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?