Skating Uphill - June-2020
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“Summer 2020 may be different, but we can
make the best of it!” – The Uphill Skater
Summer 2020 may kick off with a bang, or with a fizzle, and it may continue locked down, or burst full bloom into the kind of summer we all know and love. This month may or may not tell the tale either. As you read this article, you may be thinking I am a forecasting genius, or I am just another nut case, who thinks she can predict the future. I do not know any more of this story than anyone else, and most likely, neither do you!
Regardless, June is a very special time of the year in our beloved Lowcountry, and I think with whatever happens and has already happened, we owe it to our best selves to enjoy this time whatever it brings. I have a couple shot-in-the-dark tips, since we have no certainty of next steps. Nonetheless, they may help.
I hope that the tourists who have flocked to our beautiful locale will continue to do so. We may not experience a banner tourist season, unfortunately, but hopefully there are people who feel safe to come to the beaches, hotels, and yes, even restaurants that have welcomed them in the past. Our beaches are still the best in the state, and our resorts cannot be beat anywhere in the world, and for just plain family fun, we are among the top rated locations anywhere. Just remember, the “beaches” at Disneyland have artificial waves! We have nature by the buckets full, and we not only appreciate it and love it ourselves, we are happy to share.
People will return, and why not? Can you still go on a dolphin cruise? Can you go deep sea fishing? Golf is more popular than ever! Tennis never stopped. What about a facial and a massage, as spas are reopened? How about taking a pizza to the beach? Wear a mask if you are not comfortable yet. Keep your distance, don’t crowd others, bike on the pathways but watch out for close encounters, and on and on. These little things honestly are not that hard. If following these simple rules can allow us to get a life back, then I think this is a no-brainier.
Somehow, this whole affair of COVID-19, or whatever you choose to name it, has become political. How could this have possibly happened? I simply cannot imagine. Reading conspiracy theories and being glued to 24/7 “news” seems to have become a national pastime. Stop it. There is a whole life waiting beyond the boob-tube and arguing with faux-friends on Facebook. Opening yourself up to so many opinions is maddening at best, and dangerous at its worst. Man oh man, even statistics can lie, as any statistician will tell you.
What are you doing and what have you done to be proactive in being your best self and having your best attitude. Are you adding harm or health to the situation? I give advice pretty freely sometimes, and this month is going to be no exception.
Inform yourself. Marvin Gay said, “Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.” It’s a good time to put that into practice, or at least balance the good with the bad. Do your best to form intelligent opinions based on what you can discern as actual fact. Don’t try to argue with someone who is totally set in their opinion. You will change no minds and may lose good friends—people have to process this in their own way, but don’t take it on as your way! Follow the rules. Protect yourself. protect those you love. Understand that others are trying to do the same thing. Keep yourself healthy. Get outside if you can safely. If not, let some fresh air into your home. Read up on what you need to know and make informed judgments about what is best for YOU and those you hold dear.
The last thing I am going to say is personal. Many people are hurting right now and not just with this virus. Drug addiction is still here. Cancer is taking the life of one of my dear friends as we speak. Drunk drivers are still a threat to all of us. You see what I mean. There have never been any guarantees for life. I plan to keep all of this in prayer. Many of those with no blame or guilt are suffering and have suffered. Please hold all of this on your heart, keep it all in your prayers and be kind. Love, Judith
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.