Wow! There is something to being outside. I like to imagine I am an outside girl. I love the stars. I love the thought of being adventurous. I love pictures of nature - really wooded secluded areas or sunsets or those beautiful relaxing beach scenes. But I am not a huge fan of the sun (its usually too bright and too hot because its the sun). Bugs are not my friends they tend to freak me out especially ones with wings and birds always have wings so again not so much a fan. And probably the real truth about being outside it naturally encourages to engage with your surroundings - to be active. When you have been heavy most of your life you seek comfort and/or relief. Bring me my chaise dahling I am ready to sit for a spell. It is easy in a home or any place indoors to find comfort from a seat or even a counter to lean on. But outside encourages you to walk from point a to point b, To stand for longer than two minutes, or gulp be even more active with that fresh air and sunshine. However, as I push myself to do more activities I find out I WANT to do more activities.
We started out with dreary days this week - all gloomy gray, foggy and lots and lots of puddles! To have such extremely depressing weather made this area thirst for a spot of sunshine. So when the sunshine showed up we cheered and marched outside to wave hello and shout our thanks! This extreme change in the outside motivated my hubby and me not once but two days in a row to put on our walking shoes, grab the stroller and a leash. Cheers erupted from our house as our son giggled and squealed in delight and our dog well she ran around like a maniac - but a happy maniac.
Then today my son and me headed to a nearby park to enjoy quality time with some friends. Isn't there something so special about a playground that ignites true happiness in our hearts? A place we go to play and its only purpose was to be a structure built to encourage fun. Fantastic! It was so good to chase after my little one crawling under tunnels and cruising on the balance beam. It felt so freeing to not have windows closed nor walls surrounding us. But endless opportunities to climb, crawl, swing, chase, and giggle. The energy we absorbed from the sun and the fresh air and then released with playing. Good stuff!
Maybe this HealthFULL Journey will help me make the transfer from a girl who thinks she likes the outside into a true fan of being outside while active.
May your HealthFULL Journey rejuvenate your soul and your day with some sunshine and fresh air. 'Til we meet again. . .
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The High Dive
Funny for me to be thinking of the High Dive as we are in the dead of winter. But is it really? Our weather has been a mix of transitions of winter to spring and all the sludgy gloom it brings and then a couple of afternoons that are so beautiful you would think it is spring passing into summer. Maybe I am craving sunshine and am anticipating the pool. But the High Dive I have pictured in my thoughts is a very specific diving board located in the heart of East Grand Forks, MN. I grew up there. And every summer most of the kids rode their bikes, walked, or had parents drop them off at this local hot spot. There were two low diving boards (I think? it has been a long time since I have been to that pool) and one High Dive (this I definitely remember). The line for the High Dive was usually made up of older kids (pre-teens and the brink of teenagerdom). It was a place to laugh, to share secrets, gossip, to see and be seen, and the oldest person around was usually a lifeguard maybe in their early twenties.
But I bring up the High Dive because sometimes when I begin to feel vulnerable or on the brink of conquering a fear it feels like attempting the High Dive. Sometimes with a bit of confidence, coaxing from friends, and a joy of showing off I would climb that high ladder. At the time I would guess twenty four feet in the air. Maybe in reality ten - twelve feet? But with sheer determination I would pull myself up step by step until my feet were on the platform and bravely stride to the end and jump. Just jump. But there were moments if I paused to think I am at the edge of the board. This makes me nervous. And looking down into that abyss of sparkling blue water of a whole twelve feet I would scamper back to the safety of the railings where the diving board is anchored to the ladder. And sometimes swallow my pride, stick my tail between my legs and scurry down the steps. Face growing red with shame while choking on the fear of being so close to excitement, growth, unknown opportunity and only seeing the possibilities of pain, drowning, and criticism. Oh and there would be catcalls, hollers, and snickers. But thankfully, because of the adrenaline of fear mostly one hears only their racing heartbeat as we walk the walk of shame right past the crowd.
Its scary and a hassle to be on the brink of stretching our boundaries; Redefining ourselves by realizing we aren't who we've always been. There is such a comfort to those railings and even more comfort looking up at the ladder as a goal. But the fun happens when we leave the board and dive into water, letting go of fears, letting go of boundaries, and truly living in the moment. There is an honesty to the vulnerability. Oh sure I jumped the high dive many times before fear seized me I was ignorant. I knew pain was possible after a particularly embarrassing and PAINFUL belly flop. You know the kind with a huge splash after a thunderous slapping sound as the skin hits the water. Did you wince a little at the description? Because yeah it hurt. But back to allowing ourselves to be vulnerable - no shell of bravado, no cocky repertoire, but just a desire to improve, to grow and shown with deliberate actions. This HealthFULL (Fully Understanding Life by Living) Journey has brought so many blessings into my life. But sometimes the work is not fun, doesn't feel rewarding enough, and I so want to retreat back to the safety of the railings where life feels a little more secure. That my surroundings are more to my comfort. But it is that moment of purposefully stepping toward the edge of the high dive and the board starts to dip towards the pool when excitement travels through the nerves and the heart pumps in anticipation of the next moment. The moment we have built up in our minds as we climbed those ladder steps, the thought of success dangling in our vision when letting go of the safety of the railing, and is now within our grasp as we look down at our toes lined up with the edge of the board. So many options now are at our disposal: Do we retreat? Do we plummet awkwardly into a belly flop? Do we muster our all of our strength and begin to bounce as hard as we can for the jump of a lifetime? Do we turn around and get fancy with a backwards flip? So many options once we let ourselves be vulnerable and let go of all the daily trappings we fell prey.
Step up to the edge and let's dive into greatness together.
May your HealthFULL Journey give you a ladder to climb, a railing to cling, and a board to clear. 'Til we meet again. . .
But I bring up the High Dive because sometimes when I begin to feel vulnerable or on the brink of conquering a fear it feels like attempting the High Dive. Sometimes with a bit of confidence, coaxing from friends, and a joy of showing off I would climb that high ladder. At the time I would guess twenty four feet in the air. Maybe in reality ten - twelve feet? But with sheer determination I would pull myself up step by step until my feet were on the platform and bravely stride to the end and jump. Just jump. But there were moments if I paused to think I am at the edge of the board. This makes me nervous. And looking down into that abyss of sparkling blue water of a whole twelve feet I would scamper back to the safety of the railings where the diving board is anchored to the ladder. And sometimes swallow my pride, stick my tail between my legs and scurry down the steps. Face growing red with shame while choking on the fear of being so close to excitement, growth, unknown opportunity and only seeing the possibilities of pain, drowning, and criticism. Oh and there would be catcalls, hollers, and snickers. But thankfully, because of the adrenaline of fear mostly one hears only their racing heartbeat as we walk the walk of shame right past the crowd.
Its scary and a hassle to be on the brink of stretching our boundaries; Redefining ourselves by realizing we aren't who we've always been. There is such a comfort to those railings and even more comfort looking up at the ladder as a goal. But the fun happens when we leave the board and dive into water, letting go of fears, letting go of boundaries, and truly living in the moment. There is an honesty to the vulnerability. Oh sure I jumped the high dive many times before fear seized me I was ignorant. I knew pain was possible after a particularly embarrassing and PAINFUL belly flop. You know the kind with a huge splash after a thunderous slapping sound as the skin hits the water. Did you wince a little at the description? Because yeah it hurt. But back to allowing ourselves to be vulnerable - no shell of bravado, no cocky repertoire, but just a desire to improve, to grow and shown with deliberate actions. This HealthFULL (Fully Understanding Life by Living) Journey has brought so many blessings into my life. But sometimes the work is not fun, doesn't feel rewarding enough, and I so want to retreat back to the safety of the railings where life feels a little more secure. That my surroundings are more to my comfort. But it is that moment of purposefully stepping toward the edge of the high dive and the board starts to dip towards the pool when excitement travels through the nerves and the heart pumps in anticipation of the next moment. The moment we have built up in our minds as we climbed those ladder steps, the thought of success dangling in our vision when letting go of the safety of the railing, and is now within our grasp as we look down at our toes lined up with the edge of the board. So many options now are at our disposal: Do we retreat? Do we plummet awkwardly into a belly flop? Do we muster our all of our strength and begin to bounce as hard as we can for the jump of a lifetime? Do we turn around and get fancy with a backwards flip? So many options once we let ourselves be vulnerable and let go of all the daily trappings we fell prey.
