A positive thread about what we CAN do. Join?

[LucilleL]

Okay, here goes....

I know lockdown is tough for lots of people but at the same time I think we should all try to not get too down and try to see what we can do, not what we can't.

I'll go first

This year I've written a book, which I've been trying to do for 10 years, and am looking at agents now.

I've networked online with other writers and made friends, albeit virtual.

I've increased my exercise and feel fitter.

I've read more than ever- averaging a book a week, again with an online group to give support and ideas.

You?

I’m going to up my exercise, as I’ve put the Xmas and last lockdown pounds on.
Then I’m going to get decorating and clear out the loft.

I'm still here , still getting up in the morning. Think that's pretty good going

I'm obese and thinking I've had all last year to do something about it. I need to do it now! Exercise every day, limit sugar and calories and see what happens. Really like the idea of reading a book a week.

My friend lost 5 stone (!) just from walking 4 miles a day since the start of the first lockdown.

@notevenat20

My friend lost 5 stone (!) just from walking 4 miles a day since the start of the first lockdown.

That's bloody brilliant! Well done her!

@Sadsammy

I'm obese and thinking I've had all last year to do something about it. I need to do it now! Exercise every day, limit sugar and calories and see what happens. Really like the idea of reading a book a week.

Go for it! You can do it. Come back and tell us how you do each day?

My reading has 'saved' me! I'm in a book club locally but we have had to go to Zoom cos of lockdown so I'm reading a book a month with them and it's got me looking into recommendations from other people who are /were in book clubs, some of my friends are authors with new books coming out, so I'm really loving tucking myself away and reading stuff.

I'm in awe of you writing a book! What's it about?

Great idea! I have also been reading more but it has slipped again recently in favour of mumsnet browsing. Now we know where we are for the next couple of months, it is easier to settle down into it, less uncertainty (for us anyway).

I have also written a book and it will be published next year. I can;t say what it is about, because that may out me, but it is non-fiction. I am very proud of myself for doing this.
I have also lost nearly 10 kg this year because of all the walking.
I read a book a week anyway; and am part of several online clubs.
In 2021, I plan to lose more weight and explore my neighbourhood, and start an Instagram account on a subject to do with my book.

I am aware all this makes me sound terribly smug, but I need to pay myself on the back to keep me going in lockdown.

Pat. Not pay.

I did a lot of Joe Wicks the first lockdown, then fell off the wagon a bit but am planning to start that again when he kicks off again next week.

I have a second job now which is good as it is stable and bringing in more money, although it will mean this lockdown is trickier as I will have to try and balance WFH with homeschooling 2 kids, 1 with ASD...

My DP and I have made a pledge to buy more environmentally friendly stuff and reduce meat so that feels good.

And I'm planning to do a 30 day challenge each month which I'm documenting on Instagram. January is a photo a day. Not sure what the rest of the year will be but it will be something to plan for and do and this month has been fun so far.

@Blondiney

I'm in awe of you writing a book! What's it about?

50-ish sassy woman juggling care of elderly mum, work, men and difficult choices :)

@Frequentflier

I have also written a book and it will be published next year. I can;t say what it is about, because that may out me, but it is non-fiction. I am very proud of myself for doing this. I have also lost nearly 10 kg this year because of all the walking. I read a book a week anyway; and am part of several online clubs. In 2021, I plan to lose more weight and explore my neighbourhood, and start an Instagram account on a subject to do with my book.

I am aware all this makes me sound terribly smug, but I need to pay myself on the back to keep me going in lockdown.

That's fantastic!

All great.

Good luck with your book sales.

@testingtesting321

I did a lot of Joe Wicks the first lockdown, then fell off the wagon a bit but am planning to start that again when he kicks off again next week.

I have a second job now which is good as it is stable and bringing in more money, although it will mean this lockdown is trickier as I will have to try and balance WFH with homeschooling 2 kids, 1 with ASD...

My DP and I have made a pledge to buy more environmentally friendly stuff and reduce meat so that feels good.

And I'm planning to do a 30 day challenge each month which I'm documenting on Instagram. January is a photo a day. Not sure what the rest of the year will be but it will be something to plan for and do and this month has been fun so far.

All sounds great. I've bought a J Wicks book not so much for weight loss but just for some new recipes.

Not popping into the supermarket so often means I've had to be more inventive with what we have in the cupboards and freezer.

@Birthdayhat

Great idea! I have also been reading more but it has slipped again recently in favour of mumsnet browsing. Now we know where we are for the next couple of months, it is easier to settle down into it, less uncertainty (for us anyway).

It really works for me.

@LucilleL have you got any good book recommendations of ones you have enjoyed recently?

I read my thread back and I sound so annoying. I just wanted to add that my kids are 16 and over, so no homeschooling needed. They are worried about exams and uni, but are at least self-sufficient. I don't have severe money worries ( though I have some other pressing worries) and I am not a single parent. My job is not terribly stressful and is very part time.

Any single parents and those with small children and money worries, you have my utmost sympathy.

I'm going to finish writing the book I started years ago. All you authors have inspired me! I used to write for a living and would love to get back to that.

I will also get stuck in with my guitar playing, and if I've made sufficient progress by December I'll ask DH for my dream guitar for Christmas. That should motivate me!

I love all the book writing going on here! I'd love to write a book, and in fact one of the 30 day challenges is to write a book in 30 days! Think I'd have to choose a very quiet month for that!

[quote testingtesting321]@LucilleL have you got any good book recommendations of ones you have enjoyed recently?[/quote]
Maggie O'Farrell The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
Anne Tyler Redhead at the side of the Road
Anne Tyler Clockdance
Susan Hill From the Heart
Susan Allott The Silence
Nella Last's War (Diary of a housewife in WW2 - real parallels with Covid!)
E M Delafield Diary of Provincial Lady (classic but good.)
Anne Youngson Meet me at the Museum

@Frequentflier

I read my thread back and I sound so annoying. I just wanted to add that my kids are 16 and over, so no homeschooling needed. They are worried about exams and uni, but are at least self-sufficient. I don't have severe money worries ( though I have some other pressing worries) and I am not a single parent. My job is not terribly stressful and is very part time.

Any single parents and those with small children and money worries, you have my utmost sympathy.

No, you don't!

Everyone has some challenges at the moment but all different ones.

I've written 4 rhyming picture books for children.

Probably should start looking for agents really!

I'm also going to go for a walk every day and not just round the block!

Thanks for the positive post OP. I needed it today

That's fantastic @Iremembertheelderlykoreanlady. Go for it!

Let's see if we can keep this thread going and not disappear off the page.

I know lockdown is rubbish and I've not seen my kids or elderly Mum for months as they are too far away for a doorstep 'hello' BUT I know whinging will just make me unhappy and achieve nothing.

Keep your ideas coming.

I'm starting an exercise programme, I really need to lose some weight. I'm doing Team Body Project they have a two week starter programme then will take it from there. Also lots of long energetic dog walks.

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