It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Partially because writing doesn’t come naturally for me, and partially because I just don’t know if people really care what I think. But I’ve realized that the internet is saturated with blogs, and people’s opinions or “expertise”, and we read it, and take what we want from it.
I have been on a fitness/lifestyle journey for the past few weeks for an upcoming event, that has me slightly out of my comfort zone and has inspired me to share some of the insights I have gained from it. For those of you who know me, I take pride in a lifestyle of balance and I firmly believe that this is important for overall wellbeing and happiness. As a wellness professional I used to think that I had to have very strict ideals that conformed with what we often see in social media, and also look a certain way. But over time, I have embodied and embraced my ideals and values and hope that my attitude and outlook on “living well” resonates with some and can inspire.
We all have special occasions or reasons for wanting to shed a couple of pounds or become stronger, leaner, maybe faster. Whether it’s a wedding, a holiday, a competition, or a birthday! During these times we may hit the gym more often or cut certain things out of our diet for a period of time. In my case, this special occasion is a trip back to Bermuda, and my first time in a Carnival costume (if you’re not sure what that is, it resembles a really flashy, tiny, bikini). So this is my motivation to feel my best and put a little extra love into my workouts and what I eat. Because of my “balanced” approach to life, I generally workout often, eat well, but also love to enjoy all sorts of food and good wine. So, knowing that we have this trip coming up, I thought I would put a little extra love into my workouts, and become more mindful of what I’m eating and drinking and when, making a few sacrifices throughout the journey to Carnival. It hasn’t been easy, and I have caved or indulged when I felt that was the better choice. At the end of the day, I want to live a healthy and happy life. Not a healthy life at the expense of my happiness. So here’s what I’ve learned:
1) DO FROM LOVE First and foremost, whatever transformation you are trying to achieve in your life, do it from a place of love, not hate. When you love yourself, and believe in yourself, that’s when the change comes from a healthy place. That’s when we create habits, and lifestyle changes that really last because we believe in them and we feel good. Rather than making choices based on how you want to look, think about how you want to feel and also consider how you feel in making those choices. I know in my heart that I have a good balance of physical activity and clean eating in my diet, but I also love to enjoy moments of culinary experiences and drinks with my friends. My body is a reflection of this and I am learning to love and accept it. I am healthy, I rarely get sick and my body is strong and functional.
2) BALANCE & BELIEVE What does balance mean to you? You have to believe in what you’re doing and in the decisions you are making. I love wine… According to Nathan, I consider wine a food group (Champagne too!). During this journey to Carnival, Nathan and I both had agreed to cut back on my recreational evening glass of wine (at least Monday-thursday). Guess what? It didn’t last (as I sit here on a Wednesday, writing this with a glass of wine). Truth is, I have been more mindful when I have a glass of wine; Do I really want it? Am I just bored? Or is it a social occasion I want to enjoy with a friend? Life is short, enjoy moments and believe in the choices you make on a day to day basis. Does your choice sit well with you? Or will you regret it later?
3) HAPPINESS Lastly, through embarking on this journey from a place of love, and believing in my choices, I am happy and feel good. Without being on a diet, or living in a way that goes against what I truly believe in, I feel AMAZING! I have cut sugar out of my coffee (firmly believing that sugar is a drug, I’m happy to cut back a little where I can. I still love a tasty dessert, but don’t need a spoonful of sugar in my coffee once a day cause I actually like the taste of it with a bit of milk and cinnamon). I am also trying different classes and cross training with new people and spending more time being active with friends and Nathan! I’m eating so many more veggies than I ever have. Its crazy but I love it and am soooooo regular for it (I could write a whole blog about my poos on this journey but I’ll spare you!). Everyday I take a small container of carrots, celery, or peppers with me and snack on that throughout the day. I always thought I was getting plenty of veggies before but packing this little container of raw veggies makes me feel so good and now I know I’m getting even more veggies on a daily basis. You can never eat too many.
Bottom line, be happy with the choices you are making and believe in what you’re doing. If you honestly think that you are getting enough exercise and activity into your daily/weekly routine, then you will be at peace with the choices you are making. If you think alcohol in moderation is good and enjoy the social aspect of it, then do what you do. Just make sure you are making the choices you are making from a place of love, not hate. “I hate my thighs so I’m not going to drink or eat any carbs” is not a healthy attitude. It’s like holding on to anger, you are only hurting yourself. Love yourself enough to make the right choices for you and that you can live with. LIVE LIFE