Step up to the edge and let's dive into greatness together.
May your HealthFULL Journey give you a ladder to climb, a railing to cling, and a board to clear. 'Til we meet again. . .
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Kazoo? Kabuki? KABOCHA!
Is this post about fun words - absolutely but it is also that time of the week where my family tried our new produce for the week. Drumroll.....Kabocha squash. Now those who read this blog know I am a huge fan of winter squashes and love when we try a new type. The Kabocha squash did not disappoint. I have read in a couple of articles that winter squashes have several redeeming qualities for diabetics. (Usually lower in calories, high in fiber, and certain compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels). What a produce that I enjoy the taste and is good for me - YAY! Also another quality I love about winter squash is that you can pick it up when shopping and not cook it right away. Most varieties store really well for quite a while. But if the product is not in the best shape to begin with you will see squishy spots and mold. (Been there, done that!)
So the Kabocha squash looks a lot like a butter cup squash. Think mini green pumpkin. Which is a common reference for the Kabocha squash is Japanese pumpkin. When you cut into the squash which is fairly easy with a good chef's knife (but all squash is easy to cut into compared to my arch nemesis the turban squash!) The inside was a gold/orange color - almost greasy to the touch or more appetizing description a dry wet sensation. Like it was moist but has begun to dry. It is a sweet squash and according to several websites sweeter than butternut squash. Which means unless you have an overt sweet tooth you will want to balance the sweetness with another taste - spicy or sour.
Well we chose to roast our squash. Which if you are looking for an easy way to add/cook more producefor your household. Turn the oven to 400, add a couple of spices, throw produce on cookie sheet or roasting pan, and check every 10 - 20 minutes. You will have no excuse why you are not eating a wider variety of vegetables. (We enjoy brussel sprouts and this approach is the best way to prepare them. Cut them in half (this helps crisp the outside but an almost puree quality inside).Throw them in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Magnificent. Great replacement for french fries. So easy too!) So back to the squash. That's right we roasted. And the Kabocha squash is on the smaller side usually with a thin and edible peel (when roasted). So my hubby just cut the squash in half, removed the seeds, and then cut the squash into wedges/slices leaving the peel on. This takes maybe five minutes. We chose to go the spicy route and used the following recipe: http://www.justhungry.com/sweet-and-spicy-roasted-kabocha-squash . The oil is truly a drizzle and the spice mixture we used for two small squash (so that we can have yummy leftovers) was more than plenty and you can use less than the 3 tbsps of sugar recommended.
This recipe with the spice really brought out the sweet tones of the squash and that little bit of kick keeps the squash from being too dessert - like. But plenty sweet to satisfy those cravings. I enjoyed eating a couple piece like artichoke leaves where you take the slice and hold the peel while scraping the flesh with your teeth. (My hubby cut small wedges - if you only cut the squash into six or eight pieces you probably won't want to try this technique). Also ate a slice with the peel as it is edible and packed with fiber.
Don't be afraid to play with your food. We all need to eat for fuel. But it helps when the food tastes good, is fun to prepare, and good for our bodies. So be adventurous, learn your quirks. Some of us have texture issues, some of us like to challenge our visual cues and eat the rainbow, some of us favor spicy foods. Learn your wants by experimenting and testing your boundaries.
May your HealthFULL Journey be a mirror to yourself and the world about who you are and who you want to be - may they meet soon. 'Til we meet again. . .
So the Kabocha squash looks a lot like a butter cup squash. Think mini green pumpkin. Which is a common reference for the Kabocha squash is Japanese pumpkin. When you cut into the squash which is fairly easy with a good chef's knife (but all squash is easy to cut into compared to my arch nemesis the turban squash!) The inside was a gold/orange color - almost greasy to the touch or more appetizing description a dry wet sensation. Like it was moist but has begun to dry. It is a sweet squash and according to several websites sweeter than butternut squash. Which means unless you have an overt sweet tooth you will want to balance the sweetness with another taste - spicy or sour.
Well we chose to roast our squash. Which if you are looking for an easy way to add/cook more producefor your household. Turn the oven to 400, add a couple of spices, throw produce on cookie sheet or roasting pan, and check every 10 - 20 minutes. You will have no excuse why you are not eating a wider variety of vegetables. (We enjoy brussel sprouts and this approach is the best way to prepare them. Cut them in half (this helps crisp the outside but an almost puree quality inside).Throw them in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Magnificent. Great replacement for french fries. So easy too!) So back to the squash. That's right we roasted. And the Kabocha squash is on the smaller side usually with a thin and edible peel (when roasted). So my hubby just cut the squash in half, removed the seeds, and then cut the squash into wedges/slices leaving the peel on. This takes maybe five minutes. We chose to go the spicy route and used the following recipe: http://www.justhungry.com/sweet-and-spicy-roasted-kabocha-squash . The oil is truly a drizzle and the spice mixture we used for two small squash (so that we can have yummy leftovers) was more than plenty and you can use less than the 3 tbsps of sugar recommended.
This recipe with the spice really brought out the sweet tones of the squash and that little bit of kick keeps the squash from being too dessert - like. But plenty sweet to satisfy those cravings. I enjoyed eating a couple piece like artichoke leaves where you take the slice and hold the peel while scraping the flesh with your teeth. (My hubby cut small wedges - if you only cut the squash into six or eight pieces you probably won't want to try this technique). Also ate a slice with the peel as it is edible and packed with fiber.
Don't be afraid to play with your food. We all need to eat for fuel. But it helps when the food tastes good, is fun to prepare, and good for our bodies. So be adventurous, learn your quirks. Some of us have texture issues, some of us like to challenge our visual cues and eat the rainbow, some of us favor spicy foods. Learn your wants by experimenting and testing your boundaries.
May your HealthFULL Journey be a mirror to yourself and the world about who you are and who you want to be - may they meet soon. 'Til we meet again. . .
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Keeping things Currant
I thought this would be a good time to touch base and discuss how the resolutions are going. As we are in that dreaded two and half week zone. Three weeks to make the resolution a habit. But the "newness" factor wears off at two weeks and I have been hit by the don't wannas and fuhgedaboutit. BUT I push myself to keep on track. The best thing I ever did was to be specific. The goals where I can do a little bit every day is getting checked off my to do list. The once a month goals have been glanced at from time to time. On this HealthFULL (Finally Understanding Life by Living) Journey I have learned that I do better with deadlines. You need me to do something in a week, a day, an hour; Done and done! You need something done at my convenience or whenever; not happening it gets lost, forgotten, or buried under more pressing matters - like pinterest.com and reality tv.
