Skating Uphill - August 2024
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“I love the power of women working in common.
Girl groups have so much strength to share among
themselves and with others, as well!”
— The Uphill Skater —
I usually write about lifestyle and/or good health, and this month I get to combine both! As we look at our theme this month, Join the Club, I am going to use the term "club" very casually.
All of us girls have at some time been part of a club, small group or clique. Some have been for better, while others for worse, and many of these groups that started out informally have lasted for years. In fact, I know of several friend groups who have been together since grade school. My family moved a lot when I was young, so I do not have old friends, nor do I have a big family. But allow me to share what I do have right now, which works wonders for me.
Every Monday morning I go out for coffee with a group of very close girlfriends. Our oldest "girlfriend" is 83, and the youngest is 65. We have many things in common that make us feel close to one another. First, we share common values. We are also all nice, kind, and honest. Another thing of great importance to all of us is we are all Christians. We do not all go to the same church, but we all believe in the same God. We find this bonds us as we discuss local and world happenings and family situations, both good and not so good.
This shared faith leads to discussions about the way we face our concerns. We talk about job concerns, money concerns, family concerns, things that have happened to us during the week, and pretty much any other topic brought up around our cups of coffee. They say that a problem shared is a problem halved, but let me tell you, a problem that is batted around a group of five very aware and alert ladies is a problem that is on its way to being solved, and I mean in a good way!
We also talk politics, religion, and families. Husbands, for all the positive and negative, and yes, we bring up both. Funny, as we have shared things over the years, we seem to laugh at the same husband jokes, resolve that we still love our old guys, and follow through with talk regarding our kids and grandkids. It all seems to blend seamlessly together. Once in a while though, a husband gets a good verbal kick in the behind, but usually we have a laugh over it. Grandchildren are always the best and adult children always need a bit of work.
We also talk about health. Living in the South, food talk often turns to fried things or things baked with lots of butter, but these days we all really do know better. We talk about weight, knee replacements, arthritis, stomach problems, and on and on. No topic is sacred! We also talk about our husband’s health because we care. Again, no topic is sacred because often we really need to vent about something very personal. Trust is key, as anyone knows who has ever been betrayed!
I’ve been a part of many groups that also do community service. My little troop of ladies go on mission trips together, sponsor families at Christmas, put on silent auctions for charity and much more. We babysit, share dinners and the like. We simply just care for each other. I love my group of women and if you don't think what I am sharing has huge power, then I wish for you someday a group of very close dear people who will show you what this is all about.
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!