a Sunday afternoon sweat

After a several month hiatus, we have rejoined our local YMCA. In our household it makes no sense financially, but it makes perfect sense from a health and wellness point of view.

I never thought that I could miss the gym but I did. No, I do not love the exertion or the heart rate increase. I absolutely hate the getting there and the warmup. But-- I do love the endorphins released and the sweat that pours. The cobwebs in my mind are cleared away and my shoulders are not so full of stress. I finally understand and can see it as an opportunity to renew.

This is the start of my birthday week. The actual day is on Friday, but I plan to find ways to be grateful every day. Last year I had grand plans of travel and road trips to take time out and contemplate. That did not happen. With car problems in two of the three family cars, I could not take away the only working vehicle. Life happens. 

The puppies turn ten months old on my birthday also. I am so pleased that they are in this world and we can watch them grow. The owners are great about sharing pictures and I love to see them develop. They are such markers for time passing.  

This week ahead (and the rest of this year) can be full of hope and purpose. It is about choice. It is about living fully -with intention. This is no dress rehearsal -so live it up now! The big things really are the little things of each passing day. Whether it is getting excited about "BLT season" or laughing in the park with friends, the time we have now matters.

Forget the measly checkbook balance, dirty floors, and smelly dogs.
We are enough. We have a safe home. We have wonderful children with fur.
Maybe this is what God has been trying to teach me this year?

just keep walking, running, jogging....

I am listenng to an audiobook tape about Habits. I enjoy the subject so far, and it is making me reconsider some of my routines. I hope to replace them with healthier alternatives.

The author states that we have to "crave the habit."  If we are to  make this habit stick, the payoff must be deliberate and enjoyable. None of this is new information, but maybe I will hear it this time? I hope so.

The best way for me to improve my health is to consistently exercise, eat well, and lose some weight. To "age well" I need to protect the joints and keep the heart healthy.  I know what to do- I just need to make myself a priority.

Fitbit can be a curse AND a tool. 
I am trying to figure out the perfect way to "crave" the high numbers of steps, badges, etc. with the Fitbit tool that I use to track my movement. I do get excited when I reach my 10,000 steps each day, but the little kid in me needs to figure out a more immediate reward. 

There are three more discs with this booktape. 
I hope to persevere and get to the point where my day does not feel right- without the endorphins and the sweat flowing. The hardest part is getting the cardio started. I can talk myself out of many things.

Dogs love to move.
One of the best parts of a dog's day is when he or she goes for a walk with their owners. It is so exciting for them when we grab the leash by the door. They never hesitate and deliberate. The great outdoors makes them happy and they are ready.  I want that excitement when I lace up my shoes.

green smoothies with flax seeds added

When I was little dessert was a big deal. I am one of the youngest in a large family and money was tight. If my busy Mom had the time to bake we appreciated every home made morsel.

I am the busy Mom today but my immediate family is much smaller. I try to bake for my family but their reaction is different than my siblings in my childhood. The family is kind and appreciative but usually after one piece of homemade dessert, the remainder sits and grows stale. Sugary goodness has become the enemy and tends to be avoided by my adult family members.

Why is there such a difference between my childhood and now? As I watch half a double chocolate cake grow old, I ponder the reason that it lacks our attention.

Are we too busy to make our meals (and dessert) important?  I know that I search for better ways to utilize my time each day to get more work done. My "to do list" is always longer than the time allotted to complete it. I believe that is the norm. Our busyness seem to be multiplying and I question whether it improves our lives. Is more (completion) actually better for life in the big picture?

Faith, Family, Friends, Job searching, Business creation, Classes, and Volunteer work. Toss in some rowdy English Bulldogs and a Bloodhound and I think -- maybe the chocolate cake might help me handle this.  

Maybe it's my age? Am I a grown up because I mix spinach, flax, and protein powder with almond milk, ice and banana for breakfast?

 I hope that we ALL learn to eat dessert first.