Dawn’s first thoughts on applying Purrrrrfect Foundations

Nourish

I don’t smoke or drink – I never have because I just don’t like it. And I spent about 50 years watching my weight and what I ate – but then I had my stroke; it happened so quickly and without any warning – so I decided from that moment that I’m not going to worry about that sort of thing any more. So now I eat what I like when I like. Yes, I do eat the wrong things at the wrong time – and, yes, I know I shouldn’t eat a lot of what I do and, yes, I know what I should do – but I don’t.

I see all these fit sports people drop dead and go just like that; when your number’s up your number’s up – and that’s it.

Move

I used to go to the gym when I was younger and keep fit – I’ve done it all; but when life changes it can change dramatically.

Yes, I’m registered disabled now, but I’m always up and down and on the go – and I always have been. Even though I have carers to help me, it doesn’t stop me doing the things that they don’t. I had my bed out the other day to hoover behind it – I was shattered afterwards, but I was determined. I just don’t seem to be able to sit still.

When I was young and working I’d be on the go from 7am in the morning until 10pm at night always, washing, cleaning, ironing and the rest – I just never sat down. I’ve always liked to be one step ahead to save time. Even now I put everything ready to take my dog out first thing – still always one step ahead. Now I’ve got my little dog to live for and she always has to go out rain or shine.

Relax

In terms of sociability, I’ve not got much confidence – so there’s lots of situations that I just can’t do. I’m OK one to one, but not with lots of people; I’m just not good at conversation. When I was working I seemed to have plenty of confidence, but now it’s different – I never know what to say plus my hearing is not so good which makes it difficult.
I’ve always had friends – good friends, but now many have passed away which I can’t believe as many of them were younger than me. It’s difficult with new people; with old friends you know what to say, but although new people tell you everything, you can’t really trust them which makes me sad – so I tend to keep my own counsel these days. Because I think most people talk too much and then they talk about each other – it doesn’t work and then they fall out. What you see is what you get with me.

I think especially as you get older there are many situations today that isolate people. Look at computers and the banking situation, for example. If more banks close what are we to do? I’m not going to bank on my computer, I just don’t trust it. Although I have a computer and can do quite a lot on it – I still need help. Many people around here don’t even have computers. I think everyone should learn. A computer person should come here and teach us – like school. The government thinks everyone’s got children to help, but they haven’t. Sometimes I ask my carers but they just haven’t got enough time. My computer man comes here to fix my computer, takes his money and goes so I never learn.

I suppose, if I’m honest about it, I always feel a bit anxious. I think my lack of confidence goes back to my childhood because my father never had anything good to say about me. And I think the partners I have had during my lifetime probably had the same traits. Years ago when I went to the doctor and told them my tummy was always turning around they said they didn’t know, had never heard of such a thing and wouldn’t listen – but at least, these days, they’re more open about this sort of thing which is good.

Rest

Well, it hasn’t been easy for a long time – as long as I’ve been trying to manage the pain in my legs.
I go to my bed at about 6pm to watch TV and I always take something to eat with me there (which I know I shouldn’t) – but I feel more relaxed in my bed. I always turn out my light between 9.30 and 10.30pm. When I was young and working I’d be on the go from 7am to 10pm and never sat down much so I was always tired; like I said earlier I like to stay one step ahead trying to save time.

I’ve stopped taking so many tablets now and seem to be sleeping a bit better at the moment. But the trouble is when I lie down everything comes to mind and goes round and round in my head. I’ve got this pen and paper next to me so I can write down things to do. Sometimes I even get up to do these things in the middle of the night.