Changing and Adapting and Enjoying the Process

There is no doubt that the seasons are changing – the leaves are falling, there’s a chill in the air and the skies are grey.  It happens every year but it always seems to catch me by surprise.  However this predictable change is also quite comforting.  I know that cooler weather is coming, what I need to do to adapt to it and approximately how long it will last.

So, what does this have to do with fitness and wellness?  In a direct way, these changes bring challenges to our ability to take care of ourselves.  Parties, food, and the disruption in our routines all come with the fall and winter holidays.  But we know this is going to happen because it happens every year. Therefore we can plan for it, adapt our habits and enjoy the process knowing that these seasonal fitness challenges will end.

However, I want you to consider changing how you view this time of year.  Rather than focusing on filling it with food and libations, focus on filling it with laughter and friendship.  Rather than rushing from store to store for last minute items, take time for a walk outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature as she goes through her ritual.  Rather than feeling constantly overwhelmed, set your intention to enjoy the opportunity to celebrate holidays with your friends and loved ones.

Start planning now for the challenges ahead so that you can enjoy the present moment.  Be aware of your triggers.  Be kind to yourself. 

The point of fitness and wellness is to be able to enjoy your life.  Have fun.  Celebrate.  Jump in a pile of leaves.  Throw a football with your kids or grand kids.  Meet a good friend for a cup of coffee.  Make a healthy vegetable stew to keep you warm on a cool night. 

Because this time will pass and the season will change again.  Don’t worry, the best part is, you get to do it again next year. 

Be well

Serenity and Change.

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which should be changed,
and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other."
This prayer came into my head this morning.  And it got me thinking about how we all try to change ourselves and our bodies.  Increasingly as a society we have accepted surgical modification as a way to either preserve beauty or to enhance it.  But what are the things we can really change without the assistance of a medical professional?
I cannot change my height but I can change how tall I stand. I cannot change the size of my feet but I can change how rooted they are to the ground. I cannot change the color of my eyes but I can change what they see. I cannot change the shape of my mouth but I can change the words the come out of it. I cannot change the length of my fingers but I can change the frequency of their touch. I cannot change the placement of my heart but I can change how I often I extend it to others. I cannot change my IQ but I can grow my emotional intelligence. I cannot change the fact that my body needs food as fuel but I can change the quality and quantity of the fuel and how frequently I refuel.
And a fun one:
I cannot change my LOVE of chocolate but I can change the frequency with which I eat it.
Be well.