Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Home Sweet Home
Welcome back. It was a fun little run on our new blog while it lasted. But then you know. . . pregnancy. . . 2nd child. . . life. Yeah. I just didn't blog like I had thought I would when I first made the move. It is better to stay small right now. I'll keep posting when I can. But first I need to watch my little ones. So welcome back.
This is what I've been doing
Originally posted April 27, 2012
I've been thinking about my beloved blog a lot lately. But instead of actually posting I've been doing this:
And this:
Enjoying this:
And falling in love with this:
It's fun being a mom of two. But busy. I'll be back to blogging soon. But how can I resist such cuteness. Being there for my kids is my number 1 priority. Everything else has to take a backseat. I sure love these kids.
A Glance Backward as we Move Forward
Originally posted January 5, 2011
I am still a little in shock that we are in the new year. I don't even have a real calendar up in my home yet. I still have December 2011 hanging up because of the very small January 2012 block that it holds. I spent the days after Christmas mourning the fact that Christmas was over. I had convinced myself when I first got pregnant that I just had to make it to Christmas and the baby would practically be here. Well, we still have 2 months before baby gets here.
But now that the new year is here I feel overwhelmed with things I want to accomplish before the baby does indeed arrive. But I have so enjoyed reading reflections that others are sharing from their 2011 that I decided to wax nostalgic for just a moment before barreling ahead at full speed. I read the following questions from Teacher Goes Back to School and decided to link up and join in.
What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Opened a little home yoga studio and started teaching. I love, love, love to teach.
Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I made several resolutions, but I only remember one: write in my journal every day. I only missed one day in 2011 so I feel like I was successful. I'll only be making one this year as well: practice yoga every day. I think just setting one goal and putting my whole self into it is a better solution for me. I thought long and hard about this year's resolution. Yoga inspires me to be healthier and happier in many, many ways so I feel like it is more than just a bit of exercise. It's putting my health first.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
I actually didn't gain any nieces or nephews this year, which is saying a lot. But I did have a cousin who had a baby.
Did anyone close to you die?
Not too close. No.
What countries did you visit?
Ha. Countries? I was lucky to make it out of the state this year.
What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
More yoga teaching opportunities. I want to teach more both at home and in other places.
What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
This is a horrible question for me. I can't remember my anniversary. Seriously. I have to ask my husband each January, "Now what day was it again?" So really, this is hard. It was really a mellow year, nothing too significant happened.
What was your biggest failure?
Sometimes I think my neglect of this blog the last few months has been my biggest failure.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just the usual fibromyalgia and fatigue, but that's becoming nothing new.
What was the best thing you bought?
My jogging stroller. We spent hours walking the neighborhood. Great exercise and stress relief. I love to walk.
Where did most of your money go?
Bills. Isn't that where everyone's money goes?
What did you get really excited about?
Being pregnant! New baby on the way. And a girl! What is more exciting than that?
What song will always remind you of 2011?
Hmm . . . Probably "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.
Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter?Richer or poorer?
Certainly happier. Life just keeps getting better. I'm so much more comfortable in my own skin. Even though I'm fatter (to answer the next question). I prefer not to say "fatter" so much as "pregnanter." And on the whole we are probably richer. We most certainly are in the things that matter most (which isn't money).
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Fun crafts and projects with Cormac. And more yoga. Always more yoga.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Painting. But only because I'm burned out; I have so much more to paint on this house.
How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas was spent going to church, opening presents, eating yummy snacks and a good dinner, playing with my son, and snuggling with my husband. We even all got a good nap in. Such a wonderful day.
What was your favorite TV program?
Confession: we don't have a TV. Well, we do have this tiny little thing, but we don't watch it. But we do watch Hulu from time to time and we enjoy Modern Family a lot.
What were your favorite books of the year?
I didn't read nearly as much as I would have liked to this year. But as far as this blog goes, my favorite book was "Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight," by Linda Bacon. Very eye opening. On a more entertainment level, I enjoyed the Hunger Games series very much as well as The Help.
What was your favorite music from this year?
