Keep On Trying

         

     I always say, healthy is not about the weight.  I truly feel the scale is the worst indicator of how fit a person really is. It's about feeling healthy.  It's about moving and trying. You need to be fit enough to walk a little bit or to be able to  tie your own shoes.
     You do make one healthy choice at a time, no one expects you to be perfect every day, every minute.  It is only expected that you try your best. You can choose to park in the top lot, the farthest parking space and walk into work a greater distance. You can park in the back of the store lot and walk a little further to the door. You can choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator. You can choose the side salad instead of the French Fries.  The decision is always yours.
       I was looking at the sayings that are posted in the picture attached to the blog.  I tried filling in the blanks. I'm happiest when I am running.  I'm happiest when I am with my wife, enjoying our life together.  Missteps are okay, because I'm not perfect.  It is about finding what works for you.  If walking  a block or two works for you, do it.  If stretching a little bit in the morning or riding the bike a little bit after dinner is your thing, that is fine.  If you like to swim, join a Y and swim a few laps during the week. Do what makes you happy, but ...just do it.

Here's To Healthy ...

Age Gracefully

     As I grow older, I realize how important remaining active is.  Exercise, taking small or large trips, hanging out with family and friends--all play a big role in how well we can live out our golden years.  As I mentioned before, you have to exercise your  mind too.  Read a book, read the newspaper, work some puzzles, take a class--any of these things can contribute to your cognitive well-being.
     Things happen in life that may make aging complex.  Health issues, divorce, financial woes, family problems all contribute to life becoming difficult.  How you face your problems, your attitude,your drive and your support system,  are all part of the battle to conquer those problems and live well.  Life keeps moving, you have to move with it.
     You really do need to keep moving.  A walk, a bike ride, some stretching, or just kicking some water on the beach are all positive steps toward aging gracefully.  Of course, you may need to take some ibuprofen for inflammation, that is natural.  Joints age, muscles ache and that is just a part of growing old.  Keep walking, keep laughing and keep being social.  You will age better for it, I promise.

Don't stop playing.

Take Your Brain For A Walk

     A little different twist this morning.  I like to help people believe that no matter what they do, it's better than doing nothing.  That is the truth.  Even if you walk a block, it's one block closer to feeling better.
     However, I do believe we need to stay mentally sharp too.  Night after night, TV bombards us with reality shows that just seem to be nothing but drama and problems.  We mindlessly watch one show after another, hoping to escape the day to day stresses that occur in our lives.  This is fine sometimes.
     My wife will tell you that I don't really watch much TV.  I play You Tube videos on various subjects in the universe, from GMOs to Physics to Music.  I try to learn Spanish or listen to debates on various topics.  Health and Wellness are my favorite videos, but I like to diversify.  When I really want to exercise my brain, I go out to Lumosity and try my skills at their site.  Now, I'm not saying to give TV up at all.  We love the Big Bang Theory, we watch Modern Family, we watch Jeopardy and try to answer what questions we can.  For fun we watch the Food Network, we like Chopped and the show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.  Watch what you like.  Just don't forget, to exercise your mind a little.  Keeping it sharp may help to delay or deter the onset of dementia.  Or just help you remember where you parked your car.

Keep your body and your mind sharp.