Continuing Health

The start of a new year generally ushers in a number of health initiatives. I'm stumped this year. It isn't because I am 100% the way I would like to be physically or am I already eating or doing all the "right" things. It is because any changes I commit to doing would ideally be ones that will be integrated into my life and that puts a certain "weight" to choosing something. It is a work in progress.

Previously I've embarked on short term challenges that happened to have a health benefit attached to it such as training for a 10km road race. I was never a great runner in grade school (translate as always coming in last...) and I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. Turns out I can. I just needed to learn how to breathe properly (go figure!).


I'm proud to have run 4 races but running isn't a passion for me. I will continue to do races on days when D does his (he is the serious runner in our family--6 marathons under his belt) because being a pack mule can be long and cold! Plus races usually are raising money for a good cause and there is something about being part of a large group and hearing the music and cheering that makes it a lot of fun.


Some healthy habits I am continuing to work on this year include:

• eating less meat (our consumption has decreased at least 50%)


• eating more greens (would mean taking less vitamins too)


• continue current workout (walking, stairs, biking, sports)


• minimizing sugar intake (too much sugar makes me ill)


• minimizing salt intake (this is my weakness--I love salt)


• taking more time off


• keep sleeping well (I average 7-8hrs a night)


• eating smaller portions (part of my decrease 100 calories a day goal)


• keep eliminating processed/packaged foods

• staying alkaline

• stretching daily


• journal daily


• listening/playing music daily


• allowing some wiggle room (I don't do well when I feel like I'm being forced into a corner)


• letting go


• meditate daily (even for 5 minutes!)


• keep cooking


• giving back / gratitude / giving thanks


• keeping clear (I do not like to depend on a substance to "get through my day" thus I am not a coffee drinker. If I have 1/2 a glass of pop a month, that's being generous. If I have more than 3 drinks a year, that's pretty unusual)


• listening to myself (short circuit the brain once in a while)


• staying away from toxic people / situations


• helping those who are ready


• working on being as spontaneous as I know I can be