It seems like I was really burned out this year with most music. I enjoyed listening to Adele some. But really, I spent a lot of time with the music off (a lot more than usual).
What were your favorite films of the year?
I didn't see too many. I enjoyed The Tourist. There are several movies that were released recently that I'd still like to see.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
This year for my 28th birthday my dear husband led me on a scavenger hunt that will forever be one of my most treasured memories. It was wonderful. I also got my hair cut (it had been nearly 10 months since I'd had a trim). I went to a church activity as well. A day later we went to see Christmas lights as a family which I loved.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More yoga. I needed to be better about getting on my mat.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
If it's not comfortable then I don't want it on. And I've suddenly become very interested in doing my hair every day. Usually when it's long it's always in a pony tail, but not lately.
What kept you sane?
My husband and son. They are wonderful. Also hypnosis for childbirth has been a huge help in keeping me calm and at ease about this pregnancy. I highly recommend it.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
There is a season for all things in life. Right now I need to focus on the things that I can control and need to do. As a mother of a young child (soon to be young children) my first priority is my family. This is the season for me to take care of us. Other things can wait. Children don't wait, they grow up. I need to live in the now and enjoy every moment of now. Put things on hold that can wait, enjoy those that can't.
+++++
Want to play along? Either answer here in the comments or do a post of your own and link back here. Tell me all about your 2011.
Resolutely against Resolutions
Originally posted January 2, 2012
Well dear friends, welcome to 2012. It is still a little crazy to me. This year holds a lot of unknowns for me and my little family. Good unknowns, but unknowns non-the-less. I'm a planner. I struggle with not having a plan. But for some reason I am at peace with it this year. I know that whatever 2012 brings I'll get through it. I will have my family and friends. And that, my friends, is more than enough.
As the end of the year approached I started thinking about New Year's Resolutions. I'm sure the rest of you had those moments too. I have a problem with Resolutions though. Because let's be honest, the ones you hear the most about involve weight loss. I'm so sick and tired of everyone talking about the penance that they have to do come the new year for their bad behavior over the holidays. So much money is wasted on gym membership, special diet equipment, and other such hyped up stuff. All of these things are supposed to provide the magic bullet that will bring a thin physique and of course happiness. By the end of the year everyone is trying to get rid of the product they wasted so much money on via yard sale and then it all starts again.
Every time you go to the store all of the magazines in the checkout isle talk about your resolution to lose weight (because of course we are all resolved to do that, it is the universal resolution that brings mankind together. . . right?). All of the ads talk about losing weight. People post about it on Facebook and Twitter. From every single angle you get bombarded with the same idea: Resolve to lose weight now!
And I'm sick of it. So I had resolved not to resolve this year. To be honest all this diet talk can be a bit triggering for me. I've been doing my best to avoid any and all of it. I also feel that waiting until the New Year to start on something you've always wanted to start on is a little silly. Why not just start when you realize you have a goal?
But as I started thinking about 2012 I felt a little softened. Deciding to wait until the New Year may be silly, but honestly, who has time to start something new right in December. And there is something beautiful, refreshing, and hopeful about a new year. So maybe it's not that silly. But I'm still not resolving to lose weight (actually it is my goal to keep gaining for about 7 weeks, but that's a different deal).
So what do I want to accomplish in 2012? A lot. To be honest I have a lot of hopes, goals, and dreams for the year, but they aren't really worthy of being called a "resolution." I decided that this year I wanted to set just one resolution. Just one goal that would be challenging, but extremely achievable. Something that makes me happy and inspires me to improve my life in other areas. And yes, it has a everything to do with living a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
In 2012 I am going to do a bit of yoga every. single. day.
Now, you are all aware that I'm going to have a baby in about 2 months. So I can tell you there will be days when I won't even get on my mat. I'm sure of that. But taking time to meditate, breathe, and carve out just a few minutes for myself each day is something that I need and want.
I'll be writing some about my experience here. That will help me stay on target. So here we are, January 2nd. I've done yoga 2 days in a row and am excited for the rest of the year.
