Skating Uphill - November 2024
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“I love to party and put it all out there.
All, that is, except impropriety, calories, drinking and
….oh dear, I think I’ve lost my party vibe!”
— The Uphill Skater —
From my 20s to now, I have gone from being the life of the party to not so much. I used to be a good dancer, a big drinker, and a regular bystander at any hors d’oeuvre table. No one loved a party more than me. Of course, at that time, I was also overweight, unhealthy, and once in a while, had to have someone drive me home. I was a real good time girl, who pretty much regretted my over-indulgences the next morning.
One night, I got disgusted with my party girl persona and decided that wasn’t who I really was. I had a huge transformation moment and did a total reversal. For a start, I completely stopped drinking. As it turned out, that was a pretty good move, as my card game got way better, I remembered who I saw at events, including what we talked about, I didn’t wake up with headaches or bloat, and whoa, I lost 55 pounds in just under a year. I still had a good time, too. Who knew?
However, in finding my new way to party, I had to watch being too much of a Goody Two-shoes. It became easy for me to see who was doing what, because I wasn’t doing it anymore. I never missed a chance to say things like, “You are not really going to eat ALL of that are you?” My classic line as a completely sober party goer was usually: “Don’t you think you have had enough?”
Neither of these are good tactics in winning friends and influencing people, nor are they a good way to stay on the invitation list or have anyone sit by you.
So, now comes the advice column punchline: The holidays are the perfect time to gather with those you like, love, and enjoy being around. Whether you’re attending a party, throwing a party, or going out with a group, the key is to have a great time. The holidays are a time to say yes! Go to everything you’re invited to, if possible, especially if it will add to your holiday cheer.
I always recommend having a party. Pink offers fabulous party recipes and table design ideas to make things easy. And there are many ways to maximize any budget—big or small. If you’re looking to entertain but not break the bank, consider having a potluck or a build your own tacos evening. Have a blind wine tasting and ask each guest to bring a wine in a brown paper bag and see which one wins. Have a game night, asking each guest to bring a party game. With a little thought, there are so many ways to just chill—and laugh—with people you enjoy and want to connect with during the holidays.
The theme of this month is Eat, Drink, and Let’s Party. Can you remember the most fun and memorable parties you’ve attended? What made them extra special to you? What did you enjoy the most? Chances are you don’t remember the food, what people wore, or anything about the decorations. Your memories are most likely of the people with whom you connected, and that’s what the holidays are all about.
I love Diana Ross’ song, which encourages us to reach out and touch somebody’s hand, to make this world a better place, if we can. So, let’s all try to do this. If you have a party, consider asking each guest to bring a pantry food item, a new unwrapped toy, a gently used winter coat, a pack of diapers, making it the most wonderful time of the year for all.
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!