Mind, Body, and Spirit

In an attempt to rid myself of stress and toxins, I'm trying something different and novel... walking! I've been doing it for 30-some-odd years but I'm taking it to the next level. After a friend was a lay off casualty, she poked me to go for a walk with her one day and we have been hooked and adventurous ever since. It started with a 2 mile walk up and back our main road and quickly branched off to incorporating errands and side neighborhoods and once led us to a 7.4 mile excursion as we tried new roads and twists. It started in cold and blistering weather but has since progressed into cold but sunny Spring. It hasn't been long, but when we can't go for our morning walks, we feel it - in our minds, bodies, and spirits. We talk, pant, moan, and most importantly, laugh the majority of the time - it has been super cathartic. One morning she couldn't walk with me and so I self motivated and popped my 'energy' playlist through my earbuds and was off. I later confessed to her that it wasn't relaxing because I had too much time to think - not really the most effective tool toward releasing the stresses of life.
This whole movement was brought on by my desire to live a healthier life. Too many people around me have died way too young in the past few years and I think it's important to stop and take inventory of your own life sometimes. Don't just live but live a life worth living. I want to be a better mom - wife - friend - self. For a while I thought that meant doing every thing that any one asked me to do... that didn't do it. Then I moved on to saying no when I didn't feel like something was necessary to do... that didn't work either. I've come to the conclusion that if I'm looking for fulfillment through external acknowledgement, it won't happen. I don't want to look back from the late end of 60 or the early end of 70 and realize that I spent a lot of time making excuses and complaining about how others treated me - I also don't want to spread that negativity to everyone around me - anyone who will listen. I don't know which is more contagious and infectious - the flu or negativity... Walking has given me a new focus on health - physically and mentally - and I'm so invigorated to take it to the next level. I'm doing my first 10k (even though I'm power walking it - it's still counts :) this Saturday - I know it wouldn't seem like much to the avid runner, but it's a big deal to this agoraphobic who psychs herself out toward complacency. I also signed up for a few others as well - I think I'm just as excited about the atmosphere as I am the races themselves!
The walking is for the body; the conquering of the crowd and a new experience, the mind; and the fact that I'll be stepping outside myself and focusing on the Massey Cancer center, the spirit.
Next stop... jogging :)

History

I am filled with all sorts of emotions today. For one, it's a historical day and a changing one. Some think the change is a negative and some see it as a revelation. I see this change as positive for no other reason than the other way wasn't working (to put it bluntly). Meaning - resources, the economy, the environment, etc. It's interesting to me that so many want to condemn President Obama before he's even taken office but put the former president on a pedestal even though we've seen 8 years of his work. I'm not even someone who was an activist either way in this election - however, I am ready for some positives. Whether it be positives in the statements that I hear around me or actions by political leaders. Today was a day of mixed signals for me and I've got to say it has definitely gotten to me at the core. I tried to feel promise and hope for tomorrow as the day progressed but it's been sullied by forwarded emails of negativity and facebook posts with slanderous messages - what is really the point of spreading the negativity? I can absolutely concede that there are several differing viewpoints on the state of our country and the future of our country - but how about making some statements in the affirmative for a change or keeping your opinion between close friends if it's a negative. We have enough gray in our lives right now with people losing their jobs, unaffordable health care, and oh yeah - a war! Let's try to lift each other and not knock each other down - including our new president. I was moved by his address today and it definitely gave me a glimmer of hope. My first wish is that this war is ended and the soldiers who still have their lives are able to return to their families - I wish this above the security of my finances or the security of my husband's job is total honesty. It makes me sick to my stomach that my son (who turns 7 in April) has never seen a day where our country is at peace in his lifetime - the September 11th attacks happened 3 days after I found out I was pregnant.

Lastly, Freedom of Religion is a freedom that we have in this country. Some may not agree with the religious choices made by their neighbor - but why does that neighbor have to be persecuted for their beliefs? My husband, son, and I pray each and every day (multiple times a day most days) and thank God for watching after us that day. Our prayers are very personal, private and very heartfelt - we teach our son to be grateful for every fiber of what makes us strong (physically and mentally) and we take no blessing for granted. I hear people say that this country has turned it's back on God. I'm not a debater because I get extremely worked up when I feel strongly about something - this is one of those topics. I am an American and I believe in God. I couldn't (or wouldn't) begin to quote the bible or damn anyone who disagreed with my viewpoint. I believe that people who truly feel as though we are a Godless nation should stop spreading negativity and judgement and begin to embrace positivity if they want to influence someone.

Now I'm off of my soapbox and I feel a little better.

God Bless America and Barack Obama