Did you make resolutions this year? How do you feel about resolutions in general?
The Intuitive Eating Roller Coaster
Originally posted December 28, 2011
It was back in August of 2010 that I was first introduced to Intuitive Eating. I borrowed the book Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch from a friend. My friend had changed her life using intuitive eating. She had given up on dieting. She had changed her attitude toward her body. She no longer saw her body as an enemy. She was content, happy, and beautiful. I wanted to be just like her.
When I go back and read the post I wrote about that time I realize now how little I understood intuitive eating. I had it in my mind that it was really simple. All you had to do was listen to your body. Eat when you were hungry. Stop when you were full. Only eat things that made your body feel amazing. Simple.
Except that I've been trying to do it for the past 17 months and am still not really there. I know that if I eat anything white and refined I will get a headache and feel terrible. I know this. I know that my body doesn't like it. And yet there are days where I look at those foods and say to myself, "Yes, it will make me feel sick. Oh well."
I have more of an understanding now though. You see, intuitive eating isn't easy when you've lived a life of denying yourself foods. It isn't easy when you've used food to cover up anything and everything you were feeling emotionally. It isn't easy when you've used food for comfort or rewards. For most of us, we have abused food. Learning to let go of that isn't easy.
It takes time to learn to trust yourself and your body again. I think this was a key understanding that I was missing. I thought that since I had made the decision to never diet again I would be off and running, but it hasn't been that simple. First I have had to really truly convince myself that there are no off limit foods. That process has been interesting. It sometimes takes a very scary turn when I start using it as an excuse to binge. It takes time to learn that balance and to learn trust.
But lately what I am discovering is much more profound. I didn't realize how much food was intwined with every aspect of my life. I have used food to mask emotion, cure boredom, and to bond with friends. I have used food for nearly everything except to nourish my body. I had assumed that when I started listening to my body I would automatically just use food for it's proper use. But it isn't that simple.
You may have noticed my lack of blogging lately. I've been taking the time to sort through things. I've been sorting through the clutter in my home. My poor basement and office were in desperate need of attention. I've taken time to process being a mother of two. That change will be here in just two short months. I've taken the time to enjoy being in the moment now. I've been trying to enjoy every moment of having an only child. I never would have thought the clutter in my home could effect my eating, but it certainly has.
Learning to eat intuitively is a wonderful goal, but what I now understand is that it comes hand in hand with learning to live intuitively. It is difficult to honor our body and mind in one area (like eating) when we are out of order in another area (like in our finances).
Looking back on what I thought about intuitive eating when I first learned the concept I'm glad I thought it would be easy, or I maybe wouldn't have tried it out. But 17 months into this journey I'm glad it hasn't been too easy. I've learned more about myself then I ever would have had it been the "magic bullet" I had imagined.
So if you've thought about trying intuitive eating, or if you are trying it and find yourself on a roller coaster know that this is normal. It's okay. It's all part of the journey. Even though it can be difficult I believe it is worth it. I haven't been this content in my own skin since I was a very young child. And though I think I have a long way to go it's nice to feel liberated.
The Person I Am: Shaped by Pain
Originally posted November 23, 2011
*This post is part of November’s Self-Discovery, Word by Word series, hosted by Shannon over at Nourishing the Soul. If you want to participate check it out.
It is 4:00 am. I want to be asleep. My body is physically worn out thanks to the demands of a busy day and the fact that I'm now 5 days away from my third trimester. But alas I cannot sleep. I finally got out of a restless bed to do something more productive, but relaxing. Writing is relaxing for me. My nights are getting a bit harder in general. It's not easy to get comfortable when you can't lay on your back or stomach and you have a basketball for a belly. A basketball that kicks. Tonight was different though. My shoulder is burning. I get this horrible, burning, aching pain in my shoulders and upper back. It's my body's way of letting me know I overdid it. I guess all the cleaning, baking, laundry, dishes, and toddler chasing from yesterday were a bit much. The pain is always the first thing to remind me that pushing myself too hard has consequences.
