So, I finally remembered to join in this time: 12 of 12 is about posting 12 photos from an ordinary day (the 12th of the month). For the last three months I meant to do it and every time I either forgot or thought of it too late. And the English version as you can see by the publication date is trailing two weeks behind. Oh well…it’s the summer.
My day began with a cup of black coffee of course without a photo, since my phone reminder hadn’t popped up yet. Normally I prefer my coffee with milk, but I’m fasting for a few days right now. I had planned three days, finishing this evening, but since I kicked things off with a pizza party (not exactly ideal), it might end up being three and a half. That’s why, just for today, there won’t be any food pictures.
The first photo shows my garden, which was in need of a little water before the forecast three-day heatwave.
Next, I checked on the ripeness of the cornelian cherries (for jam) and the elderberries (for juice). Both still need a little more time.
Then it was time for my morning walk on my usual loop. I can set off straight from home, and I’m always grateful to have nature so close by. On the third day of fasting, the hill definitely felt more like a mountain. My body always needs a bit of warm-up time when I’m fasting, but once it adjusts, moving actually feels good.
I debated for a while whether a walk was really on the cards today (not because of energy, but because I have so much to catch up on after two weeks of vacation) or if I should just head straight to my desk. But honestly, my best ideas and problem-solving moments come to me outside. And that’s exactly what happened today.
I walked past the blackberries with a hint of wistfulness. And there really were a lot of them. Maybe you only notice just how many when you’re fasting.
I walked this stretch barefoot. It just feels so nice to touch the ground directly. My husband calls me a barefoot fanatic… whatever.
And then there was a little dance break, simply because the morning was so beautiful.
The marsh horsetail was in full glory, so of course I had to take a photo.
After that, I washed my feet, put my shoes back on, and walked home with the sense that I’d made exactly the right choice. I felt grateful for all the impressions, for my body moving with joy, for the sun and the blue sky. A deep sense of happiness.
Back home I was, of course, a little hungry, so I made myself a tea with lemon, rosemary, and mint from the garden.
Next came my daily Duolingo session. I know, it’s not the most effective way to learn a language, but it keeps me going. After that I worked on planning my yoga class for the next day (only the second one I’ve ever taught, so it takes me a bit longer).
I jot down every little detail. Being prepared just puts me at ease
Dinner, of course, didn’t happen – just a salty peppermint tea (yes, it really does taste good!) and a few other electrolytes. I decided to push the refeed to the next morning and took another round of measurements: I check my blood sugar (and ketones) three times a day while fasting, just to have one more puzzle piece. I’m curious to see how my body reacts to movement, rest, or the time of day. Yes, it was about time to eat again, but apart from some tiredness I felt fine.
Looking back, it was exactly right to break the fast the next morning. My body was ready, and so was I. That first meal tasted incredible, and ever since I’ve felt light, clear, and content. This 12th will stay with me as a day when fasting, movement, nature, and small joys all flowed together so naturally.
PS: I’ll share the why behind my fasting story soon—complete with numbers, charts, and a few surprising insights in a separate post.