The Challenge

Moving to a new country is always challenging, Ive done it a few times and I don't think it ever gets easy. This time, however, has been an especially bumpy road for me and I've really had to use my super adaptive skills to try to keep calm. Since coming to New Zealand I have had, what seems to be, never ending issues with my health; I have become more accustomed to the inside of the City Med health center than the insanely blue ocean I can see from any and all vantage points. As a result, the docs told me that for the next month not only can I not workout or do yoga, but I also have to avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and all processed or pre-packaged foods as well as anything that contains preservatives. That being said, I have already for the last 3 weeks (since I started taking medicine) been dutifully avoiding all caffeine (including my beloved green tea) as well as alcohol (to the behest of my partner who makes me jealous each night he has a glass of red wine without me). It really hasn't been that bad, which was kind of surprising (save for the first few days...caffeine withdrawal is the pits!!). As for the other taboo foods the only issue I seem to have is with my beloved cheese (they have the best aged artisinal cheeses here..hello Gouda!) as well as making sure my diet stayed on track. Considering my love for chocolate, this proves a difficult task and I have yet to cut out my lindt. For the most part, eating fresh produce is fairly easy considering the incredible Farmers Markets they have in Auckland as well as the great grocery stores with any and everything you could ask for (Spartacus actors roaming in the aisles included because they film the show here!). However, I am quite upset about the part where I can't exercise or raise my body temperature and that for a month I have to give up running as well as yoga. Herein lays my challenge. For as long as I can remember exercise was the only thing that relieved my high stress levels, yoga was the only thing that I found centered me, opened up my lungs and my spine as well as my mind, and running is something that gives me a sense of accomplishment, endorphins, as well as helps to ensure that I keep wearing the same jean size as the months and years fly by. For the next month I have to re-learn how to achieve all of these feelings without these key things. My stress levels are at an all time high because of moving, being sick, adapting, taking so much medicine, and now I am stressed about not being able to relieve stress the only way I know how. Over the next month I must rely on walking, a proper diet, possible breathing exercises (I'm racking my brain for ideas), as well as find anything I can that will relax me and keep me balanced and back to my zen-like self. I guess this is sort of like a psychological as well as physical experiment for myself. Though not self imposed (I would never voluntarily do this) I really have no choice. The positives of course are that we are now moved in to our new house with a 180 degree view of the South Pacific, Palm trees, and fresh air all around. Another plus is Herne Bay, where we live, which is a great area for walking, seeing nature (including the gorgeous azure ocean), and becoming a very laid back kiwi. Walking, the only form of exercise I can do for now is something my mother has relied on for years as something that relieves stress, prevents weight gain, and helps you to just get outside. Aside from all of this, I do count my blessings. I am lucky to have a partner who supports me fully and has been a huge help as well as friends and family who make days brighter and life sweeter. So, onward I go! Life's not so bad and I guess for the first time I have to try to live it without all the things I relied on to get me through the days before.
In the next few blogs I'll talk about my adventures in cooking, walking, de-stressing, as well as of course, how gorgeous Auckland is and how lovely all the people are who live here! I also recently tried my hand at some Vegan Overnight Oats as well as Quinoa for the first time. I'll be including recipes and photos in my posts as well. Here goes nothin! xJ