I shun pain as much as the rest of the world. I don't like to hurt. Not physically, mentally, or emotionally. Especially the later two. But in all reality, I am thankful for pain. I truly am. It may seem strange, but I can honestly say that without pain I wouldn't be the person I am today.
When I was young, probably about 7, I broke the blinds in my brother's room. When confronted about it I lied and said my sister did it. She denied it. We were both punished until the truth was found out. It was a very painful and horrible ordeal. I had disappointed my parents terribly. I hated disappointing my parents. It was painful for my sister, and I had caused that. I finally told the truth and was grounded for a week. I had to sit inside while my family was out raking and jumping in leaves. I love fall. Jumping in leaves was my favorite. But I learned. Lying is not acceptable. That experience shaped me.
There was the pain of losing 2 of my friends in the same year. That year happened to be when I was in 6th grade. Even though my grandfather had died when I was 8, this was really my first experience of loss and death. It shaped me.
From 4th to 6th grade I had very few, almost no friends. I was alone during most recesses. I sat and ate alone. I was teased. The few friends I had were mean to me. When I entered middle school I found true friends. Friends that valued and loved me. The way I pick and choose friends was shaped by that experience.
There were plenty of painful experiences in high school as well: abusive boyfriend, the beginning of an eating disorder, 9/11. Things that shaped me.
In college I developed fibromyalgia. Constant physical pain. That started me down a path to self-kindness. Oh this path took years (and I wouldn't say I'm "there" yet), but the pain started it all. I was running myself into the ground. I couldn't physically do everything I was trying to do. I started learning to pace myself, to say no, to set up boundaries, and to be kind to myself.
The pain of my disordered eating finally caught up to me as well. Resulting in this blog. It has changed the way I eat today. It has helped me to be healthier (in the end). It has shaped my attitude towards food and my body. No longer in a negative way. I got fed up with that. I was tired of the pain. So I made a change.
Then there was the day all the pain medications failed 3 times. I was in labor for 2 days. That was real, physical, intense pain. But now I watch as my beautiful little boy runs around the house and tells me to, "Mon" (come on) when he wants to show me something. Lots of physical pain to get him here. But now that he's here I have the most joy I've had my entire life.
So when I say, on this eve of Thanksgiving, that I'm thankful for pain I hope you can see why. I can't say that my burning shoulder is teaching me any profound lesson tonight (other than I should have taken more breaks yesterday), but I do know that some of the hardest fought and most precious lessons I have learned in this life have come as a result of pain. Letting ourselves feel our pain is a beautiful, difficult, sometimes horrifying, thing. But if we allow it to teach us it can shape our lives. We choose how to react to the pain and how to let it change us. The first step is feeling it.
*This post is part of November’s Self-Discovery, Word by Word series, hosted by Shannon over at Nourishing the Soul. If you want to participate check it out.
The Only Skill You Need: Forgiveness
Originally posted October 28, 2011
Are you one of those people who reads a blog about eating healthy and think, "That's easy for you, but for me in my real life that's just not practical?" Because I am. And I write a blog about better health. I hope that doesn't make me lose credibility in your eyes, but the truth is, this doesn't come naturally. I'm not someone who has always hated desserts anyway and wanted to be health (like my sister). No, I love me a big old chocolate bar. Every day if I could. Every meal if I could for that matter. French fries and other deep fried goodness? Why yes, please pass it my way. I love the taste of these foods. I also love eating out. It's so easy. I don't enjoy cooking all that much most of the time. I do enjoy baking desserts and then consuming them. I hate cleaning up after kitchen adventures. I admit to being an emotional eater. I eat when I'm bored too. No, eating a whole foods diet that is mainly homemade was never something I saw myself doing.
Sometimes when I read blogs with people and families who have given up processed food I'm a little down on myself. Why can't I be better? The truth is I love the way I feel when I'm eating well all the time. I hate the way I feel when I eat processed food. Which is motivating, but then there are days like every day since I got pregnant. Days where you say I-just-need-to-eat-and-it-needs-to-be-fast-and-tasty-freezer-section-here-I-come. Days where you simply don't care. Days where you don't have time to care. Then I read those blogs and I think well all you perfect people leave me alone. Normal people are like me, not you.