To keep track of my 12 resolutions I bought a calendar date book that lists a week on two pages - starting with Monday and running through Sunday. I printed up a mini version of my resolutions for the front cover and write down the corresponding number on the calendar date. This way with a glance I see what I accomplished in a day or what got ignored during a week. It is really motivating to see a visual reminder and even more motivating to see the visual of the baby steps of completing a task. I have really enjoyed the number one resolution of being grateful every day and actually write my blessing down for the day. Most days by actually remembering my day I easily write down two or three blessings that were especially touching. Think of it as sprint journaling. Also my two other daily goals of reading the Bible in a year has been enjoyable as I skip around wherever the Spirit leads. My Bible shared the tip if you read three chapters(not verses as that wouldn't be enough and not books because that would be extremely daunting but chapters - which is completely doable!) daily Monday - Saturday and then on Sunday read five chapters. This is the pace I have been following and only one day did I miss as I wasn't feeling really well but caught up the second day. It is best to not get too far behind or these resolutions stop being goals and more like anchors! Also I like a record of when I exercise. It is easy to twist facts when they are only floating in your head. I think I exercised five times last week for an average of thirty five minutes a day. I'll count that. But in pen it holds more weight. Oh it was only four days blah blah blah. You get the message. The calendar helps me stay accountable and motivated. Great tools when you have many goals in a variety of your life.
Also we are keeping record of my favorite tradition/goal. The new produce or grain of the week. Look at the title of this post? No I didn't have a spelling mistake. This week's fruit was red currants. They were an easy pick for my hubby and me as we have heard of these berries but never really have seen them. Oh they were gorgeous in the grocery store. The red was so bright and inviting and the berries are tiny. They look like mega rubies. I must confess though as I was decieved as they looked sweet as they reminded me of champagne grapes (size-wise). I also expected the skin to be a little tough as the red was so bright with a shiny luster - I expected almost tomato skin with that bit of a bite. Nope! They are tart little bursts of juice. It was as if I was eating the pomegranate arils. Which I enjoy - but only when my taste buds are expecting that sour burst of juice. I was expecting a tough sweet berry. Alright what to do with these berries? I had so of planned on serving them with our spinach salad for dinner. However, my hubby is not the biggest fan of tart/sour flavors. So I headed to our trusty computer and searched for a recipe. Not a lot of varying recipes for the red currant. Big contenders were jellies (as the berries have a natural pectin most sites mentioned) and pies. I have never made a jelly in my life (adore buying homemade jellies from bazaars and farmers' markets but haven't invested in the canning supplies for myself. So pie it is. Not the healthiest choice but was a mighty tasty one. Really simple fruit pie which I added a little bit of blueberries and strawberries with the currants. As these are flavors we enjoy, and we didn't have a lot of currants to fill an entire pie. Even my 14 mo. old son tried a couple. Which proved to me he is truly a texture taster. Also he helped himself to the berries when we mixed the pie "together".
It is fun to feel in control of my life or at least that I am gaining back control. That I have a say in what I do and that I am making choices that create a better version of myself.
May your HealthFULL Journey bring you flavors of sweetness to soothe and sourness to motivate. 'Til we meet again. . .
To keep track of my 12 resolutions I bought a calendar date book that lists a week on two pages - starting with Monday and running through Sunday. I printed up a mini version of my resolutions for the front cover and write down the corresponding number on the calendar date. This way with a glance I see what I accomplished in a day or what got ignored during a week. It is really motivating to see a visual reminder and even more motivating to see the visual of the baby steps of completing a task. I have really enjoyed the number one resolution of being grateful every day and actually write my blessing down for the day. Most days by actually remembering my day I easily write down two or three blessings that were especially touching. Think of it as sprint journaling. Also my two other daily goals of reading the Bible in a year has been enjoyable as I skip around wherever the Spirit leads. My Bible shared the tip if you read three chapters(not verses as that wouldn't be enough and not books because that would be extremely daunting but chapters - which is completely doable!) daily Monday - Saturday and then on Sunday read five chapters. This is the pace I have been following and only one day did I miss as I wasn't feeling really well but caught up the second day. It is best to not get too far behind or these resolutions stop being goals and more like anchors! Also I like a record of when I exercise. It is easy to twist facts when they are only floating in your head. I think I exercised five times last week for an average of thirty five minutes a day. I'll count that. But in pen it holds more weight. Oh it was only four days blah blah blah. You get the message. The calendar helps me stay accountable and motivated. Great tools when you have many goals in a variety of your life.
Also we are keeping record of my favorite tradition/goal. The new produce or grain of the week. Look at the title of this post? No I didn't have a spelling mistake. This week's fruit was red currants. They were an easy pick for my hubby and me as we have heard of these berries but never really have seen them. Oh they were gorgeous in the grocery store. The red was so bright and inviting and the berries are tiny. They look like mega rubies. I must confess though as I was decieved as they looked sweet as they reminded me of champagne grapes (size-wise). I also expected the skin to be a little tough as the red was so bright with a shiny luster - I expected almost tomato skin with that bit of a bite. Nope! They are tart little bursts of juice. It was as if I was eating the pomegranate arils. Which I enjoy - but only when my taste buds are expecting that sour burst of juice. I was expecting a tough sweet berry. Alright what to do with these berries? I had so of planned on serving them with our spinach salad for dinner. However, my hubby is not the biggest fan of tart/sour flavors. So I headed to our trusty computer and searched for a recipe. Not a lot of varying recipes for the red currant. Big contenders were jellies (as the berries have a natural pectin most sites mentioned) and pies. I have never made a jelly in my life (adore buying homemade jellies from bazaars and farmers' markets but haven't invested in the canning supplies for myself. So pie it is. Not the healthiest choice but was a mighty tasty one. Really simple fruit pie which I added a little bit of blueberries and strawberries with the currants. As these are flavors we enjoy, and we didn't have a lot of currants to fill an entire pie. Even my 14 mo. old son tried a couple. Which proved to me he is truly a texture taster. Also he helped himself to the berries when we mixed the pie "together".
It is fun to feel in control of my life or at least that I am gaining back control. That I have a say in what I do and that I am making choices that create a better version of myself.
May your HealthFULL Journey bring you flavors of sweetness to soothe and sourness to motivate. 'Til we meet again. . .
Friday, January 13, 2012
Yes Drill Sergeant!
Do you hear voices? I do. Please don't lock me up or send me away. I perfectly acknowledge these as my subconscious. And I have been known to share that I am a bit of an extremist. One day up, one day down, one day all in, one day all "whatever!". I tend to have two voices for the most part. My dreamer side - who I believe is a peppy artistic cheerleader. Very Rah Rah and we can do anything and everything. And then my other voice tends to sound a bit like a critical Eeyore very ho-hum, tish slow and not much motivated. Well since the tick tock of midnight welcoming the new year of 2012 and the kick off to my 12 Resolutions for the 12 months of 2012 - an inner drill sergeant has emerged.
And truth be told - I kind of like this side of me. Where my cheerleader voice is "Like Okay here we go - we are gonna nail all 12 resolutions maybe add a couple extra let's get going!" And my Eeyore voice says "Why bother? Its impossible to accomplish all of them so why bother trying to do any of it" And in the last couple of years Eeyore tends to be more convincing. Because the cheerleader side A)can be exhausting and B) a tad bit annoying. But Eeyore is kind of chill, even if it is in a downer way. But this emerging drill sergeant is kind of sneaky, extremely commanding, and doesn't take excuses. My inner Eeyore starts to yawn, pout, and kick out in a deflating manner. Usually dragging the cheerleader down into an obnoxious whine. Thats when the drill sergeant steps up, blows the whistle, claps hands, and announces "Ten HUT!" "There's no time for sniveling or complaining. Knock off the whine. We've got a list to complete. Put on your shoes and grab your jacket. Its time to walk!" And magically it works. Sure I am watching the clock tick minutes away when I am at work and I begin to comfort myself with excuses why I probably shouldn't walk. Its too cold. I didn't get enough sleep. I kind of am thirsty. There was something I wanted to look up on the internet.
