It seems this time of year, when the rainy season is upon us, we maybe need to do a little something for ourselves when the "blues" hit us (and don't they just?!). It is a difficult time, coming fresh out of surgery, having such adjustments to make, it all seems so overwhelming. So might I suggest, especially for those who are at their wits' end - and who isn't there from time to time - that we take a little time to baby ourselves, treat ourselves a little more special than normal, maybe even SPOIL ourselves, just for a little while?

I like to have a lot of hobbies ready to go; crocheting, cross-stitch kits, calligraphy pens ready to write....something to grab and DO instead of snack. I have TONS (no really, TONS) of books all over the place, ready to read. My pups' toys are right at the doorway, no excuse NOT to play!

I'd like to hear about what people do to get their minds off of snacking, off of falling into a pool of self-pity. What do you do to pump yourself up, to go for that extra mile in your walk, how do you boost your morale so you can keep going with the program? There are so many newbies that are just about to discover just how difficult this whole process is, now that the surgery is over. Let's pool our resources and throw all we can into this list, so people can pull out an idea or two that will inspire them to go on....we all could use a new idea or two! Jump in, people!!!!

Now that the weather is better up north, my dog and I get out for a 5 mile walk almost everyday. This does wonders for the attitude, lots of time for thinking, counting blessings. On the snacking issue, a big deterrent for me is having to write it in my food journal. I am the only one that sees it but I hate having to write down that I ate something stupid.

My go to hobby is knitting.. I also do read a lot. I always have my bottle of flavoured Water by my side too - no excuse to go thirsty.

Well now that the weather is nice I get out in the yard. There's plenty to do in the spring. Turning dirt over and adding compost for flower and vegetables. Pulling weeds. Inventorying rabbit damage over the winter. Planting. Cutting grass. Nature walks.

There are no refrigerators or cabinets outdoors!

Reading a fictional novel and digging in the dirt a bit are two of my go to activities. I LOVE being outside when it's warm enough and being sunny is even better. Also, downloading pics off my camera onto my PC and/or Facebook to share. Since going to the gym a few times a week is part of my regular routine, I don't count it as a go to activity. Also, tracking my food intake each day is somewhat a deterrent to not eating things I shouldn't (most of the time ).

I crochet, garden - i raise chickens - i love my chickens! I like riding my bike - i have one of those adult tricycles - love it!! Did i mention my chickens? Oh and i have grandkids!! Oh the fun i have with those two!! And i love to read...the smuttier the better!!! (heehee)

@@devillynn - I used to have some chickens - loved them girls. Miss them so much - had to put them to another forever home when we moved.

Selena i love my chickens! they free range so tehy will usually come up on the porch with me and get a bite to eat or just sit with me - they really are relaxing.

My dog & I will spend a couple of hours at the dog park during nice weather. She's cooped up every day while I'm at work so this gives her the opportunity to run and play with all her friends and I enjoy meeting all the people and playing with all the interesting dogs I see there. My surgery was during the horrible winter we had in MA so I hated being cooped up during that time.

@@devillynn

A totally chicken conversation! Hey, what do you do with your chickens when you have to go away for a few days? Can they be self-sufficient if in a safe enclosure? I am seriously considering getting some, but we often go away for a few days, and I don't have anyone to care for them for me. Any ideas?

Selena i love my chickens! they free range so tehy will usually come up on the porch with me and get a bite to eat or just sit with me - they really are relaxing.

mine used to do the same, and when I came home from work they would all run up to me - it was so heart warming.

@@CanyonBaby yes! if your chickens are in a predator safe enclosure and have enough feed/water for the days you are gone then - yeah it shouldn't be a problem to leave them on their own for a few days. I live in the country and i have 53 chickens - part of mine free range and part of mine have large enclosures - so when i go anywhere i have to have one of my kids come see about them or something like that - i live on 90 acres in west Texas so making sure my flock is safe is very important - lots of predators around here!

Our daughter just has a neighbor feed and water hers if they become empty.