Skating Uphill - September 2022

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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“Okay, we have six Healthy Habits, so here is MY #7.”
– The Uphill Skater –


I do have another Healthy Habit, and it is one that I really feel should be on the list. I will call it “keep up” for lack of a better way to describe it. Sometimes I, you, we, take each day as it comes and get sort of ho-hum about things as we skate along. I think it’s a good thing to do this once in a while for a mental breather, but honestly, in general, aren’t we better than that? As you read this month’s Skating Uphill, think about it and how you want to be. I know that saying one should always be their best selves gets old, boring and nagging, but do please just give it some thought. 

There are lots of things to keep up with and the first is the news. What a drag, right? Well, no, actually not. It goes on all around us every day, so my thought for this is to watch—or read— the news. I watch NPR, Fox News, and even NBC to keep impartial. I read the newspaper every day, too. In fact, I read more than that. Yes, I do have time to read, but because I write for several publications, I also subscribe to five magazines: Prevention, Magnolia Journal, Good Housekeeping, HGTV Magazine, and the good old Reader’s Digest. I think that is pretty well-rounded if a bit heavy on the decor stuff, but that and nutrition is where I am really interested, and I try to “keep up.”

Since I am interested in health and nutrition, too, I make an effort to watch a couple of cooking shows. My current favorite is Joanna Gaines’ “Magnolia Kitchen.” She is casual and basic. Most often she cooks with things that you probably have in your kitchen, rather than more exotic things. I also like to watch the “Lost Kitchen” too, because she is so into farm-to-table cooking. I also buy cookbooks. I really like vintage cookbooks and find them interesting because of how they reflect their publication times and the ingredients that were popular in their day. I buy many of my best cookbooks for a dollar at thrift shops. 

While you are busy “keeping up” with healthy food, nutrition and current events, don’t forget to keep up with what is really important: Relationships! Don’t lose track of people you enjoy. Spend time, send a card, pick up the phone, send a text or email, or just any way you can let the people you care about know it. How else does a friend know YOU are a friend? Keep in mind the old saying “in order to have a friend, you have to be a friend.” We were away on vacation recently and my grandson asked me to send him picture postcards of the things we were seeing. I agreed on the condition that he call me when he received the postcard so we could talk about it. This turned out to be so much fun, that on our next upcoming vacation, he is coming with us! (BTW, this a grandparent’s dream!)

Finally, just one more suggestion and this is a happy one: Keep up with life, in general. We used to say back in the ‘80s: “What’s the haps?” In other words, what is going on? Now they say “sup,” which I think is short for What’s up? Not only should you be asking that, you should know the answer. What interesting thing are you doing in your day? What is going on in your neighborhood? Does anyone in your church family need a visit or a phone call? Should you call your child who is away at college or in the service? What do you want/need to know to make intelligent decisions? Who are you voting for and why?

You get the picture! Be aware. Be a part of things and, trust me, you will never be sorry. Keep up and keep moving. Be happy and healthy!

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!

 

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