Ozlilly's musings...

That was my by-line on my signature a few years ago.
Today I finally wanted to post some photos to FB from this beautiful area of Austria where I am privileged to spend three weeks taking care of my health.Despite initial complaints about the reduced massages offered, I am extremely grateful for this time to transition from full time work to my next life phase.
It’s a process of change which is challenging. Despite my determination to live in the present and be mindful, I keep racing ahead to wonder how will I be able to implement what I’m learning here into my day-to-day life?
I can use the home trainer every day. No more excuse that I’m too tired after work. I can go to the Vienna pools. I already have the annual membership card. Despite being told (by the physiotherapist) that I should not swim due to risk of dislocating my knee, I am in the pool, almost daily enjoying the salt water and walking the length of the pool forwards, backwards, sideways and back again, as suggested by the physiotherapist. I can’t say that I keep his advice not to swim.
There is a salt water inhalation set-up in the park.
There are beautiful walks all around the St Josef Hotel Health Resort.
The first week my legs were so sore and heavy. Whether the daily treks up and down the stairs or the red vine leaf Antistax tablets that I began taking made the difference, I’m not sure. I just know that I do indeed feel better and eventually managed to get out of the hotel after a week of admiring the view from the windows and balconies. Note to FOMO sufferers. I was here a whole week before I even went outside!
I was satisfied just knowing that I am in a great place. I did not need to compete with my young colleague at the dinner table who went up to the mountains and took beautiful photos there. It’s my way of dealing with FOMO. You don’t have to be everywhere. You don’t have to eat everything.
This whole Austrian Kur system has undergone a radical change. The whole focus now is on self-motivation. It is interesting to see that for many people the meals are the biggest challenge. The breakfast is a buffet. At lunch and dinner there is an option to serve yourself soup, bread, salad and yoghurt. The lunch and dinner meals are selected the day before from Austrian traditional, vegetarian and fit and vital. It is impossible to reduce weight if you partake of all that is offered. Some evenings there is also a cheese platter. Some people feel compelled to pile their plates high with as much as they can take.
I complained to the dietician during my personal session with her. She let me know that I can ask to leave out the potatoes or noodles or rice and I can also request more vegetables. She said that she would not offer dessert at the evening meal. The meals are planned by the hotel chain and a standard programme is offered at all their resorts.
It was even a challenge for me to accept my own responsibility, to overcome the victim mentality.
Half time is over. Let’s keep up the good work.