But here is what I've learned: Forgiveness is key. Now I've written about this before, but the longer I strive to be healthy, live well, and eat good things the more I believe that the only skill we really need to master in order to move forward is the skill of forgiveness. As usual, let's paint a picture:
So you've decided you want to eat better. You're giving up processed foods. You feel a big difference and you love it. But then you have a bad day and decide that what you need is a day of eating junk. And you go for it. There are a few different things that could happen at this point:
- You feel horrible that night and beat yourself up about it.
- You feel fine, but the guilt of eating junk all day is killing you. How could you be so stupid and weak?
- You feel fine and decide that eating healthy is over rated. Maybe you keep eating horrible for a few weeks and then it catches up with you, but the guilt is too strong. If you couldn't do it right the first time what makes you think you could ever eat a healthy diet?
There are maybe other consequences, but let's just go with this for now, you get the idea right? What I am submitting to you is that all of these things are a recipe for failure. Instead in any of these situations what we need to learn to do is observe how we feel. Realize that we aren't happy when we eat poorly, overeat, or otherwise derail out health. Then we forgive ourselves and move on. Forgive and start fresh. If you can't forgive you can't move on and the truth is, you will never be able to live a healthier lifestyle.
Everyone makes mistakes. I know I do. Dwelling on them or feeling like we can't move on because we've screwed up our "perfect" record is not healthy. It does nothing for us. In fact, perhaps it is time to change the thinking all together. You didn't screw up because you weren't healthy today, no, there are no screw ups. Rather, tomorrow you aren't going to eat junk because you like it better. Beating ourselves up does nothing but hold us back.
So to all those of you who, like me, may never have a perfectly "healthy" diet please know that's okay. What we do most of the time is so much more important than the occasional McDonald's hamburger. Let go of the idea that you've been "bad," and learn to move on to a new day.
The Challenge with Avoiding Fat Talk
Originally posted October 18, 2011
I know, two posts in a row. What is going on? I don't know either. The creative juices are flowing again or something. Anyway, I wanted to talk briefly about avoiding Fat Talk because, let's face it, it's not always as easy as we would like. Let's paint a picture:
You have decided to stop fat talking. You know that it creates negative energy in your life. It damages the way the children around you see themselves. You no longer want it. It's been two days and you are doing great. Then you go out for lunch with your girl friends. The menus come out and guess where the talk goes? Straight to calories, diets, and other talk concerning weight. Inevitably someone says something negative and the whole group joins in. What do you do? Do you join in? If you don't you're weird. You don't want to insult your friends, but you also want no part of this talk. How do you deal with this situation?
Well, I don' t have all the answers. In fact I have very few answers, but I do have a little life experience here. I thought since this week is the week to stop fat talk that it would be a good place to let you all in on a few techniques that have worked for me.
1. Avoid the subject at all costs. This is easier in small groups, but whenever possible I just steer the conversation away from anything having to do with body bashing and fat talk. If I think the conversation is heading in that direction I generally try to insert some comments on living a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes that means talking about yummy food that is healthy and amazing. Sometimes that means telling people why I don't engage in fat talk anymore. I find that many people are receptive to the idea of talking about better health, and if you are careful it can be a very loving conversation without the bashing.
2. Get your friends on board with you. This doesn't always work. It is important not to interrupt a body bashing session to preach about how good you are to never do it again. That just doesn't come off well in my experience. Rather, when the moment is correct I tell people about what I have researched and now believe. I try to be kind and loving to all view points. A large number of people I love are currently on a diet that I do not agree with. It's not something I would do, and I have expressed as much. But it has not stopped us from sharing. They are comfortable telling me about their diet, and I am comfortable telling them my feelings toward food and body image. It is all done out of love. We all approach health differently. Our choices concerning health are incredibly personal. They come through much experience, research, doctors' opinions, and other such life circumstances. Even if we think we are right we should be wary of telling others they are wrong. Share your opinions in love and leave it at that. Those you like what you say will join in. Others won't. Those who don't will generally respect your perspective in the future. Thus the fat talk can stop.
