There are a number of times throughout history that need remembering, this is one of them. Although VE Day didn't end the Second World War, it meant the end of the war in Europe. So many people had died, so many civilians, innocents, members of the armed forces and we have to honour the sacrifice they have made and always remember them. My grandfather was in Africa during the war and never really spoke about the things that happened during that time, preferring to simply say, whenever he was asked, that they were bad times and good men were lost.
So my family and I celebrated VE Day by dong everything we could to remain socially distant and to toast the people who gave their lives so that we could live in a free world. It was a lovely sunny day, with the kids having the pool out whilst my wife and I sat and relaxed and drank a couple of beers (my wife had a G&T) and toasted my grandfather (and hers). I can do this because his friends, and lots of other like them, gave their lives - and I will always remember that, especially whenever I think about the freedoms I have today.
During the day I managed to make sure that I completed almost all my habits, the only one I missed was my 14,000 steps, as I only managed 13,000 ish at the time of writing this. I have had a couple of cakes to celebrate VE Day, and I have done my exercises as I do every weekday morning, and this has helped me to stay within my given calories as I have wracked up extra ones through those exercises.
Sometimes I find it incredibly hard not to simply give in for a day and just 'have a day off', but I don't want to do that. It would be like an alcoholic saying he'd have one more drink for the road and then leave it at that, because it it never happens that way. Once you take the day off you've lost the week because it is incredibly hard to get it back again and cravings come back ten times worse because you've tasted it again and then lethargy starts and, and, and...
I always feel much more energised when I have stuck to my plan throughout the day and exercised a good deal too, the endorphin hit, the feeling after having a shower after exercising is amazing. It's what keep me going as, sometimes, I really just want to stay in bed instead of getting up and doing 30 minutes worth of cardio in the morning. I would much prefer it to be easier: for me to jump out of bed, motivated and ready to do it.That doesn't happen though.
Continuing this takes willpower and motivation and a little bit of luck. You also, I have found, have to be driven to change. It is certainly easier now that I have that desire and determination and drive. I think before, because I was not having a good day and then seeing a new me the next day, I sometimes thought it wasn't worth it. As much as I told myself it was a campaign and not a single battle, I didn't really believe it. But now I do and it is really helping me to keep going; that and talking to myself which I have mentioned in other blogs posts.
Therefore today I am grateful for those who gave their lives so that I could live mine free, so that we could live in a world where people recognise that we are all human beings regardless of their skin colour and sexual orientation or size or disability. I am grateful for the time I had with my cat before she decided that she wanted to go somewhere better; and I am grateful for my family and my friends, whom I miss.
I hope your day has been as full as it can be and that your journey is going well.
Until tomorrow, stay strong and stay safe.
Thanks for reading.
Sean.
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