A reason to smile

I've got to admit, not feeling particularly chipper lately. Life has been a little, well, colourful these past few months. We've had a pay cut; an extra adult move into a home that was already too small; spare spaces, such as my walk in robe and the kitchen table be turned into mini offices/ study spaces. We've had neighbour complaints about our cars; a prowler that persisted for a few weeks, breaking some property, but nothing police could do. We've had snappy, moody young adults and grown ups; busy schedules; toddler tantrums; viruses; tight uni deadlines; a car to register; unexpected bills. 

We've had to all walk around and leap over power tools and wood as hubby desperately tried to complete a sculpture project without a work space. This blocked the washing machine. When I could wash, it had to be covered with a sheet to prevent sawdust coating it. So much saw dust! Despite much cleaning, it still lingers.

We have a new development going on directly behind us. Five days a week from 7am- 5pm, a shorter day Saturday,  for 6 months, we can expect loud , heavy machinery, foul smells from the swamp ground being dug up and a home that shakes. 

Today, my sweet toddler is extra whingy as she has a tummy bug. 

And, of course, I'm still going through my own hormonal changes and challenges.

All of this makes finding a reason to smile difficult. However, I'm too stubborn to let this current season beat me!

Positives are many! Despite the craziness, I love having my big girls home with me. And I'm very aware, it isn't forever. My eldest has plans to move in the coming months, and with my youngest turning 21 in a matter of weeks, I know the call to independence will lead her off on new adventures all too soon.

So, I'm enjoying the now while I can.

A pay cut is rarely ideal, especially on an already low income. However, it does makes us more determined to give our all to study, God's house and the community gardens. We don't need more stuff anyway. Being a blessing for people, and really, future generations, is what makes a life rich. 

A recent trip to the doctor left me feeling overjoyed. Results came back, and I was thrilled to discover that my cholesterol is the best it has been in years. While I am still going through perimenopause, I'm not yet at the stage where I need to be concerned with my heart or bones, as my estrogen isn't that low yet. I am aware my moods are still a bit erratic at times, but compared to where I was a month ago, I'm miles ahead. I sleep better, eat better, have lost 2 kilo's, am active, and even though I still have dizzy spells and fatigue filled, headachy days, I'm feeling more in control than before. Better days ahead! 

I have a reason to smile.

Today, I will share my favourite smoothy recipe. This smoothy makes me smile, is simple to make and packed with antioxidant goodness, protein and fibre. What I also love about this, other than it's amazing colour and taste, is that it's cheap to make. Beetroot is now a super food, with expensive powders sold to promote healthy eating. Do yourself a favour- buy the real thing! They are quite cheap and easy to prepare. And for the diva's out there (me at times!), just wear gloves when cutting them up :)

Beetroot & Berry Smoothy Serves 1.

ingredients:

1/4 large or 1/2 small beetroot, skin on, chopped roughly

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries

1 heaped tbsp plain yoghurt

1 heaped tsp cinnamon

1 scoop plain, low carb protein powder

1 tsp pysllium husks

1 tsp chia seeds

water

Place all ingredients into a blender or magic bullet.

Blitz until smooth.

Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of www.blenderbabes.com

To all of you out there going through a challenging season, day, week, month, whatever, I hope and pray that you too can find a reason to smile :)

Thanks for reading. Until next time :)