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Minimal simple exercise to lose the pounds

I am clearly not the person to give advise. I cannot tell you what to do but I'll tell you what I did. Here's a back story. I had birth my children when I was still young. I was skinny and it made me conscious because I don't look like a mother instead I look like an older sister to my children- and it's not flattering. Teachers, Social workers and Doctors doesn't seemed to trust my own children with me because I look like a kid myself. So I piled on weight. At the same time my divorce was finalized and I was free. I was also started on medication. After a few months I had gained 20 kg and I became overweight. I intended for a little weight gain but not being obese. I look at the mirror and I was devastated. Over the years, in my twenties I battled weight gained and depleting confidence. Then the pandemic came. It was during the fasting month of Ramadhan that I started working out after breaking my fast. I lost only two kilos. Then when the lock down was slowly redu...
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Minimalism is black and white, mine is colourful

  Have you seen the men and women donning black t-shirts or white plain tees, pairing them with denim jeans or another boring pants? Have you seen women wearing plain black or navy A-line or midi dresses? They look good and simple, pleasing to the eyes. When I first chance upon minimalism, the simplicity caught my eyes. It was easy for me to dress like that or so I thought. What could go wrong with black, navy or white? I thought well, if I wear black, stains will be invisible. It doesn't fade easily and so it must be value for money. If I wear my clothes loose, it will fit no matter how my weight fluctuates. I started to rid of stained or faded clothes and slowly replacing them with black or navy clothing. One day as I hang my laundry. It was all black. No wonder I've been referred to as the witch in the neighborhood. I never meant it like that. It looks sad actually and dreadful. As the months passed, I rid of more faded clothing but this time replacing them with big colorful...

Chaotic mess too but I found me back

I found me lost, stranded by the road. With no money on me. And nobody that I know. I sat down with my head low. I found me hungry, and nothing to cook at all. My kitchen is complete but food was non. How did I become so poor? Didn't I do a checklist before? I found me helpless, looking like a bum. I'm so shabby and dreadful. I feel sick. The pain is in my skull. I found me walking, aimless again. I need a cure for my heart. I'm yearning for my children again. I know where they are- at their father's house. I found me strength, that's how I began. My children have grown. I need to stop looking for my mini me. They don't need a babysitter. They need their mother. I found me courage, that's how I take a stand. I won't let anyone break my heart. I won't be sad. I won't let anyone mock me anymore. I won't let anyone push me over anymore. I found me meek, that's how I woman up. I need to speak up. I have to say what I need. I know w...

The Gliding Wheelchair

I haven't wheeled a person in a wheelchair a lot. Only if you count grandma but that's the occasional. And grandma's gone to Haven too. The other three times was when mum broke her toe. The pavement was tall with grass but the hole in the earth  was deep enough to get your ankles twisted. Just one foot in and you'll fall. That's how she got hurt and needed the wheelchair. Recently, I took my aunt out to the shopping mall. She needed to be wheeled. Frankly, I was nervous. It's been years since I took anyone out on a wheelchair on my own. But I manage. I had calmed my nerves. I was anxious. My aunt was nice. She wasn't bossy. Her ride was a foldable wheelchair. It could be folded to fit the boot of the cab. The handles are usually why wheelchairs can't fit but this chair has foldable handles too. It's pretty light weight. I supposed it can't carry a heavier person. Probably someone below 80kg? It was an enjoyable experience. I made sure ...

I lost my voice

I lost my voice. I can't say what I truly felt. I hate the curtains. I hated the bed. They're free. Provided for us. But I can't say - I lost my voice. I lost my voice. I hated cooking. I hate making chicken dishes. It's all about what you want to eat. I have no choice - I lost my voice. I want a job. I want my own money. I can't be cooped up at home. I'm desperate to go out. I lost hope - I lost my voice. I love my kids. I love to play with them. I love reading to them. But I'm tired too. Can't grandma help? There's too much to do. Where is daddy? It's just too much - I lost my voice. Why are my friends quiet? We haven't been in touch. Oh, I lost my touch. I don't wear mini skirts anymore. And I don't wear make up. Is that why I'm judge? And you have friends as such? I'm lonely - I lost my voice. ~You are never the same person at each stage of your life. You evolve, like a butterfly...now fly high~ @chirpbirdee Pi...

