Be Healthy

So my first personal commandment in my Happiness Project is Be Healthy. I spent a lot of time over the past few weeks thinking about what that means to me. There are a lot of pretty strong opinions around "healthy". There's the whole BMI thinking and trust me when I say that is not my idea of "healthy". I mean really. That whole system was invented between 1830 and 1850. Really! That was almost 200 years ago and I am betting a few things have changed since then that might influence that system. Okay, so I know a few people that probably have the "correct" BMI. Well, 1 and she's just a freak of nature. (Love ya Rach!) Geez, I'd have to give up food and since I have a deep and almost passionate connection to Mexican food in general, I don't see that happening any time soon. According to the BMI experts I should weigh about 129. Really? 129? I haven't seen that since high school and I think I am in pretty good shape (let's just say with age also comes failing eyesight and memory...now where was I?). I guess I could stand to lose a few pounds, in fact I am actively trying to do just that but 129? Ain't gonna happen sister.

I am thinking that "healthy" is more than just weight...

Have you ever tried yoga? I love yoga. I don't do it as often as I'd like but man I am pretty darn good at that downward dog! (at least that is what my wii fit tells me, I am a total yoga master!) Of course, child's pose is my favorite but you kinda have to earn that one with a good practice (that's like a workout for those of you non-practitioners). Yoga is pretty zen and you really have to connect to your body to get the benefits. There are poses for improving just about everything that ails ya...headaches, backaches, tension, you name it and there's probably a pose you can do that will make it better. I love yoga because it symbolizes slowing down and being present in the moment, being at one with yourself. I think that is essential to your overall health. Plus I just love the whole bohemian feel of being a yogi (ummm, not to be confused with sports great Berra, for anyone who knows me...). 

I think commitment plays a big part in health too. I mean I set a goal this year to run 500 miles. 500 miles in a year? What? I average about 5 a week right now...on a good week. I'd have to run 10 to get that goal. That's twice as much as I currently do (yep, the math skills are still pretty solid!)... What the heck was I thinking? I guess I got caught up in how cool my new ipod ap was and how it would track that goal for me and all. Plus another blog I follow was saying how important it was to set stretch goals for yourself. Well, 10 miles a week is probably more than a stretch for me. Now, don't get me wrong, I am committed to this goal. I just think stretching might be more around 6 or 7 miles a week...not 10. So with that in mind I am officially changing that goal to 300 miles. I think that is something I will have to work for but could still achieve. Plus I have to have time to do zumaba! I love zumba! It is an awesome workout and a lot of fun. I have 2 great instructors that offer a great mix in styles and music choices so I get a really great sweat-filled hour. And it just makes me happy. Isn't that the most important thing?

So, healthy...what does it mean to you? For me, it is the whole package. Mind, body, spirit. A balance of those things is what I am looking for. Don't get me wrong, I know that everything may not be equal at all times but trying to keep the pieces in perspective and balanced with each other is what I am shooting for.

What about you?

Stuff Happens

So sometimes things don't go as planned. Take this year for example. I was planning to refocus my priorities, rediscover my values, rededicate my commitment to my family, but then... I guess you could say life happened. My husband became seriously ill with a liver disorder (still waiting on an "official" diagnosis from a specialist) and life as we knew it abruptly changed. Don't get me wrong, all those things are still important to me. It's just that for the past month, just getting through the day became all I could manage. My commitment to my family though is stronger than ever. Guess it just takes a major life changing event to bring that commitment into focus.

I started this blog to chronicle my Happiness Project. Ironically my first happiness project mission was to discover my values and I was pretty focused on my first resolution of "Be Present". Seriously. How can I be anything but present right now? The first couple of weeks after hearing the news I was both numb and emotional. It was hard to get through the day without some sort of meltdown...tears, anger, frustration, depression...you name it and I probably felt it. My emotions were all over the place. Now, a few weeks later I have adjusted a bit to my new "normal" and spend more time reflecting on what it means to live in the moment. Just appreciate life as it comes. It's an interesting concept for me. You see, I am a planner. I love to plan. I plan to plan. Living in the moment, being "present", can be a bit of a challenge for a planner. I am confident I can be a planner and be present in the moment. Anything is possible right?

When I reflect on my original intent for this happiness project, back when the year was still fresh and new, barely existing, it was to find a way to slow the pace of my life down. To find the balance between work, home, commitments. If I could find a way to slow down and enjoy the moments I was living in maybe I would have more appreciation for the life I was given. Not that I don't appreciate everything I have been given because I do, I really do. I just think I had started to take it for granted. My kids are growing up, becoming less dependent on me in some ways and more dependent in others. I want them  to know they can count on me to always be there for them but to know that they can depend on themselves too. I want to be there, walking beside them, as they learn the self confidence that they will need to carry them forward in there lives. To do these things I know I must be present in the small, everyday moments not just the "big" ones. I think if I can really master this resolution my life will have more meaning both in the present, and in the future. (still a planner!)

I am going to go with that theory and spend some time reflecting on the possibilities. In a hot bath...yes, I think I am on the trail of my happy place. Peace out, as my lovely daughter says!