I'm taking one of our group member's advice about blogging/journaling "in the moment." We all talk about how it is always important to stop and be grateful for what life has to offer. I've spent the last year experiencing more moments than I wished to have where I sometimes forgot those important things.
This week I was reminded of focusing on my gratitude. I've been feeling very energized and blessed.... physically, mentally, and emotionally. Although I continue to face challenges with balancing exercise and healthy eating with the rest of my life commitments, I have really started to feel the effects of what healthy living and thinking really are about. It feels like positivity has become second nature and part of the real me... not something I just need to keep in mind. Our research has focused on the mental aspects of a healthy lifestyle, and there seems to be a cyclical effect to a healthy mind and healthy body. To get the mind healthy.... the body must be healthy. To keep the body healthy, the mind must be healthy. It seems one cannot exist without the other.
I'm writing this while in the moment of sheer peacefulness. Today at work, the morning has been chaotic, but there is just something bigger than me keeping my feet and my mind planted firmly, and I know this is the feeling of pure contentment. I'm still beaming with pride after watching my son play his first tee ball game; I stopped to reflect on his life so far, and am proud of the wonderful child he is growing up to be. I am still reflecting on the love I gave to my daughter yesterday when I realized that she is becoming more cognizant of the reality of her father's and my divorce... although I cannot take away her pain, I can be my best, and do my best to help lift her up and be her best; she showered me with kisses today when we parted, just as I always do with her. What a blessing! And lastly, I have taken moments of gratitude for the many friendships I have been blessed with, some old, some new, and this week I reconnected with another friend after over 15 years. Having positive people and support in my life and having the courage to distance myself from those less positive people has really started to show its effects, and this is a wonderful feeling worth embracing AND sharing.
One last Healthy Mind/Healthy Body note... looking forward to my first 8k trail run this weekend, and more training with my girl.... 44 days to our half marathon, and I can honestly say I can't wait!
mrv :)
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Q's cold-fighting woo-POW! Chunky Chicken and Vegetable Soup!
I mastered my own version of Chicken Soup! I was so excited by how well this turned out I had to share the recipe. I hope anyone who tries this will like it! =)
Q’s Cold-fighting Woo-POW! Chunky Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Serves: 5-6 (or 2-3 very hungry people!)
This is my first variation in making my own chicken soup and adding ingredients that help fight a cold/flu. Make sure to use low-sodium broth (or make your own broth!). I made it for my fiancé while he was sick and it seemed like it helped him recover well. Active fighting ingredients from my research are the chicken broth, chicken, ginger, garlic, parsley, and kale (I cross-referenced a lot of websites!) Other great ingredients for variations could include spinach, spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper or chilies, red bell pepper, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and barley. =) A great healthy dish as well. Take that evil bacteria!!
(I could have taken a better picture but these were my leftovers!)
Ingredients:
3 chicken breasts (without skin)
2 quarts Chicken broth (more or less depending on how much soup you want!)
2 cups water (more or less depending on your preference)
2 cups baby peeled carrots – diagonally sliced
½ large yellow onion - sliced
2 ½ cups chopped celery
½ turnip – cubed
5-8 slices of ginger (a lot of ginger if you’re sick!)
6-8 cloves of sliced garlic (more or less depending on your preference)
½ a bunch of kale (more or less depending on your preference)
¼ cup of either fresh chopped parsley or 1 tbsp of dry parsley
Kosher salt or salt-free seasoning to taste
Pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large stockpot (at least a 6 quart pot or larger depending on how much soup you’d like to cook), heat chicken breasts in chicken broth and water to a simmer or slightly boiling (low to low-medium heat) for 25 minutes (or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken to cool and cut into pieces. Add carrots, onion, celery, turnips and garlic. Continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes (or more depending on how soft you want your veggies to be). After, add chicken back into pot and add ginger, parsley, salt and pepper. If it looks like the broth has reduced, you can add more water or chicken broth. After 2-3 minutes, add kale. Let it continue to simmer on low for about 5 minutes or until kale is cooked through.
Monday, March 19, 2012
My Ever Graceful Inner Goddess
My inner goddess took a "nose dive" on me this weekend...I felt completely and utterly defeated, to the point where I almost threw my hands up and said "I'm done!" I'm not sure what the 'being done' with part would be, but I'm glad I didn't get that far in my thought.
I had a feeling coming on well before my weekend started that something was "up" with me, but with so much going on right now, I really couldn't pinpoint it! My over controlling personality was frustrated with that to say the least! Always wanting to be one step ahead of myself ready to deal with whatever may be waiting ahead...nope, I oh so ungracefully walked smack dab into a proverbial emotional 'brick wall'! As I was trying to get myself back up, dust myself off, and tend to my bruised parts I realized that all I thought I had dealt with wasn't.