3. Change the subject. Have you ever picked up a friend and had her tell you how such and such makes her look fat? The natural response is to soothe her feelings by telling her that she looks great compared to you. Right? I know many of us have been there. Rather than putting yourself down to elevate your friend tell her she looks amazing and move on. If she persists in feeling down about whatever it is point out all of her great qualities making sure to include things that are both visible on the outside and those that aren't. She'll get the pick-me-up she needs, and you can keep your own integrity.
4. Don't participate or put a positive spin on it. There have been times where I have found that I have no power to change the subject, interject a contrary opinion, or otherwise influence the drift of the conversation. In those cases I generally just sit quietly until the conversation moves on to something I can get behind. It's not my favorite, but sometimes there is just no other way. If asked for an opinion I usually put in a little comment about how I feel that negative thoughts do not create positive change and then shut up again. It's my mini protest.
Now don't get me wrong, my record is certainly not 100% since I have started to avoid fat talk. There have been plenty of slip ups. There have been days I just didn't care and wanted to be negative. There have been days that I just wasn't really thinking and got sucked into the talk. It happens to all of us. But the key is to move on and forgive. When I realize I have been negative I notice how it makes me feel worse. Then I forgive myself for my weakness and commit to try harder in the future. Getting down on yourself is maybe the worst thing you can do in your quest to become Fat Talk Free. Take it one day at a time, and remember the key is to be loving to yourself and others.
What are other things that have worked for you? How do you avoid fat talk?
Body Lovin' the Third Week of October
Originally posted October 17, 2011
There are a lot of exciting things going on this week in the body lovin' world. I thought I'd share a couple real fast so you'd be sure not to miss out.
October 19th (this Wednesday) is Love Your Body Day. What exactly is this day all about? Well, from the site here is a quick summary:
"Hollywood and the fashion, cosmetics and diet industries work hard to make each of us believe that our bodies are unacceptable and need constant improvement. Print ads and television commercials reduce us to body parts -- lips, legs, breasts -- airbrushed and touched up to meet impossible standards. TV shows tell women and teenage girls that cosmetic surgery is good for self-esteem. Is it any wonder that 80% of U.S. women are dissatisfied with their appearance?
Women and girls spend billions of dollars every year on cosmetics, fashion, magazines and diet aids. These industries can't use negative images to sell their products without our assistance.
Together, we can fight back."
This is something I can get behind. I don' t know about you, but there are times I just want to be told that I'm okay just the way I am. As part of this day Rosie Molinary has written a Body Warrior Pledge. I'm really excited about the pledge. It's beautiful. So I went over signed up (which automatically entered me into an awesome giveaway), and I encourage all of you to check it out.
This body pledge was a wake up call for me. Since I got pregnant I have been obsessing about my weight and body. It's been very hard around here to keep a healthy perspective. I have found myself getting lazy, beating myself up, and eating poorly because "who-cares-I'm-going-to-get-fat-and-feel-like-crap-anyway" syndrome has been easing into my life. But I'll tell you more about that another day. The bottom line is that I needed a reminder of what I really believe and want to foster in my life.
The other cool thing about this week (and something I certainly needed to recommit to) is that this week is Fat Talk Free Week. Don't ask me who comes up with all this stuff, but I'm sure glad they did. Now, if you need a reminder of how I feel about Fat Talk you can read this post. I truly believe that nothing will change until we stop body bashing ourselves and others just to fit in. So, I have pledged to end fat talk and hope you will do the same by clicking on over here.
Let's make this week a positive week. Life is too busy and stressful to be adding body shame to our daily lives. Get rid of it!
