New chapter, New choices

So today was the last day of Sparkpeople. That's the healthy living lifestyle support site I've lived on since March of 2010. It's been a melancholy kind of day. I'm going to miss my daily check-in. I'm going to miss surprise "spark goodies" from my friends and blogs I've followed forever.  To be honest it's a bit anxiety inducing for it all to be gone. I'm a bit off kilter because of it.  

I know, I know. I'm 41. I'm emotional over a website. I have ways to connect to the wonderful people I met on Spark. All I've learned is not lost or forgotten. It's all going to be just fine. I just wish more people had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty that was the original Sparkpeople. 

But today marks a new chapter. I forge forward, looking for a new fitness "home." A place I like to log my activity and food. An accountability buddy if you will.   Maybe it's time for new approach anyway. As a homeschool parent I get to find new ways to enjoy health with my 13-year-old daughter, Miss B.  I'm exploring a side of me I didn't know existed, at least not like this.  Maybe this is my opportunity to take charge and teach Miss B about balance. After all health is still 3 fold, mind, body, and spirit. Maybe my mind and spirit need the change. 

Create Yourself (7/11/2012)

Originally posted July 11, 2012

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We are clay. We tend to mold the clay to reflect our inner selves. As the artist you have the power to sculpt your self to fit your desires, your ideal of beauty (notice I said YOUR ideal) both inside and out.

Each time you lift a weight, go for a walk/run, swim, or hit your Yoga/Pilates mat you are creating the individual you want to be.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself." ~~ George Bernard Shaw

And you are a work of art.

Life as a House (8/05/2011)

Originally published August 5, 2011

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You go and find an incredible house or apartment. You pay your monthly mortgage or rent. You love this space so you go shopping for it. You pay attention to every detail. The furniture is hand-selected, the paint swatches are painfully chosen, the window treatments agonized over. You have each accent and accessory in the spot most pleasing to the eye. You maintain this house by keeping up the painting, you wash the walls every 6 months, you dust the furniture to a fine polish, you clean the carpets, wax any hard floors. You keep it pristine because this is your living space. a source of pride and joy.

Perhaps your pride and joy is your car. You keep the wheels balanced, you change the oil regularly, and check all of its fluids. The car is washed and waxed until it sparkles in the sunlight. The interior is painfully clean. Should anyone think of dropping crumbs on the upholstery you go bananas because this is your car. Your source of pride.

You live in your body. It is your vehicle. It's with you where ever you go. If you do all of these things for inanimate objects why would you not do it for your living breathing temple? Why would you not eat foods and drink fluids that keep your body clean and running in top condition much like changing a car's oil. Why would you not exercise? It's choosing the way you look, much like you went out and chose each piece in your house. If you pay this much attention to your physical surroundings, care this much for things you own, why not pay this same amount of attention to yourself?

I know I know you are not a car and you are not a house, but you still need to be maintained. If you let you home or car fall into disrepair what do you think will happen? The car stops running and the roof caves in on the house due to neglect. Would you let this happen if it was within your power to stop it? Of course not.

So why would you neglect your body if you wouldn't neglect your house or car -- two things I might remind you you can always find time to attend to. Remember your body is your temple. your home and your vehicle. Get up get moving and don't let it fall into disrepair.

Firefly (6/18/2011)

 Originally published June 18, 2011

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Two little creatures speak to me and on a psychological basis. The firefly and the butterfly.

Butterflies remind me of delicate strength and of course, they are the symbol of metamorphosis -- A sign of the goddess Psyche. The butterfly has the strength to fly half the world but can so easily be crushed. Remind you of yourself? You have the strength to mold yourself into whatever you choose, but a snarky comment can crush fragile confidence.

The Firefly is the guide in the dark. A sign you are never alone. They bring hope, remind us to be patient, and deliver inspiration. They are a Spark in the night.

Tonight I took my little girl outside to catch and release fireflies. She was amazed by their little lights. It was almost as fascinating to her as watching butterflies and birds. She's a nature lover and she reminds me all the time that nature can give us the inspiration to be all we can be.

If a butterfly can fly half a world away then I can exercise in my own backyard. If a firefly can light up the night one tiny spark at a time then I can let my light shine for all the world to see.Photo Credit: Artie Navarre