But then loudly and clearly I hear "Sit up!" "Grab shoes and tie laces!" "Grab your jacket and phone - oh look its time to walk". And as I leave my cubicle and jog down the steps I mutter I don't want to walk. I feel tired. This won't be fun. And yet I still push open the door and continue placing one foot in front of the other. Around the first corner, still miffed that I am walking and halfway around the second corner. It begins to hit me. I'm walking. I didn't want to be walking - it used to be easy to fall prey to my excuses. But somewhere on this HealthFULL Journey where I am learning to Fully Understand Life by Living I found my inner drill sergeant. I am learning to exercise for myself and my health and that it needs to be a priority. Ten hut we've got our marching orders for this grand year of 2012 so let's march!
May your HealthFULL Journey help you discover your inner voice that motivates you to push past the excuses, the obstacles, and the critics. 'Til we meet again. . .
And truth be told - I kind of like this side of me. Where my cheerleader voice is "Like Okay here we go - we are gonna nail all 12 resolutions maybe add a couple extra let's get going!" And my Eeyore voice says "Why bother? Its impossible to accomplish all of them so why bother trying to do any of it" And in the last couple of years Eeyore tends to be more convincing. Because the cheerleader side A)can be exhausting and B) a tad bit annoying. But Eeyore is kind of chill, even if it is in a downer way. But this emerging drill sergeant is kind of sneaky, extremely commanding, and doesn't take excuses. My inner Eeyore starts to yawn, pout, and kick out in a deflating manner. Usually dragging the cheerleader down into an obnoxious whine. Thats when the drill sergeant steps up, blows the whistle, claps hands, and announces "Ten HUT!" "There's no time for sniveling or complaining. Knock off the whine. We've got a list to complete. Put on your shoes and grab your jacket. Its time to walk!" And magically it works. Sure I am watching the clock tick minutes away when I am at work and I begin to comfort myself with excuses why I probably shouldn't walk. Its too cold. I didn't get enough sleep. I kind of am thirsty. There was something I wanted to look up on the internet.
But then loudly and clearly I hear "Sit up!" "Grab shoes and tie laces!" "Grab your jacket and phone - oh look its time to walk". And as I leave my cubicle and jog down the steps I mutter I don't want to walk. I feel tired. This won't be fun. And yet I still push open the door and continue placing one foot in front of the other. Around the first corner, still miffed that I am walking and halfway around the second corner. It begins to hit me. I'm walking. I didn't want to be walking - it used to be easy to fall prey to my excuses. But somewhere on this HealthFULL Journey where I am learning to Fully Understand Life by Living I found my inner drill sergeant. I am learning to exercise for myself and my health and that it needs to be a priority. Ten hut we've got our marching orders for this grand year of 2012 so let's march!
May your HealthFULL Journey help you discover your inner voice that motivates you to push past the excuses, the obstacles, and the critics. 'Til we meet again. . .
Thursday, January 12, 2012
I get knocked down but I get up again!
Blech! I started the morning not so great. I had what I call an attack. They are rare but they seem to be picking up in frequency. What is scary is I thought the ER, my doctor, and I had tackled the cause for these attacks. However two more have occurred. Double blech! That's the frustrating part (and if I am honest the terrifying fear of the unknown). It was one of these attacks that happened at work that made me wait in the ER for seven hours and quit denying I have diabetes. My blood sugar was way out of whack and the attack seemed to be caused by an overtly high blood sugar. Not so much anymore as I follow a sensible diet (with treats included- I said sensible - not strict :) But I always montior my blood sugar and I am on some medication and working out. I am nowhere near the blood sugar spikes that I believed caused these so-called attacks.
When I describe an attack it is like a horrible gut wrenching stomach cramp knotting itself over and over usually awakening me out of a deep sleep. (If an alien popped through my belly button during this pain I would not be surprised!) Then my hands become flames of fire doused in itching powder. What a cruel joke! Hands that itch horribly and then to touch them is like touching myself with a lit match. Then I become lightheaded and almost want to faint because as I become lightheaded I become incredibly nauseous and not that the world spins as much as I am trying to walk on my floor as if it were a tilt a whirl. And then the sweats. Gross! Like I decided to run six miles. Except I have walked maybe five feet and sit down before the dizzies take over. Also my heart starts to pound but that might be me just freaking out about all that is going on. And the only way to get through this episode that lasts an hour is to get cool immediately. I am talking sitting directly under a high powered fan or jumping into ice cold bath. Ice cold! Like lets turn on the tap just enough to get full stream water but ice cold! And then for the rest of the day I just feel out of sorts. Weird, scary, and I don't like it.
Today was my first attack where I was home by myself with my son. Oh how I did miss my knight in shining armor or we could also call him my hubby. But thankfully, God had the attack happen early enough that my son was asleep through most of it and I could deal with him when I regained a bit of my strength. I wish we had more naptime today but we managed. I will admit I won't win stellar mom of the year awards from today but at least we were both alive and smiling when my hubby arrived home from work with an arsenal of creature comforts: liquids, medicine, and energy to watch our son. The perfect trio in my book. I crashed for a couple of hours and woke up with that where am I feeling? That nap that was so hard you aren't quite sure if it is morning or night and without the clock couldn't guess if you slept for ten minutes or four hours.
But I have slowly regained feeling me again. New day is on the horizon. And though these attacks aren't fun. And kind of concerning, I refuse to be afraid of the what ifs. The most important aspect is not to panic. At least I recognize a pattern to these moments and have an appointment on the books to see my doctor. But until then we live one day at a time, moment by moment. I got knocked down today but I am ready to get up again swinging!
May your HealthFULL Journey never be more than you can handle but challenging enough to help you grow. You may get knocked down a time or two but may you always have enough strength to get back up again.. 'Til we meet again. . .
When I describe an attack it is like a horrible gut wrenching stomach cramp knotting itself over and over usually awakening me out of a deep sleep. (If an alien popped through my belly button during this pain I would not be surprised!) Then my hands become flames of fire doused in itching powder. What a cruel joke! Hands that itch horribly and then to touch them is like touching myself with a lit match. Then I become lightheaded and almost want to faint because as I become lightheaded I become incredibly nauseous and not that the world spins as much as I am trying to walk on my floor as if it were a tilt a whirl. And then the sweats. Gross! Like I decided to run six miles. Except I have walked maybe five feet and sit down before the dizzies take over. Also my heart starts to pound but that might be me just freaking out about all that is going on. And the only way to get through this episode that lasts an hour is to get cool immediately. I am talking sitting directly under a high powered fan or jumping into ice cold bath. Ice cold! Like lets turn on the tap just enough to get full stream water but ice cold! And then for the rest of the day I just feel out of sorts. Weird, scary, and I don't like it.
Today was my first attack where I was home by myself with my son. Oh how I did miss my knight in shining armor or we could also call him my hubby. But thankfully, God had the attack happen early enough that my son was asleep through most of it and I could deal with him when I regained a bit of my strength. I wish we had more naptime today but we managed. I will admit I won't win stellar mom of the year awards from today but at least we were both alive and smiling when my hubby arrived home from work with an arsenal of creature comforts: liquids, medicine, and energy to watch our son. The perfect trio in my book. I crashed for a couple of hours and woke up with that where am I feeling? That nap that was so hard you aren't quite sure if it is morning or night and without the clock couldn't guess if you slept for ten minutes or four hours.
But I have slowly regained feeling me again. New day is on the horizon. And though these attacks aren't fun. And kind of concerning, I refuse to be afraid of the what ifs. The most important aspect is not to panic. At least I recognize a pattern to these moments and have an appointment on the books to see my doctor. But until then we live one day at a time, moment by moment. I got knocked down today but I am ready to get up again swinging!
May your HealthFULL Journey never be more than you can handle but challenging enough to help you grow. You may get knocked down a time or two but may you always have enough strength to get back up again.. 'Til we meet again. . .