Celebrate movement and beauty
Originally posted September 12, 2011
Let's switch gears for just a second. Don't worry, I'll bring us full circle. Did you know that this month is National Yoga Month! (Who makes this stuff up? Do you know? I sure don't, but I'm going with it anyway.) As a fan of yoga I am naturally excited about it. Let me tell you a bit about me and yoga. I came to yoga out of desperation. My body was in constant, unexplained pain and I had heard yoga could help. So I got a DVD and gave it a shot. It was so very hard. I couldn't reach my toes. Downward Dog was the hardest thing I had ever done. I couldn't hold it for more than a few short breaths. But after each practice my pain would ease up and I would have a few minutes of beautiful relief. So I kept at it. I was amazed that within just a couple of short weeks I could touch my toes with ease. Downward Dog took more time to feel comfortable (and is still a challenging pose for me thanks to my weak and inflexible shoulders). But what was exciting was what I could do. And how fast my body adapted to yoga. It was like we were made for each other. My body wanted yoga, craved it, and responded well when I would practice. It was love.
I took my morning constitutional today. What a beautiful day. September has given way to cooler temperatures. I no longer start sweating the second I step out my front door. What a relief. It rained last night and everything smelled fresh. Some of the leaves are beginning to turn. It makes me so happy. I love fall. Gardens are being harvested, flowers are still out in full beauty, and everything just seems calmer while we wait for nature to move forward. I had the majestic mountains that I love so much to one side of me, and a gorgeous view of the valley and the lake beyond on the other. Life was good. Above us some very loud birds caught our attention as they soared through the air. Cormac leaned clear back in his stroller, looked up, and whispered under his breath "wow." I couldn't agree more. Wow.
But I wasn't just enjoying nature this morning. I was enjoying the feel of the pavement and dirt roads beneath my feet. I love to walk. It makes me happy. I love looking at the scenery. I love seeing new neighborhoods. I love, love, love looking at the houses that surround me. I walked 3.5 to 4 miles today. How blessed I am that I can do that. I'm on Cloud 9 already because I felt this little baby move for the first time yesterday. How incredible, not only can my body walk and move, but I'm blessed to have a little person growing inside of me. What is there not to rejoice about?
Let's switch gears for just a second. Don't worry, I'll bring us full circle. Did you know that this month is National Yoga Month! (Who makes this stuff up? Do you know? I sure don't, but I'm going with it anyway.) As a fan of yoga I am naturally excited about it. Let me tell you a bit about me and yoga. I came to yoga out of desperation. My body was in constant, unexplained pain and I had heard yoga could help. So I got a DVD and gave it a shot. It was so very hard. I couldn't reach my toes. Downward Dog was the hardest thing I had ever done. I couldn't hold it for more than a few short breaths. But after each practice my pain would ease up and I would have a few minutes of beautiful relief. So I kept at it. I was amazed that within just a couple of short weeks I could touch my toes with ease. Downward Dog took more time to feel comfortable (and is still a challenging pose for me thanks to my weak and inflexible shoulders). But what was exciting was what I could do. And how fast my body adapted to yoga. It was like we were made for each other. My body wanted yoga, craved it, and responded well when I would practice. It was love.
It makes me sad when I hear people say they can't do yoga because they aren't this, that, or the other. They are missing the point. Yoga has never been about what you can't do. Yoga is a celebration of what the body can do. So maybe you can't turn yourself into a pretzel, but you can do a beautiful headstand. There are so many possibilities with yoga. And your body changes with each practice. With each practice you can do a little more. Your body wants it. And it's a beautiful and amazing thing to celebrate the things that our bodies can do.
As I was walking this morning I was thinking about how boring the world would be if it were all mountains or all plains. But it isn't. It is diverse and beautiful. And it should be celebrated. The Earth i s a gift that we've been given from God. It should be celebrated. But how much more should we be celebrating our bodies. They are different, diverse, and oh so beautiful. They are gifts from God. Special gifts that He constructed just for us. Each is unique. Each has its own abilities. And each is beautiful and needed.
So celebrate that beautiful body this month. Move in a way that makes you feel fantastic. Try some yoga and this time don't you dare look at your neighbor or the person on your screen to compare what you look like with them. No. Instead acknowledge the greatness that is your own body and movements. You are beautiful. Take a few minutes to celebrate that.
