Consider it play

I have made a resolution not make New Year's resolutions. It was a little odd at first, for years I have made big strides to change numerous aspects of my life. I mean who doesn't want a new better self, a fresh start, and a few lofty pie in the sky targets?

 I need goals. We all need objectives. I do not need more guilt and neither do you.

We do not need more remorse in our lives. Big, unattainable resolutions most likely will set you up for disaster and yet another round of regret. No one needs more guilt in their lives. The stuff -shame- simply is not healthy. We want to be healthy and happy!

Small steps, little changes, habit forming hobbies that are easy to integrate into our daily lives make us healthier and happier people will be sustainable over the long term. Baby steps will keep that pesky voice coming from your shoulder riddling you with guilt because you did not wake up and completely change your life.

In order for a healthy habit to form it must be some what pleasurable, integrate a task that we already do or even better a little of both. Find things that you enjoy doing. I love going to the neighborhood park to take pictures. Instead of driving there I walk. By design, I live close to my gym so I will either walk there or ride my bike, by the time I get there I am warmed up and ready to get to work. We all travel to places near and far, the destinations that are within three miles are easily walkable where as in the vicinity of five miles bikes are extremely efficient.

Getting outside my car by walking or riding my bike more is what my goal this year. I live in town so it is easier, if you live in a less accessible area try walking to get the paper at the end of the driveway once you park the car. My husband has a really busy work week that leaves virtually no time for exercise. A couple days a week he makes the time to walk to the car pool lot which is a mile away. His walk in the morning and evening is a trip that he already makes but by walking is able to squeeze a little bit more out of the trip that in a car. It may seem really small but the twenty minutes here and there all add up. Small attainable changes lead to healthy life long habits.

Go ahead make a few resolutions but save yourself the pain, make them goals you can and will attain. Shape the goals to fit your life and not you to fit the goals.

Here are a few other recent posts that I cover how important health is and planning.

The Greatest Gift

The greatest gift we can ever poses is health. It is something that most all of use are capable of to differing degrees.

Health is a our greatest wealth.



No Joke.

It is impossible to fully enjoy life and all the little pleasures when our bodies feel sub par.

You know what you need to do in order to feel good.

DO IT! It is worth it, the pain, time and effort. It may be hard to muster at times but I promise in the long run you will be thanking yourself.

I often need inspiration to get my body moving. Sometimes It is as simple as a burning desire to feel good, other days tell myself that my jeans will be so much more comfortable if I do go to the gym for even 30 minutes, I can think clearer after I get my blood flowing or we just go play on our bikes or walk the dog.

Each time it gets easier and with consistency it has become my every day routine. I feel great because I work at it. I do it for myself and NO ONE else. Actually I also do it for the people around me because I am a much more complete woman when I excersise.

You get the point I will get off my soap box.

I was just getting a little concerned I just posted a recipe for parmesean cream crackers. They are great, they are made with cream and cheese, what is not to like..... I am making them again today....

I just want to express my fondness for everyone, so please especially this time of year strike some balance as best as possible. Go for walks as families. Walk and look at the Christmas lights instead of driving. Walk to the corner store to get another pint of eggnog or bottle of wine (whatever your vice may be) instead of driving. Walk the dog one extra time a day (they will love you even more!). My favorite these days is to turn up the music and dance while I make cookies. It seems silly but makes me happy!