can continue to increase inflammation over time. Chronic inflammation isn’t great for overall health.. which can lead to a weakened immune system…opening the door for other diseases or yes, maybe even a cancer reoccurrence!!! No way!!! , I definitely don’t want that, so the switch is on!

All this being said about the necessity of cancer nutrition, I’m not depriving myself of a special treat every now and then. I definitely will enjoy a side of French fries or tots with a meal every-once-in -a while or my favorite comfort food. AND it worth saying, that Eating out can be a challenge. My overall palate has begun to change and I physically need more vegetables and fruits to balance out my diet, that can be hard to find at certain places.

Stuffed flounder with crab and shrimp on a bed of hash browns… a little treat with lots of good stuff still on the plate… spinach included!

Making switches in my diet has been an ongoing learning process… eating and shopping for great cancer fighting foods. I grocery shop now by turning labels over before I buy. It will stay on the shelf if the sugar content is too high or nutrient value is too low. It has been a journey to find new products and recipes that will fit this lifestyle change, permanently. Has my grocery shopping list changed? Absolutely! Am I spending more money??? Ummm… probably not. My swaps have changed in the nature of what stays in my pantry and refrigerator, AND some things just aren’t worth the purchase anymore!

Have I actually shed a few pounds??? Possibly, but my overall activity level has dropped significantly due to surgery recovery, sickness, and now radiation treatments. My goal is to get back to “normal-ish” soon! Allowing my body to rest and recover has been a process for me, adjusting my cancer mindset.

Chicken tortilla soup loaded with beans has been a great addition to post radiation meals… during radiation, boosting protein intake is necessary

Living through Cancer has been a definite challenge. Taking things one day at a time, navigating through a myriad of research, eating with simple swaps, constant appointments, recovery, rest, and ultimately, the HOPE of NED (no evidence of disease).

HOPE… a simple reminder as I walk into the cancer center each visit 💕

Hope and faith is definitely important in the cancer journey mindset. Here’s something to consider as someone who has never been through the cancer journey and for the overall cancer mindset… Just because active cancer treatment ends (surgery, constant appointments, scans, chemotherapy, radiation) doesn’t mean the fight is over. The cancer fight never truly ends for a cancer patient/survivor.

For those who have not been diagnosed or had a family member who faced cancer, here’s something worth mentioning… Often times cancer patients are faced with taking medications for several years following the active treatment schedule (ie: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) AND The Appointments still occur (which maybe less frequent), bloodwork, and scans are required years afterward. Cancer is always in the rear view mirror of your life as a cancer survivor. It’s just a different phase of the cancer journey.

Pink morning skies are extra special this March as I have begun Radiation Treatments

This is also my story. I will be on estrogen suppressant medication for 5 years after radiation therapy is completed this month. The side effects of these medications necessitates a healthy lifestyle. Using the dietary simple swaps, physical activity, and much more will be a long term lifestyle change not only for medication necessities, but in hopes to prevent a cancer reoccurrence.

Core Power protein shakes has been a great find!!! These a good boost when needed.

My ultimate hope for you is that YOU can use these simple switches and include them in your daily routine. I simply started out last November initially with increasing my own mindful awareness of my fruit and vegetable consumption… the first swap and step… slowly adding more swaps over the last 4 months. You too can do this for better health if that’s a goal for yourself and your family in 2026, beginning with one simple swap.

Salad loaded with spinach, red cabbage, broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, simple switch for my cancer healing journey

**Thank you for your continued prayers and please pray for other cancer patients who are walking this journey that you may not be aware of.**

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February Photos

February 27, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

February… the shortest month of the year, and this year in 2024, Leap Year! February acts as a bridge month between the end of the winter season to the coming of Spring and time change.

I hope that your month of February was filled with sunshine, joy, love, and kindness. Onward to March and Spring! Here’s a few of my February favorites from 2024.

Favorite February Photo Captures

**Blue Skies**… dotted our path along the Greenway, the water was remarkably still in several places along our path.

**Trailing Behind**… Contrails marked the morning skies February 5th

**Between Two Trees** … Sunrise February 8th

**Touchdown!** Clouds reaching down towards the mountains on a rainy February Monday

**A New Beginning**… Fantastic Friday morning sunrise in February!

**Sunday Reset…**The weekend offers a chance to recharge, refresh and reset your energy levels. This Sunday evening sunset didn’t disappoint. I’m definitely enjoying the later sunset times… Spring will be coming soon!

**Pushing Up…** I almost walked right over this blooming beauty! This tiny little flower has found its space inside the concrete sidewalk.

**Blue Skies…** Late February has brought warmer temperatures in the afternoon and bright blue skies.

**Cat Walk …** as we walk on the Greenway we often spot the feral cats 🐈‍⬛. Here’s one enjoying the morning sunshine after trees have been cut down along the border of the Greenway near Smoot Park.

**Simply “Purrfect”** … this kitty found the perfect place to enjoy a bit of morning sunshine

Creating in February

**Making bread…** tackling another challenge and it was fun, and tasty!

**Glazing Success!!!** I created/made this acorn last fall. It was one of the first pieces that I made on my own at home. I had lots of help with the finishing touches from Kim Reid. After much discussion it went into the kiln for last firing in February. Thanks Kim!

**Bunny Building**… learning to create something new with one of my besties!

The Hardware Store… Favorite Photos from February

**All Keyed Up**… Key Contest fun inside Wilkes County Hardware this month… 353 keys inside the jar and yes, I counted them 🤪

Finding flowers inside the hardware store!

End cap switch out… right side was winter set

End cap switch out… getting ready for spring

Spring Refresh continues by adding a touch of green to the front.

I love this one with the bunny on top! What a great way to welcome Spring into your home!

Meanwhile back at the ranch…

My dishwasher died this month and hand washing the dishes has become a daily task until a replacement is found… here’s a few thoughts on the blog about hand washing dishes in case you missed it this monthhttps://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/02/12/all-washed-uphand-washing-dishes-a-chore-or-a-pleasant-dish-traction/

New dishwasher ordered and installed by my boys February 25th.

I make up the bed everyday and these two enjoy putting the pillows and blankets where they want them 🙄. It’s a “ruff 🐶 life.”

Framing up a few favorite photos this February

Bingo! Well, not this time, but we had fun playing with friends!

I’ve been reading and researching about the 5 pockets of Centenarians found across the globe… called the Blue Zones. Each of these groups share similar characteristics that have increased their longevity. Netflix also has a documentary on the subject. Fascinating topic!!!

Find the link to my last blog post which ties in nicely with the subject of Longevity and Heart Health… https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/02/19/the-heart-of-the-matter/

Spending time back on the regular big three networks as some of our favorite shows are back on air!!! Yah!!!
Streaming in February… Apple TV Masters of Air, Netflix Sweet Magnolias, The Pacific, Living to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, Super Bowl Sunday and much more!

I have spotted the first blooms on one of my overgrown Forsythia… spring beckons as we approach March. Bring it on Spring!!!

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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