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Chasing a Dream? Or Just my tail?
Its easy to be "busy". Its easy to feel so important that the world will cave in if I personally don't hold the sky above my shoulders. Its easy to fill up a calendar. Its easy to overlook the details because too much is demanding our attention. Its easy to get distracted by mindnumbing activities (Facebook? Pinterest? TV? Anyone?) Its easy to snap at our loved ones because the world is begging for our time, our money, and our opinions. But you know what is not easy? Honestly answering why do we keep so busy? Do we have to serve on four committees to impress our peers? Do we have to keep an immaculate house just in case company stops by? Do we have to squeeze in two extra hours of work to please our bosses? Do we have to say yes to every person who calls in hopes of a favor?
The answer: No. But the reality - Usually we accept the responsibility on your shoulders with pride, determination, and pure stubbornness. And crazy thing when you carry a ton of weight on your shoulders we get tired. And what happens to people when they get tired? They tend to get cranky! So we accept these extra duties that we didn't have to accept. We then our tired and cranky for those we love because of all the extra work we're doing. And then they get cranky because they are getting less of our time, but all of our crabbiness and they too have accepted too much responsibility.
Don't get me wrong. There are favors we should grant. And cleaning should absolutely happen in a household. And there are times it would be a good idea to work those extra hours at our jobs. But not every favor and not every day. We need to evaluate how we should answer the requests. By accomplishing this task am I chasing a dream? or just my tail?
What's the difference? Chasing a dream means you are working towards goals you have for yourself. Perhaps you want to get healthier and build stronger friendships. So you join a gym and ask a good friend to work out with you. This is working towards a goal and therefore chasing a dream. Grabbing fast food for the third time in a week because you couldn't possibly find time to stop at the grocery store. You are not only avoiding your goal but moving away from your dream - but still moving in constant "busy" motion - means you are chasing your tail. You are doing a lot of "work" but not really moving towards what you want to accomplish. You're stuck in a horrible whirlwind of chasing your tail.
We can chase several dreams at once but we need to know our dreams. And once we establish what we truly desire. And I say this again - once we understand what we truly crave can we figure out the best way to make our dreams come true. Its easy to say we want more money. Well does that mean you don't have enough money to purchase goods you desire (better car, house, more trips?) Or you want to eliminate debt? Or you feel your time at work is worth more? These problems could be addressed with more money in the household but each dilemma means there is a different desire at the true root of our craving. We don't necessarily want more money - we crave freedom ( to purchase our wants on a whim), we crave peace (from the never-ending bills, stretched relationships,) or we crave recognition (for our hard work).
Life is too short! Don't waste your precious time chasing your tail in hopes to impress those that really don't matter and get busy chasing your dreams.
May your HealthFULL Journey reveal truth about what really matters to you so that you can avoid the trap of chasing your tail. 'Til we meet again . . .
The answer: No. But the reality - Usually we accept the responsibility on your shoulders with pride, determination, and pure stubbornness. And crazy thing when you carry a ton of weight on your shoulders we get tired. And what happens to people when they get tired? They tend to get cranky! So we accept these extra duties that we didn't have to accept. We then our tired and cranky for those we love because of all the extra work we're doing. And then they get cranky because they are getting less of our time, but all of our crabbiness and they too have accepted too much responsibility.
Don't get me wrong. There are favors we should grant. And cleaning should absolutely happen in a household. And there are times it would be a good idea to work those extra hours at our jobs. But not every favor and not every day. We need to evaluate how we should answer the requests. By accomplishing this task am I chasing a dream? or just my tail?
What's the difference? Chasing a dream means you are working towards goals you have for yourself. Perhaps you want to get healthier and build stronger friendships. So you join a gym and ask a good friend to work out with you. This is working towards a goal and therefore chasing a dream. Grabbing fast food for the third time in a week because you couldn't possibly find time to stop at the grocery store. You are not only avoiding your goal but moving away from your dream - but still moving in constant "busy" motion - means you are chasing your tail. You are doing a lot of "work" but not really moving towards what you want to accomplish. You're stuck in a horrible whirlwind of chasing your tail.
We can chase several dreams at once but we need to know our dreams. And once we establish what we truly desire. And I say this again - once we understand what we truly crave can we figure out the best way to make our dreams come true. Its easy to say we want more money. Well does that mean you don't have enough money to purchase goods you desire (better car, house, more trips?) Or you want to eliminate debt? Or you feel your time at work is worth more? These problems could be addressed with more money in the household but each dilemma means there is a different desire at the true root of our craving. We don't necessarily want more money - we crave freedom ( to purchase our wants on a whim), we crave peace (from the never-ending bills, stretched relationships,) or we crave recognition (for our hard work).
Life is too short! Don't waste your precious time chasing your tail in hopes to impress those that really don't matter and get busy chasing your dreams.
May your HealthFULL Journey reveal truth about what really matters to you so that you can avoid the trap of chasing your tail. 'Til we meet again . . .
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Family Fun Day
We finally had a family fun day. I say finally because I try to cram a week's worth of activities in a day...and usually more like a week into a half day. I am still functioning on couple's time not a family's timeline with a child under two. No longer does the phrase let me just grab the keys and we can go sum up the whole conversation. That might still be the ending line but that is after my hubby and I take turns asking questions, reciting checklists, changing Drew, changing our outfits because Drew has shared something (drool, snack, and worse but I'll spare ya'll:) Changing Drew again. putting socks on Drew, Grabbing the diaper bag, grabbing extra toys, replacing Drew's removed socks with shoes, grabbing extra jacket, a blanket, grabbing the keys, and then looking for lost shoe (Drew's and mommy's as Drew thinks mommy's shoe(s) makes a fun sound against the floor in different parts of the house. And by the time we are leaving two stops have been checked off the to do list. As a matter of fact we just want to go back and sit on the couch but it took all this effort to reach the doorway we feel we should forge ahead. But today was different.
I didn't try to force fun and errands. I shared my two goals for the day with my hubby (and kept one quiet in hopes we would do it and we did!!!). We started out with several naps and quiet relaxation time for the parents as we prepare for our beloved Saints playoff game. Geaux Saints!!!! (Sorry any Lions fans!) But then we dressed to play outside as the weather was gorgeous. We hit a local playground and our son had a ball. And truthfully so did we. I actually got a little nervous going down the slide with Drew. Its only six to seven feet high. But there was a moment I shrieked inside (What am I doing? I am in my thirties and honestly believe it has been at least 10 years since I have gone down one. I am not the most coordinated person in the world and my fear was that I was going to fly off the end of the slide and did not have hands free to catch myself as I was holding my son. Who have I become? I used to love playgrounds and now a slide makes me nervous! This is one mommy who needs to get out more.
We then ran an errand for groceries so we could make a muffaletta sandwich in honor of our New Orleans' players. And as an extra treat on such a beautiful day (the hidden goal) a family outing to an ice cream parlor. YUM! What a great ending to a family fun day of playing at the playground by sharing some delicious ice cream.
I share this outing because we actually left the house in January and played. As a family we were active. I hope we have many more moments like today. Its these kind of moments I feel I am growing in my HealthFULL Journey and reaping the benefits.
May you experience sunshine throughout your own HealthFULL Journey. 'Til we meet again...
I didn't try to force fun and errands. I shared my two goals for the day with my hubby (and kept one quiet in hopes we would do it and we did!!!). We started out with several naps and quiet relaxation time for the parents as we prepare for our beloved Saints playoff game. Geaux Saints!!!! (Sorry any Lions fans!) But then we dressed to play outside as the weather was gorgeous. We hit a local playground and our son had a ball. And truthfully so did we. I actually got a little nervous going down the slide with Drew. Its only six to seven feet high. But there was a moment I shrieked inside (What am I doing? I am in my thirties and honestly believe it has been at least 10 years since I have gone down one. I am not the most coordinated person in the world and my fear was that I was going to fly off the end of the slide and did not have hands free to catch myself as I was holding my son. Who have I become? I used to love playgrounds and now a slide makes me nervous! This is one mommy who needs to get out more.