Dealing with all that once more to truly rid myself of the baggage was frightening to me. It's all stuff that I felt I had addressed and was done with. But I realized that putting in a box and away in the "junk closet/drawer" never to be open or seen again, isn't dealing with IT! It's just there looming and waiting to be handled (hopefully before the door busts open off its hinges). Facing and dealing with emotions fully and entirely is hard but not as hard as we make it to be. One of my favorite authors (Geneen Roth) addresses this point. Facing and dealing with our emotions completely is far more satisfying then only partially doing so and never really letting them go, carrying them with us holds us down/back for what we are really capable of doing with our lives. I'm tired of being held back...told I can't do something when I know damn well that I can and will.
So on Sunday when I realized what I needed to do I literally shivered and pulled my covers over my head. I feared that facing those that I hadn't would 'suck' me back into that person that I was then...timid, self conscious, false confidence, etc. I've come so far and don't want to go back to being that person. But when I finally got up and walked passed my mirror, I stopped and looked. I finally was able to see my new body...the smaller me, the soon to be me that I've longed and worked so long to be. I knew at that point, that to get through this last push of loss I needed to work on my internal to match my external. I still feel a bit of tightness in my chest in thinking about what I'm taking on...but it's more than a want, it's a need! I've gone through SO much more and worse to this point that I've survived...I know I've got to making it out to be worse in my head then it actually will be.
That all being said...I can start to see the glimmer of light at the end of my tunnel. Yesterday, I took my first step in finally and fully clearing out my "emotional junk closet" and the man who matters most in my life was patient and open with me in my lingering self conscious reservations that I had--mostly self inflicted. But I needed full on raw honesty from him and I gave that back to him in return; allowing to ask any questions/concerns he had of me...not skimming the surface of our pasts where we had questions but really being honest about what happened. I immediately felt liberated of a part of my closet crap when we were done. And I felt it not after my questions to him were answered but after his questions of me were answered. I realized that it wasn't just a need I had lingering but he did too. Where my heart previously felt frigidly cold, he warmed it through from its core.
So, to wrap this all up (in a much prettier package than what it was for me) don't discount your past and just chalk it up to "it's in the past"...sometimes some of us really haven't dealt with it in its entirety and need to in order to move on with our lives. For those who struggle with weight, this may be the key to finding your success. The losing weight part is easy and quite scientific in reality. But we hold ourselves back from the success by not dealing with our baggage. I'm tired of dragging and want to run free! And with that, my inner goddess is back on her feet warming up with her usual sassy stretching routine--ready and raring to go!
-arh
I had a feeling coming on well before my weekend started that something was "up" with me, but with so much going on right now, I really couldn't pinpoint it! My over controlling personality was frustrated with that to say the least! Always wanting to be one step ahead of myself ready to deal with whatever may be waiting ahead...nope, I oh so ungracefully walked smack dab into a proverbial emotional 'brick wall'! As I was trying to get myself back up, dust myself off, and tend to my bruised parts I realized that all I thought I had dealt with wasn't.
Dealing with all that once more to truly rid myself of the baggage was frightening to me. It's all stuff that I felt I had addressed and was done with. But I realized that putting in a box and away in the "junk closet/drawer" never to be open or seen again, isn't dealing with IT! It's just there looming and waiting to be handled (hopefully before the door busts open off its hinges). Facing and dealing with emotions fully and entirely is hard but not as hard as we make it to be. One of my favorite authors (Geneen Roth) addresses this point. Facing and dealing with our emotions completely is far more satisfying then only partially doing so and never really letting them go, carrying them with us holds us down/back for what we are really capable of doing with our lives. I'm tired of being held back...told I can't do something when I know damn well that I can and will.
So on Sunday when I realized what I needed to do I literally shivered and pulled my covers over my head. I feared that facing those that I hadn't would 'suck' me back into that person that I was then...timid, self conscious, false confidence, etc. I've come so far and don't want to go back to being that person. But when I finally got up and walked passed my mirror, I stopped and looked. I finally was able to see my new body...the smaller me, the soon to be me that I've longed and worked so long to be. I knew at that point, that to get through this last push of loss I needed to work on my internal to match my external. I still feel a bit of tightness in my chest in thinking about what I'm taking on...but it's more than a want, it's a need! I've gone through SO much more and worse to this point that I've survived...I know I've got to making it out to be worse in my head then it actually will be.
That all being said...I can start to see the glimmer of light at the end of my tunnel. Yesterday, I took my first step in finally and fully clearing out my "emotional junk closet" and the man who matters most in my life was patient and open with me in my lingering self conscious reservations that I had--mostly self inflicted. But I needed full on raw honesty from him and I gave that back to him in return; allowing to ask any questions/concerns he had of me...not skimming the surface of our pasts where we had questions but really being honest about what happened. I immediately felt liberated of a part of my closet crap when we were done. And I felt it not after my questions to him were answered but after his questions of me were answered. I realized that it wasn't just a need I had lingering but he did too. Where my heart previously felt frigidly cold, he warmed it through from its core.