Comforting the dying

I know this is such a hard time, and it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out how best to show your love and care. But sometimes, it's the simplest things that make the biggest difference. One of the most important things you can do is just be there. Your presence alone is comforting. You don’t have to say much—just sitting quietly with them can bring a lot of peace. Listening is another powerful way to show love. Let them talk about whatever’s on their mind, whether it’s memories, feelings, or even fears. Sometimes, being heard is the greatest gift we can give. Physical connection matters too, if they’re okay with it. Holding their hand or giving a gentle hug can be incredibly soothing. It reminds them they’re not alone in this.  And don’t forget to share memories.  Talking about good times you’ve had together can bring a smile, even in hard moments. It’s a reminder of the love and the life you’ve shared. If you can, try to surround them with personal items t...

Pick yourself up from depression

Fostering positivity and encouraging yourself to do things that make you happy can be a gradual process, but it’s definitely achievable. Here are some steps and activities that can help: 1. Create a Self-Care Routine Building regular habits that nurture your well-being is key. This doesn’t have to be complicated: Morning Routine: Start your day with something uplifting like stretching, listening to calming music, or reading something inspiring. Evening Routine: Wind down with a gratitude practice, writing down three things you're thankful for, or something that went well that day, no matter how small. 2. Celebrate Small Wins Sometimes we overlook the small accomplishments that can build our confidence. Make it a habit to acknowledge the small things you do each day, like completing a task, getting outside, or even making time for yourself. These are all steps forward. Positive Reinforcement: Each time you do something that brings you joy or relaxation, tell yourself, ...

Self talk when you are depressed

I'm really sorry you're feeling this way, but I think it's great that you're seeking ways to lift yourself up. Here's an approach to self-talk that could help: Acknowledge Your Feelings "I know I’m feeling really low right now, and that's okay. It’s normal to have difficult days, and it’s important to honor how I feel." Challenge Negative Thoughts "I’m noticing a lot of negative thoughts swirling around. These thoughts don’t define me. They’re temporary, and I have the power to shift my focus toward something more positive." Remind Yourself of Your Strengths "I’ve been through hard times before and have come out stronger. I have the strength within me to get through this, even if I can’t feel it fully right now." Focus on Small Wins "Today, I can take one small step toward feeling better. Maybe that’s going for a short walk, drinking a glass of water, or taking a deep breath. Each small step is progress." Be Ki...

Setting boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries is essential for maintaining emotional, mental, and physical well-being.  Here are 10 types of boundaries you should consider having with others: Emotional Boundaries: Protect your emotional energy by limiting how much you share or absorb from others. Don’t allow others to guilt or manipulate you into feeling responsible for their emotions. Physical Boundaries: Define your comfort levels regarding physical touch and personal space. You have the right to say no to unwanted physical contact. Time Boundaries: Value your time by setting limits on how much you give to others, whether at work, with friends, or in relationships. It's okay to decline requests if it encroaches on your personal time. Mental Boundaries: Protect your beliefs, thoughts, and opinions. You don’t have to agree with others or be pressured into thinking the way they do. Mental boundaries also include protecting your mental health from toxic conversations or influences. Material...

Streamline your life

I'm getting older. And I'm not my children's primary caregiver or parent. Should I fall sick long term, I still want to remain independent in many ways. I don't want my kids to feel burdened. I know they are reluctant to care for me because I'm an absent parent mostly. I can call for a housekeeper that charge by the hour to clean my house. That's probably going to be once weekly. But necessary daily chores like cooking and laundry needs to be simple and easier. I can depend on the machine for laundry. And I can always use the slow cooker. The only worry I have is not being able to clean myself on my own, or go having to depend on others because of immobility. And living on assistance of others financially and physically is not something I can accept easily. So I am now very picky. I only wear specific type of clothes. It has to be feminine yet evergreen in design, fits my body type, easy to clean, quick to dry and  comfy in the hot weather climate  o...