We then ran an errand for groceries so we could make a muffaletta sandwich in honor of our New Orleans' players. And as an extra treat on such a beautiful day (the hidden goal) a family outing to an ice cream parlor. YUM! What a great ending to a family fun day of playing at the playground by sharing some delicious ice cream.
I share this outing because we actually left the house in January and played. As a family we were active. I hope we have many more moments like today. Its these kind of moments I feel I am growing in my HealthFULL Journey and reaping the benefits.
May you experience sunshine throughout your own HealthFULL Journey. 'Til we meet again...
And the highest bidder is . . .
I'll admit writing down 12 resolutions was fun to tie in with the year. I like the roundness and completeness of lists and phrasings. I like ideas to click. It is a hard concept to describe unless you are borderline obsessive and compulsive with dreamer like tendencies. But I'll try.
Have you ever been involved with an auction? Aren't they exciting? The auctioneer is shouting and motivating the crowd. If you have a dull auctioneer nothing is being sold or what is being sold goes with no fanfare and cheap and frankly is boring. Oh but a true auctioneer with enthusiasm. Well you find yourself bidding on items you don't want but you just want to be part of the fun. You want to giggle about your purchase. You want to share the story of buying that hideous statue. But you will have enjoyed the moment. And what might be a very ugly statue becomes a source of pride, a memory of having fun. And all of a sudden it becomes a treasure. Because in the right moment you were ready to give yourself over to the moment and "click".
I think in a way I have imaginary auctions and amp the bids quickly and often. I am going to make a resolution this year. No, I'll make three. Oh, I do like the sound of five. . . but ten equals perfection. Wait its going to be 2012, I should come up with 12 resolutions! But isn't twenty a fun-sounding number and challenging. However, fifty sounds golden. Wait a hundred is .....Whoa a hundred is crazy. Stop the bidding moron! This is your life and you're the only one bidding. Enthusiasm is good, but frenetic and hysteria equals not good. So pause, take a breath, let's use a little common sense, and reach for something attainable. One and three resolutions and I'll trap myself into the world of generalities. Five seems a little low if I want this to be a truly FULL/Whole health journey. I like ten that seems possible but 12 sounds right it clicks. Its just that bit extra challenge - Can I do this? And if if I am going to commit to these 12 goals I'll need to get busy.
So on January 2nd I bought a calendar (for fifty percent off - see patience and not being choosy can have its advantages). A little weekly pocket calendar that allows me a chance to record my accomplishments and with a glance let me know if I need to have a heart to heart with myself. A resolution won't be left behind because of sheer forgetfulness. This HealthFULL Journey is teaching me to be aware of my choices. If I choose to skip exercise. That's okay (beware of making that choice a habit though). But to be aware it was a choice. It is so important to be active in one's journey so that we can FULLY UNDERSTAND LIFE by LIVING. That means choices. An informed choices tends to yield the best results.
I am excited to share with my handy calendar and New Year Enthusiasm I am feeling good about the progress I already have made on my twelve resolutions. This bid of twelve goals was a winner.
May you find yourself in situations full of fun and moments when you feel that click of satisfaction of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude. ' Til we meet again. . .
Have you ever been involved with an auction? Aren't they exciting? The auctioneer is shouting and motivating the crowd. If you have a dull auctioneer nothing is being sold or what is being sold goes with no fanfare and cheap and frankly is boring. Oh but a true auctioneer with enthusiasm. Well you find yourself bidding on items you don't want but you just want to be part of the fun. You want to giggle about your purchase. You want to share the story of buying that hideous statue. But you will have enjoyed the moment. And what might be a very ugly statue becomes a source of pride, a memory of having fun. And all of a sudden it becomes a treasure. Because in the right moment you were ready to give yourself over to the moment and "click".
I think in a way I have imaginary auctions and amp the bids quickly and often. I am going to make a resolution this year. No, I'll make three. Oh, I do like the sound of five. . . but ten equals perfection. Wait its going to be 2012, I should come up with 12 resolutions! But isn't twenty a fun-sounding number and challenging. However, fifty sounds golden. Wait a hundred is .....Whoa a hundred is crazy. Stop the bidding moron! This is your life and you're the only one bidding. Enthusiasm is good, but frenetic and hysteria equals not good. So pause, take a breath, let's use a little common sense, and reach for something attainable. One and three resolutions and I'll trap myself into the world of generalities. Five seems a little low if I want this to be a truly FULL/Whole health journey. I like ten that seems possible but 12 sounds right it clicks. Its just that bit extra challenge - Can I do this? And if if I am going to commit to these 12 goals I'll need to get busy.
So on January 2nd I bought a calendar (for fifty percent off - see patience and not being choosy can have its advantages). A little weekly pocket calendar that allows me a chance to record my accomplishments and with a glance let me know if I need to have a heart to heart with myself. A resolution won't be left behind because of sheer forgetfulness. This HealthFULL Journey is teaching me to be aware of my choices. If I choose to skip exercise. That's okay (beware of making that choice a habit though). But to be aware it was a choice. It is so important to be active in one's journey so that we can FULLY UNDERSTAND LIFE by LIVING. That means choices. An informed choices tends to yield the best results.
I am excited to share with my handy calendar and New Year Enthusiasm I am feeling good about the progress I already have made on my twelve resolutions. This bid of twelve goals was a winner.
May you find yourself in situations full of fun and moments when you feel that click of satisfaction of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude. ' Til we meet again. . .
Monday, January 2, 2012
Nothing Like a Sweet Date
Oh have I got a fancy snack for you when you are looking forward to a romantic nibble. Or just a snack that will impress your friends. It can be a bit pricey but oh so worth it. Have you ever tried a fresh date? They are delicious pieces of fruit, especially if you have a sweet tooth. And once you take a bite you'll have a hard time believing these little treasures actually have a lot of health benefits.
First what is a date? They are fruits from certain palm trees that look like an oversized raisin with some plumpness. At least the Medjool kind do. The dates tend to run a bit expensive. I usually have found them close to eight dollars for a pound or a little over a pound (Roughly thirty - forty dates). However, on one of shopping trips in search of our new produce we found I believe the package is 18 oz for 4.99. Well for that price we had to try these sweet jewels. Yum!
Now a lot of sites on the web recommended eating them raw. As long as you remove the pit. You can keep the dates in a cupboard but if you store them in your fridge they last quite a bit longer. Don't be scared of depitting these fruits. Just start to slit the tip as if you were slicing lengthwise. But just starting to slice. And you can open the slit far enough to slip out the pit. The pit looks like a piece of a pecan. Don't be tempted to taste it though. They are inedible. Most recipes recommending slipping in a nut or a cheese. As dates are awfully sweet it is good to have a salty component. Also dates by themselves contain NO sodium. So if you like your snacks to have some salt you'll have to add that component.
However, being it was New Year's Day yesterday and our favorite team was playing we opted for a fancier snack. Since you already have to remove the pit, you might as well stuff the date. We bought some Brie cheese. Just a little dab into each date. Then we chose to wrap the dates with a little prosciutto. Oh so good! Prosciutto is an Italian ham. But not just deli ham. There is a special process of curing/drying meat depending on the region and the slices are usually pretty delicate we have found. Just a little bit of that rich fattiness to cover this sweet date filled with a smooth delicate cheese. Italy meets the tropics meets France; what a beautiful world. We put them in the oven on 375 degree F for roughly fifteen minutes. This allowed the date to gooey its sweetness and allowed the meat to release its saltiness and the cheese to soften. So delicious for a romantic game snack. I liked the warmth to allow the flavors to blend and to soften the date. Just handling the date to pit them you can feel the stickiness. By wrapping the date, the sweet wasn't overpowering and yet had a luxurious texture.