So, to wrap this all up (in a much prettier package than what it was for me) don't discount your past and just chalk it up to "it's in the past"...sometimes some of us really haven't dealt with it in its entirety and need to in order to move on with our lives. For those who struggle with weight, this may be the key to finding your success. The losing weight part is easy and quite scientific in reality. But we hold ourselves back from the success by not dealing with our baggage. I'm tired of dragging and want to run free! And with that, my inner goddess is back on her feet warming up with her usual sassy stretching routine--ready and raring to go!
-arh
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
KO'ing the Assumptions
I'm in the progress of breaking an old habit of making assumptions of what others are thinking about me. It's held me back from too long and I have only myself to blame. One may be quick to judge this comment that i've just made but take a second and think about the situations/interactions you have in your life...you may surprise yourself to find that you do this as well.
It's not just about what other physically see me as but how they judge me based on my actions, character, needs, etc. Think about your relationship with your partner (or friends, well if they are great girlfriends like mine, they kinda can read my mind, often before I have--so maybe a family member instead) now how often do you find yourself getting frustrated by something they have/not done. Did you actually clearly commincate to them what your needs were? Did they properly comprehend what you communicated to them? If not...guilty (just like me). How about a trip to the gym (or outside, it's raining for me today so it's the gym today)...have you gone and thought more about what the other people around you are doing/thinking then what you are? Again, guilty. Being guilty isn't what you should be focusing on now, your eyes are open and your mind is aware now--act on it! Be conscious of these thoughts. When you have them do your best to Knock them Out! It's not healthy!
This is my focus for the next month. Keep my thoughts positive and about/of me! Assuming what other's are thinking is of no benefit to anyone! You'd be surprised what other's may be thinking when they are looking at you. I've started boxing recently and when people walk up/by me they actually compliment me on my training, not critize me or think 'what's with the "big girl" trying to box?' Quite the contrary, I have had (recently) a few men compliment me on my right hook--THANK YOU!!! LOL
If you are going to assume other's thoughts, at least make them positive. But even better, stop the assuming period. In relationships we/I often get caught up by assuming my partner (I don't do this anymore) thinks I'm fat or unattractive when in reality they think I'm hot! Think of it like the movie Shallow Hal...sounds kind of bad, but think about it, Jack Black's character see's this hot chick whom he falls head over heels for when in reality she is overweight. If the person really loves you, you physical appearance isn't in their forefront. If you don't like your physical appearance, then do something about it for you. Again keeping it positive--instead of "lose weight" how about "tone up"? I said that from the get go...I knew that there was muscle somewhere under all this fluff and now I'm starting to see it! I hadn't felt my ribcage when taking a deep breath in for A LONG time (even laying down, sad I know) but now, just standing up and breathing normally I see my figure!
Stop the negative thought, get out of your own way so you can achieve the goals you want to achieve! It's like that song....accencuate the positive, eliminate the negative!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc5-bP-QGSI
-arh
It's not just about what other physically see me as but how they judge me based on my actions, character, needs, etc. Think about your relationship with your partner (or friends, well if they are great girlfriends like mine, they kinda can read my mind, often before I have--so maybe a family member instead) now how often do you find yourself getting frustrated by something they have/not done. Did you actually clearly commincate to them what your needs were? Did they properly comprehend what you communicated to them? If not...guilty (just like me). How about a trip to the gym (or outside, it's raining for me today so it's the gym today)...have you gone and thought more about what the other people around you are doing/thinking then what you are? Again, guilty. Being guilty isn't what you should be focusing on now, your eyes are open and your mind is aware now--act on it! Be conscious of these thoughts. When you have them do your best to Knock them Out! It's not healthy!
This is my focus for the next month. Keep my thoughts positive and about/of me! Assuming what other's are thinking is of no benefit to anyone! You'd be surprised what other's may be thinking when they are looking at you. I've started boxing recently and when people walk up/by me they actually compliment me on my training, not critize me or think 'what's with the "big girl" trying to box?' Quite the contrary, I have had (recently) a few men compliment me on my right hook--THANK YOU!!! LOL
If you are going to assume other's thoughts, at least make them positive. But even better, stop the assuming period. In relationships we/I often get caught up by assuming my partner (I don't do this anymore) thinks I'm fat or unattractive when in reality they think I'm hot! Think of it like the movie Shallow Hal...sounds kind of bad, but think about it, Jack Black's character see's this hot chick whom he falls head over heels for when in reality she is overweight. If the person really loves you, you physical appearance isn't in their forefront. If you don't like your physical appearance, then do something about it for you. Again keeping it positive--instead of "lose weight" how about "tone up"? I said that from the get go...I knew that there was muscle somewhere under all this fluff and now I'm starting to see it! I hadn't felt my ribcage when taking a deep breath in for A LONG time (even laying down, sad I know) but now, just standing up and breathing normally I see my figure!
