Skating Uphill - December 2023
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
“So, let’s talk about choices—what you eat,
how you respond to things going on around you,
and your approach to the holiday season.”
– The Uphill Skater –
I’ve had a wooden sign in my kitchen for many years. It reads: "Be The Change You Want To See In The World." It’s a daily reminder that I can make a difference. A friend of mine made it for me because we attended a conference together in Bluffton that dealt with accepting personal responsibility for one's actions. The conference centered on the importance of how we utilize and dedicate our volunteer hours. In addition, it also focused on personal choices, which is why the sign is so important to me. Every time I look at it, I immediately go back to the lessons from this conference on how my choices make a difference whether they are good or bad. I don’t know about you, but dear friends, I want my choices to be good ones, and I want to make a positive difference.
So, let’s talk about choices—what you eat, how you respond to things going on around you, and your approach to the holiday season. Now is the perfect time to evaluate how you live out what you believe.
For so many of us, food is an essential part of how we feel emotionally about whether or not a party is a success. Did we have fun time? Did our friends enjoy our party? Were the choices we made at the buffet table wise or damaging?
Are you wondering what any of this has to do with making a difference? Your choices make a difference both with you and to everyone around you—one person and one decision at a time. Decide goodness for your health. Go to the food table, fill your plate with an assortment that pleases you, and then go chat with people, but make your chatting count. Talk about your charitable donations during this season and things that are important to you.
I enjoy talking about the child in Haiti I sponsor. I have given her family two rabbits, a small goat, and five chickens for Christmas, and added a hygiene packet, which consists of a six-month supply of water purifying tablets, hand soap, laundry soap, and an anti-bacterial cleanser. I know this is not changing the world, but it’s changing “my child’s” world, and maybe someone I share the story with will be inspired to sponsor a child, as well.
I also donate to and volunteer with a nationwide campaign called “Warm the Children” a.k.a. “Operation One Warm Coat.” It works through schools and family services to ensure children have a warm coat this winter. On a cold winter’s morning, a warm coat definitely makes a difference when standing out waiting on the school bus. Please look in your closet and let me know how many coats you have to donate. I look forward to hearing from you!
This month this column is a bit of a two-part thing. Before we can step out to change the world, we need to look closer to home. Check yourself out. Check out those close to you and try to evaluate what you are being called to do. Maybe it is just to write a check. If no one did this, we would live in a sad and pitiful world. Writing a check is often the very best thing to do. However, you may be called to be more hands on. Decide what suits YOU.
As I look at myself, I see the need for an updated food plan so I can stay healthy to work plenty of volunteer hours. I am looking now at some of the new research dealing with protein and what they call a healthspan, as opposed to a lifespan. Pretty clever, huh? It involves staying healthier longer and is quite the new thing. It is not selfish to keep yourself to the best standard possible; it is essential. You are not going to change anything else until you have yourself in order. Resolutions for 2024? Stay tuned. Skating Uphill has got you covered!
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!