Some great benefits of the date include extremely small amounts of fat, obviously no cholesterol, some protein and yes it is mainly carbohydrates but a lot of that is fiber. Because of other vitamins and minerals it includes dates are actually low on the glycemic index as they help regulate blood sugar. So for those out there who have a sweet tooth but are worried about blood sugars this might be a snack to try, especially if you stuff the date fruit with a nut. Also a date is a good source of potassium, calcium, iron, and copper. (See http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/dates.html and http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/natural-foods/natural-weight-loss-food-dates-ga.htm for more nutritional information.)
This was definitely a thumbs up pick for my hubby and me. I have a sweet tooth and I was a little worried for how sweet the fruit may be. But with the way we prepared it, even my hubby who prefers spicy or salty over sweet enjoyed this find.
May your HealthFULL Journey include fun discoveries and moments worth repeating. 'Til we meet again. . .
First what is a date? They are fruits from certain palm trees that look like an oversized raisin with some plumpness. At least the Medjool kind do. The dates tend to run a bit expensive. I usually have found them close to eight dollars for a pound or a little over a pound (Roughly thirty - forty dates). However, on one of shopping trips in search of our new produce we found I believe the package is 18 oz for 4.99. Well for that price we had to try these sweet jewels. Yum!
Now a lot of sites on the web recommended eating them raw. As long as you remove the pit. You can keep the dates in a cupboard but if you store them in your fridge they last quite a bit longer. Don't be scared of depitting these fruits. Just start to slit the tip as if you were slicing lengthwise. But just starting to slice. And you can open the slit far enough to slip out the pit. The pit looks like a piece of a pecan. Don't be tempted to taste it though. They are inedible. Most recipes recommending slipping in a nut or a cheese. As dates are awfully sweet it is good to have a salty component. Also dates by themselves contain NO sodium. So if you like your snacks to have some salt you'll have to add that component.
However, being it was New Year's Day yesterday and our favorite team was playing we opted for a fancier snack. Since you already have to remove the pit, you might as well stuff the date. We bought some Brie cheese. Just a little dab into each date. Then we chose to wrap the dates with a little prosciutto. Oh so good! Prosciutto is an Italian ham. But not just deli ham. There is a special process of curing/drying meat depending on the region and the slices are usually pretty delicate we have found. Just a little bit of that rich fattiness to cover this sweet date filled with a smooth delicate cheese. Italy meets the tropics meets France; what a beautiful world. We put them in the oven on 375 degree F for roughly fifteen minutes. This allowed the date to gooey its sweetness and allowed the meat to release its saltiness and the cheese to soften. So delicious for a romantic game snack. I liked the warmth to allow the flavors to blend and to soften the date. Just handling the date to pit them you can feel the stickiness. By wrapping the date, the sweet wasn't overpowering and yet had a luxurious texture.
Some great benefits of the date include extremely small amounts of fat, obviously no cholesterol, some protein and yes it is mainly carbohydrates but a lot of that is fiber. Because of other vitamins and minerals it includes dates are actually low on the glycemic index as they help regulate blood sugar. So for those out there who have a sweet tooth but are worried about blood sugars this might be a snack to try, especially if you stuff the date fruit with a nut. Also a date is a good source of potassium, calcium, iron, and copper. (See http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/dates.html and http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/natural-foods/natural-weight-loss-food-dates-ga.htm for more nutritional information.)
This was definitely a thumbs up pick for my hubby and me. I have a sweet tooth and I was a little worried for how sweet the fruit may be. But with the way we prepared it, even my hubby who prefers spicy or salty over sweet enjoyed this find.
May your HealthFULL Journey include fun discoveries and moments worth repeating. 'Til we meet again. . .
Sunday, January 1, 2012
12 Resolutions for the 12 months of 2012
Well this has been quite a journey and it still continues. You think you found the perfect path and then you hit a dead end, a crazy detour, or get lost and end up back in the same spot. So you turn back to your trusty compass and gaze at your map. Circle the paths that were working and figure out a new route. There is no time better than the present. Today is the first day of the new year. And rumor has it the end of the world is nearing. If that be true I want to leave as the best version of myself. Of course with my Christian belief the Bible states (my paraphrase follows) that we don't know what hour our Master will return - so basically, let's get to work and do it now. So if this journey is to be FULL of Health that means my goals should be all encompassing, a little physical, a little mental, emotional, spiritual, you get it, it should be for the whole picture so lets count em down. 12 goals for the next twelve months in this fabulous year of 2012.
12. Lose 102 pounds. The weight isn't my number one priority but it is a goal. It is an unusual number. I like even stevens usually a bold hundred a perfect ten. But 102 pounds would bring me to 178 pounds. I have never seen that number on a scale in my adult life. 179 is the lowest number I have seen and it was when I was nineteen - twenty years old. So let's eliminate decade within a year. Its a daunting number but attainable - pound by pound. It also means I have lost nine pounds since this journey started 2 1/2 years ago. But also in that time I did gain a total of forty one pounds (mostly pregnancy related) so in actuality I've lost fifty pounds again. So we'll keep on the downstreak!
11. Another physical thing is to continue the new produce or grain once a week. This helps make a game out of eating healthy and stretching the horizons of what we imagine we could eat, should eat, and would eat. This allows 52 opportunities to consume a variety of vitamins and minerals in combinations we wouldn't otherwise know.
10. The perfect ten has to go to cooking myself at least twice a week. And not just cooking but learning a new recipe at least one of those two times but hopefully twice. This enables me to take more control of my health. It will help me not get caught in the trap of helplessness, boredom, or being overwhelmed by all the life matters we can't control.
9. To round out my physical improvements means I need movement. Documented exercise. I want to work out thirty minutes five days a week. But even more specifically to cover at least 366 miles this year of walking. I will count walking as part of my exercise during the week. But it would be awesome on those days I can count it as a bonus. That means one mile a day. Let's pound some pavement or at least some carpet!
8. I need to be more charitable. It is time to research some charities. And to be more consistent in giving and less about the taking, demanding, and whining. My goal is to donate to at least one charity every month: whether it be time, money, or donated goods. There are a lot of people who are doing amazing things to help those who need the extra hand. My soul thirsts to be more like a servant as I have ignored the calling several times.
7. Speaking of the Call. It is time to reconnect in a stronger fashion with God. I plan to read the Bible in one year's time and to take true meditative time with God on a daily basis (not just in times of distress which is too common for me). God is blessed me with too much that I have taken for granted too often.
6. Another calling - what next? I finished my B.A. this year which feels pretty darn good to mark that of the to - do list. It waited for nine years but it is crossed off. But now I have to figure out what's next? A new vocation? Start a business? Attain a masters? Lots of ideas but no true road map. Time to get research done and by 2013 working towards the next great challenge.
5. Let's get creative. This may be my favorite goal. I love to be creative and playful. Each month I am going to learn either a new skill or build upon a creative process. This might mean taking a class to learn how to do pottery. This may mean picking up a how to learn a new language. This might mean trying out for a play. Perhaps I establish a routine to write fiction/poetry. But it is time to get the juices flowing and the heart pumping. It will feel good to awaken that part of me once again.