Stop the negative thought, get out of your own way so you can achieve the goals you want to achieve! It's like that song....accencuate the positive, eliminate the negative!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc5-bP-QGSI
-arh
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
I'm Back!
Last week gave me a real taste of reality... new school module and rainy weather. Not to mention the normal routines of work, kids, home, sleep... and oh wait, still working on new healthy eating and exercising habits, and training for my race in May. WHEW! Needless to say, I was not able to get in even one good run last week, and was introduced to some new workouts (Insanity anyone? ugh!) and new insight.
Yesterday I was all set to run after work... couldn't wait to leave because my legs just wanted to hit the pavement. Got to my destination, rushing because the sun was setting soon, and WHAM! Hello windy wind... FAIL. I can run in wind, but this was ridiculous. I lost my mojo, and went home in a slump.... as Dr. Seuss says in Oh the Places You'll Go!, "un-slumping yourself isn't much fun." I went home, lost total focus, made a sandwich, and then went to Sports Authority to shop for a shirt for an upcoming 5K this weekend. I just needed to get out, and clear my head... life caught up to me in that first gust of wind. I realized later last night that I was in a transition from having a great weekend with my kids to going back to being home alone. Reality... she really can sneak up when you're not paying attention. So I gave in to my slump.... did some de-cluttering in silence, and didn't try to focus on one thing. I am officially a week behind on reading for school, but will make up for that quickly. I was grateful for my CI conference call with a great group of ladies... I felt comforted in just sitting back and listening to their stories and understanding that I am not alone, and reminding myself that I don't always have to say something, or have to have something to say; that sometimes the best thing I can do for myself is Just BE. I forgave myself of what felt like a workout fail, and went to bed.
TODAY.... alarm (2 alarms actually) went off, and I was out of bed. I didn't jump out, but I got out, and got to it. Washed my face, brushed my teeth and hair, threw on my workout clothes... and I could hear the wind outside. GRRRR! Nope, gotta do it (at least that's what I was telling myself). Then the light bulb went off... treadmill at work, woo hoo! So I hurried some more... made my lunch (tuna w/tomatoes/cucumber on salad greens, yogurt/berries for a snack, and baby carrots/cauliflower for another snack, oh and an apple and a banana. Don't forget the coffee and 2 huge bottles of water!) Grabbed my stuff and shot out the door... YES! 25 minutes on the treadmill with hill intervals, and a 15-minute core workout w/my Nike Fit Club app, and I'm back on track again. Nothing like reality hitting me, and me hitting back with a little "YES I CAN!"
mc/mv
Yesterday I was all set to run after work... couldn't wait to leave because my legs just wanted to hit the pavement. Got to my destination, rushing because the sun was setting soon, and WHAM! Hello windy wind... FAIL. I can run in wind, but this was ridiculous. I lost my mojo, and went home in a slump.... as Dr. Seuss says in Oh the Places You'll Go!, "un-slumping yourself isn't much fun." I went home, lost total focus, made a sandwich, and then went to Sports Authority to shop for a shirt for an upcoming 5K this weekend. I just needed to get out, and clear my head... life caught up to me in that first gust of wind. I realized later last night that I was in a transition from having a great weekend with my kids to going back to being home alone. Reality... she really can sneak up when you're not paying attention. So I gave in to my slump.... did some de-cluttering in silence, and didn't try to focus on one thing. I am officially a week behind on reading for school, but will make up for that quickly. I was grateful for my CI conference call with a great group of ladies... I felt comforted in just sitting back and listening to their stories and understanding that I am not alone, and reminding myself that I don't always have to say something, or have to have something to say; that sometimes the best thing I can do for myself is Just BE. I forgave myself of what felt like a workout fail, and went to bed.
TODAY.... alarm (2 alarms actually) went off, and I was out of bed. I didn't jump out, but I got out, and got to it. Washed my face, brushed my teeth and hair, threw on my workout clothes... and I could hear the wind outside. GRRRR! Nope, gotta do it (at least that's what I was telling myself). Then the light bulb went off... treadmill at work, woo hoo! So I hurried some more... made my lunch (tuna w/tomatoes/cucumber on salad greens, yogurt/berries for a snack, and baby carrots/cauliflower for another snack, oh and an apple and a banana. Don't forget the coffee and 2 huge bottles of water!) Grabbed my stuff and shot out the door... YES! 25 minutes on the treadmill with hill intervals, and a 15-minute core workout w/my Nike Fit Club app, and I'm back on track again. Nothing like reality hitting me, and me hitting back with a little "YES I CAN!"
mc/mv
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