Skating Uphill - March 2023
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“‘Reorganize Your Pantry!’
said every women’s magazine in the world.”
– The Uphill Skater –
I subscribe to at least four women’s monthly magazines and read them cover to cover. I am always looking for new stuff, and my magazines are fabulous resources. My husband is not on the same page, but he knows to expect the unexpected when it comes to what’s in the fridge on grocery shopping day, and he has come to expect dinner may or may not be something familiar to him. Another thing he is no longer surprised by: New decorative pillows as a regular occurrence, all thanks to the suggestions of my favorite magazines!
In spite of my affection for my subscriptions, if I read one more article about how disorganized I am, I think I will set a magazine bonfire alight and dance around it singing the “Leave Me Alone” song!” (Pink is not included.)
I have already gone through my pantry numerous times and all outdated items have been tossed. I have also culled the clothes from my closet if they haven’t been worn in two seasons. I have started keeping a weekly calendar and actually write stuff down. I have made vast improvements on the organization front. I comprehend that decluttering and organizing is good for your psyche and well-being. It helps save time and money. It brings peace and gives your chi space to breathe. And, I believe all this; I’ve experienced it. However, hardly any organization article encourages us to to organize ourselves on the inside. That’s right; what about organizing YOU! Let’s take a good hard look at ourselves and make some organizational changes.
First, I always look at my food versus weight dilemma. I have been worried about the same 15 pounds for years. I’ve lost and gained them numerous times, sometime it is less than 15, sometimes more. But I’ve never come up with a permanent solution, have you? Perhaps accept our weight as is. If not, maybe join a group, or participate in a plan like Noom. Just make some kind of decision, and stick to it. This is really not so hard. It is a matter of acceptance. Be happy with yourself to avoid miserably letting yourself down most of the time because you don’t even know if you’re in or out.
It’s more complicated than a quick decision, but simply getting real with yourself can reveal some wonderful aha moments. Look at yourself in the mirror in a new light. Don’t look at the wrinkles, instead see the spark in your eyes. Adore your fabulous cheek bones, ignore the crows feet, find your inner beauty, and appreciate it. Seriously, what you see in the mirror is a reflection of your thoughts, so change your thoughts!
Now look in your closet, but not from the perspective of old things, new things, or even what is in style at the moment. Try a totally different approach. Look for colors that look good on you. Keep those pieces whether they are old or new. Keep what fits you well. Keep what is comfortable. Keep what you like. Find your new personal style right in your own closet. (Note: We all have garments we should never put on our bodies again. Say goodbye to those; you deserve better!)
Now scan your house the same way. Don’t try to look like HGTV, go for your style, a look that reflects who you are. Are your colors ones you like? Does your furniture arrangement suit how you spend your evenings? Are you attached to that old throw rug? In other words, do just the opposite of a reorganization. Do a re-think and find your soul alive and well in your home.
Spring arrives later this month and the camellias, azaleas, and redbud trees are basking in loveliness. Believe me, these beautiful flowers don’t care what you think about them. They are here to bloom in full color with all their might. Why don’t we all do that? Just bloom, find our loveliness, and be happy!
Visit www.skatinguphill.com blog for new recipes, daily thoughts and décor ideas. Also find reprints of Pink articles and shared comments. Blogging is fun and easy.
Judith Lawrenson is a former Hilton Head Island resident who has a huge heart and is loved by all who meet her. She has served and volunteered with numerous charitable organizations while living in the Lowcontry making an impact wherever she went. She and her husband recently moved to the wild hills of West Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. Judith is an avid sailor, a retired reading resource specialist, and a children's TV host whose local show originated from the Boys and Girls' Club. Judith is also a long-time seeker of healthy, happy living and a lifestyle dedicated to service to others, balanced with love of God and love of self. Check out her blog www.skatinguphill.com for fun info, recipes and nutrition ideas, current updates on nearly everything in the world, and lots of comments and opinions.
Though I do tons of research, and have done so for many years, I am not a doctor and I share only my opinions. I enjoy research and subscribe to several magazines and publications and read up on all new trends. I hope you do, too!