4. Time to ...I even feel anxious typing this. Time to Socialize more. I tend to lead a hermit lifestyle. In the past I used to have people demanding jobs that I was pretty good at. But I tend to get easily connected emotionally to people and it would zap a lot of my energy. Other people's dramas, creating my own drama, and then stressing that I wasn't helping enough or that I wasn't capable to do more and I had a rough year that I shut down. I lost 10 people close to me in one year. All different levels of intimacy and relations, some were sudden some were expected. And these deaths were sandwiched between my mother in law being diagnosed with cancer (a survivor of 8+ years Amen!) and my own mother's diagnosis of cancer (a survivor of 7+ years - another Amen!) and in that time I quit college (nothing to due with what has already been mentioned I just didn't know where I was going or what I wanted at 22), got married (to the most amazing man in the world and still my best friend), moved, and started my first salaried position where forty-four people's lives were under my care. That was all in one year and also in that one year I gained seventy pounds. Sooooo yeah I kind of needed a break from people, responsibility, and instead of taking a break I kind of just shut down. So its time to wake up and get out. So I plan to have at least one extra outing a month not just family or work related. For some that sounds super easy but this may be one of the hardest areas for me to stretch. (and in honesty if I try a class or group activity - I'm counting it!)
3. Budget - I don't like to budget: not money, not calories, not time. I like to be spontaneous, at least I say that. But really it is another way to say I don't like to be controlled or pressured or to stick to rules. It crushes my freedom, it suffocates the spirit of fun. But not really I just allow myself to feel that. We all can use a cushion for "those days" and if you have read my blog I tend to have a lot of out of those blue kinds of experiences. So my hubby and I are going to sit down and comb through expenses and start true rainy day funds and not just talk about it. Blech! My stomach is already churning.
2. Time to organize the chaos. Some people are naturally gifted in completing tasks in a timely manner, keeping things together, and just letting objects gleam in cleanliness. I am not one of those people. I try hard to have routines that keep me and my family being swallowed up by household clutter and try to designate areas for those have to grab items. But it is a challenge. I am going to do a thorough cleaning (this is not the weekly or daily cleaning necessary to keep the household moving - laundry, dishes, vacuuming, ect.) in every area of our house once a month and each week take an hour to truly organize (actually create an address book, gather recipes that we enjoy in one spot, designate locations for important papers - declutter the filing cabinet).
1. The big number one is to truly be grateful within each and every day. To count a blessing every day. Hopefully this will take down the stress but more importantly remind me that it truly is a wonderful life and that all of us are granted a gift of life on a daily basis.
May your 2012 be a chance to let go of what brings you down and to welcome all that builds you up. 'Til we meet again. . .
12. Lose 102 pounds. The weight isn't my number one priority but it is a goal. It is an unusual number. I like even stevens usually a bold hundred a perfect ten. But 102 pounds would bring me to 178 pounds. I have never seen that number on a scale in my adult life. 179 is the lowest number I have seen and it was when I was nineteen - twenty years old. So let's eliminate decade within a year. Its a daunting number but attainable - pound by pound. It also means I have lost nine pounds since this journey started 2 1/2 years ago. But also in that time I did gain a total of forty one pounds (mostly pregnancy related) so in actuality I've lost fifty pounds again. So we'll keep on the downstreak!
11. Another physical thing is to continue the new produce or grain once a week. This helps make a game out of eating healthy and stretching the horizons of what we imagine we could eat, should eat, and would eat. This allows 52 opportunities to consume a variety of vitamins and minerals in combinations we wouldn't otherwise know.
10. The perfect ten has to go to cooking myself at least twice a week. And not just cooking but learning a new recipe at least one of those two times but hopefully twice. This enables me to take more control of my health. It will help me not get caught in the trap of helplessness, boredom, or being overwhelmed by all the life matters we can't control.
9. To round out my physical improvements means I need movement. Documented exercise. I want to work out thirty minutes five days a week. But even more specifically to cover at least 366 miles this year of walking. I will count walking as part of my exercise during the week. But it would be awesome on those days I can count it as a bonus. That means one mile a day. Let's pound some pavement or at least some carpet!
8. I need to be more charitable. It is time to research some charities. And to be more consistent in giving and less about the taking, demanding, and whining. My goal is to donate to at least one charity every month: whether it be time, money, or donated goods. There are a lot of people who are doing amazing things to help those who need the extra hand. My soul thirsts to be more like a servant as I have ignored the calling several times.
7. Speaking of the Call. It is time to reconnect in a stronger fashion with God. I plan to read the Bible in one year's time and to take true meditative time with God on a daily basis (not just in times of distress which is too common for me). God is blessed me with too much that I have taken for granted too often.
6. Another calling - what next? I finished my B.A. this year which feels pretty darn good to mark that of the to - do list. It waited for nine years but it is crossed off. But now I have to figure out what's next? A new vocation? Start a business? Attain a masters? Lots of ideas but no true road map. Time to get research done and by 2013 working towards the next great challenge.
5. Let's get creative. This may be my favorite goal. I love to be creative and playful. Each month I am going to learn either a new skill or build upon a creative process. This might mean taking a class to learn how to do pottery. This may mean picking up a how to learn a new language. This might mean trying out for a play. Perhaps I establish a routine to write fiction/poetry. But it is time to get the juices flowing and the heart pumping. It will feel good to awaken that part of me once again.
4. Time to ...I even feel anxious typing this. Time to Socialize more. I tend to lead a hermit lifestyle. In the past I used to have people demanding jobs that I was pretty good at. But I tend to get easily connected emotionally to people and it would zap a lot of my energy. Other people's dramas, creating my own drama, and then stressing that I wasn't helping enough or that I wasn't capable to do more and I had a rough year that I shut down. I lost 10 people close to me in one year. All different levels of intimacy and relations, some were sudden some were expected. And these deaths were sandwiched between my mother in law being diagnosed with cancer (a survivor of 8+ years Amen!) and my own mother's diagnosis of cancer (a survivor of 7+ years - another Amen!) and in that time I quit college (nothing to due with what has already been mentioned I just didn't know where I was going or what I wanted at 22), got married (to the most amazing man in the world and still my best friend), moved, and started my first salaried position where forty-four people's lives were under my care. That was all in one year and also in that one year I gained seventy pounds. Sooooo yeah I kind of needed a break from people, responsibility, and instead of taking a break I kind of just shut down. So its time to wake up and get out. So I plan to have at least one extra outing a month not just family or work related. For some that sounds super easy but this may be one of the hardest areas for me to stretch. (and in honesty if I try a class or group activity - I'm counting it!)
3. Budget - I don't like to budget: not money, not calories, not time. I like to be spontaneous, at least I say that. But really it is another way to say I don't like to be controlled or pressured or to stick to rules. It crushes my freedom, it suffocates the spirit of fun. But not really I just allow myself to feel that. We all can use a cushion for "those days" and if you have read my blog I tend to have a lot of out of those blue kinds of experiences. So my hubby and I are going to sit down and comb through expenses and start true rainy day funds and not just talk about it. Blech! My stomach is already churning.
2. Time to organize the chaos. Some people are naturally gifted in completing tasks in a timely manner, keeping things together, and just letting objects gleam in cleanliness. I am not one of those people. I try hard to have routines that keep me and my family being swallowed up by household clutter and try to designate areas for those have to grab items. But it is a challenge. I am going to do a thorough cleaning (this is not the weekly or daily cleaning necessary to keep the household moving - laundry, dishes, vacuuming, ect.) in every area of our house once a month and each week take an hour to truly organize (actually create an address book, gather recipes that we enjoy in one spot, designate locations for important papers - declutter the filing cabinet).
1. The big number one is to truly be grateful within each and every day. To count a blessing every day. Hopefully this will take down the stress but more importantly remind me that it truly is a wonderful life and that all of us are granted a gift of life on a daily basis.
May your 2012 be a chance to let go of what brings you down and to welcome all that builds you up. 'Til we meet again. . .
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