So the clocked chimed at midnight and we hurled ourselves into another year full of promise and changes.
Yeah nah.
After the last few years…2020 – the year of meeting COVID19 let’s not talk about that one.
2021 it’s going to be different…nope.
2022 – what the hell next?
So we enter 2022 with some trepidation and hopefulness that we are on track to run a little smoother. So far, two weeks in, not looking so predictable.
Running your own business is always risky, the bigger the investment, the bigger the risk. Running a business in the Pilbara always has risk. Market dips low then rides to exhilarating highs, cost of doing business is high, when it falls, it thuds to the ground and when it roars, well – hang onto your hat.
The past 5 years for me being a photographer and videographer in the Pilbara has been a roller coaster of epic proportions.
From personal challenges, incredibly busy days of up to 16 hours a day, driving thousands of kilometres to services clients and then COVID19 forded a break of about three months where I put Pilbara Site Pics to sleep and let her rest for a while.
That in itself was scary. But the PIlbara sprung into life pretty quickly and we were back and running as if we had just gotten a flat tyre, changed it out, and started the journey again.
Living in the Pilbara is lucky, incredibly lucky, to be in the PIlbara, to love being a photographer, to love my town of Karratha and to immerse myself in the community and loves its people, most of whom I call my friends.
Blessed in fact.
In the rush of the last 5 years one thing i have NOT done is …look after me.
Oh yes, every New Year I say this is it. But then work happens and before I know it, we are heading to December and rushing to send off Christmas greetings and make sure I have said thank you to all the right people.
But what about me?
I have not made a mention in the diary…chock full of appointments, photography, videography, travel to towns across the Pilbara – Newmam, Onlsow, Exmouth, Port Hedland, Meekatharra..the list goes on.
My diary ifs full and I am very proud of that. But there is not one entry that services the person driving the business and looking after her clients. Not one.
Not one entry that says “Sasha’s Yoga Class tonight 6pm” not one that says “Pool fun with Mallory” not even a “Hair appointment with Nyssa”
Just work – work – work.
But 2022 I am here to tell you IS different.
This is not about preaching health or advice, this is my personal journey and trying to find what will fit with me and my soon to be less frantic lifestyle.
My 2022 diary started with a phone call to my long time health trainer – sadly I turn to him when I am at my lowest.
I first turned to him when my Dad died. I was at my lowest mentally but his encouragement made sure my physical self was running on all cylinders and I was able to cope mentally with the heartbreak i found so very difficult to deal with.
I was at my physical best ever in my life and I believe that condition helped me cope with the mental challenge of losing my Dad.
Put yourself first
He was brutal and salient in our phone session – if you do not put yourself first, you will pay the ultimate price. It is up to you now.
The called ended with me l feeling somewhat disappointed in myself.
A physically fit person all my life, sport, gym, active. Now work focused and not so healthy. Long work hours in the field and even more at the editing suite long into the night and often for days on end. Sitting.
Eating on the run, lunch bars, road houses, coffee and biscuits at my desk, sitting for far too long to get a video done by a deadline or pictures uploaded to meet a client’s needs.
He asked me to do a couple of things. Let’s change the diet, let’s make time for you, lets do a list every day and rate yourself at the end of the day personally, professionally and healthwise.
Keep an accountability diary – every day be accountable and know that you are not going to wake up and have a perfect day every day.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Stop making excuses.
So yes, I work long hours, but I can take an hour out each day for my health.
Yes I drive long distances, but I can ensure the nutrition I pack is healthy and not going to make me sick. Yes I can take breaks to recharge and refresh my brain and my gut. These things must work together.
So I did take stock. I actually felt something snap. The awakening perhaps, the reality shock.
My future flashed before my eyes, not able to buy a dress off the rack in two year’s time or worse still, being sick – all the time?
Well maybe I went a bit overboard – I am a creative mind – but it was still very sobering. All the what if’s if i stayed on this self chosen path – that’s right, chosen. I have a choice. We all have a choice.
The pantry was cleansed of sugary, fatty, addictive, preservative filled “stuff” – it was everywhere.
The fridge was stacked with pure fresh goodness.
Then – went for a relaxing float – err I mean swim.
I processed a gazillion thoughts and beat myself up, cried for the coffee dates I’ve missed with friends and the times I could not be there fro my beautiful kids
I slept.
And today, the clean Scandinavian diet begins and a new, better more balanced version of me ready to take on whatever 2022 throws at me is about to emerge.
12 weeks he said, it will take 12 weeks to undo the habits you have formed over 5 years and get you feeling better but one day at a time, be consistent and you will get there – it is NOT GOING TO BE EASY.
It’s going to be rough, getting off those carbs, stopping the sugar cravings, getting out of bed early to fit in a swim or ride, but the alternative I am heading for, is just not worth considering.
Egg white omelettes after all, were always my favorite, so that bit, is easy
Clean food. One day at a time.
And I miss catching up with friends
So it is not my TO DO list, it is now my TO BE list for 2022.
I choose – Accountability.
A cleaner diet with less “western crap” is underway. Before I do anything else, my next step is a visit to my GP and have a long overdue chat to get my baseline. I have not idea what that looks like and it is very confronting, I am actually a bit scared.
And then each week, check in with Tony.
** before embarking on an lifestyle change it is imperative you see you GP before you engage in any exercise regime for pre-screening**