Dear LITM Friends,
Originally posted September 5, 2011
So I figured it was time to write a little something. Pregnancy has wiped me out. I've been tired, busy, cranky, tired, sick, tired, and busy. Did I mention tired? I'm 16 weeks today and am doing rather well, but as I mentioned, I'm tired. So some things have taken a backseat. Unfortunately I've let this blog become one of those things. The truth is, I feel just as passionate about the things I write about here as ever. I even feel that over the past few months I've come to understand my own message better than ever before. But the effort to post has been too much and thus I've not taken the time. The reality is that my life is changing and I will not be able to post as frequently as I used to. However, I value this blog and this community, so I am promising to make a better effort. I'll update at least once a week. I hope we can continue to have good discussions. I also want you all to know that I'm available on Facebook and Twitter for discussions. Let's grow our little community shall we?
I am still alive. Thought you'd like to know. I want to say welcome to the new folks who have befriended this site. I'm happy to have you as part of this community. I received this note on Facebook the other day:
"Hey! Miss you--come back already!"
So I figured it was time to write a little something. Pregnancy has wiped me out. I've been tired, busy, cranky, tired, sick, tired, and busy. Did I mention tired? I'm 16 weeks today and am doing rather well, but as I mentioned, I'm tired. So some things have taken a backseat. Unfortunately I've let this blog become one of those things. The truth is, I feel just as passionate about the things I write about here as ever. I even feel that over the past few months I've come to understand my own message better than ever before. But the effort to post has been too much and thus I've not taken the time. The reality is that my life is changing and I will not be able to post as frequently as I used to. However, I value this blog and this community, so I am promising to make a better effort. I'll update at least once a week. I hope we can continue to have good discussions. I also want you all to know that I'm available on Facebook and Twitter for discussions. Let's grow our little community shall we?
In other news, I'm so relieved that it's September (I wish it was February, but one month at a time). The heat has mercifully given way to slightly cooler temperatures for the time being. That alone has helped me come back to life. I've been working hard on the Yoga Studio. I hope to be done in another week or two. It's looking great. I'm excited to share photos with all of you. We are also right in the midst of harvest season for pears. We have 4 pear trees and they are fully loaded this year. I have a lot of work to do. My son is growing as is the little one in my belly (and thus I'm growing, but we'll save that discussion for another post another day). Life is good and I'm so very blessed.
How have all of you been this summer? Anyone planning on doing some canning? What is it you're putting away? Let me know.
The Media Buzz
Originally posted August 18, 2011
But have you seen what else has recently hit the media? Have you heard about the "Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League" that has been formed by Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, and Rachel Weisz? How cool is this? I love that these women are taking a stance. My favorite quote from the rather small article:
Did you know there are a lot of interesting things going on in the body image world? I'm a little slow to jump on one. Have you heard about the article that appeared in the magazine "Glamour" by Jess Weiner called "Loving my body almost killed me." As you can imagine with a provocative title like that it has caused quite a stir among the good folks that blog along side me in favor of loving your body.
There has already been a lot said on this subject, so at the end of this post I'll refer you to the many awesome posts written in response. My response is like all the others: How can you possibly claim to love your body when you don't take care of it? From what I can tell Ms. Weiner wasn't exactly doing what she ought to be doing. She hadn't seen a doctor in years, was eating poorly, and wasn't exercising. Sounds to me like she was ignoring her body rather than loving it. But I'll let you read all the arguments to figure out what you think for yourself.
But have you seen what else has recently hit the media? Have you heard about the "Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League" that has been formed by Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, and Rachel Weisz? How cool is this? I love that these women are taking a stance. My favorite quote from the rather small article:
"I am an actress, I don't want to freeze the expression of my face," Winslet said.
Agreed. In any profession. Why would you want to look the same forever. Have little to no expression. And as was put in the article:
Weisz said that people "who look too perfect don't look sexy or particularly beautiful."
Amen to that. Check out the article. Let's all get on board. Hooray for getting older and beauty in every stage of life.
Be sure to check out these amazing posts:
- Medicinal Marzipan, What Loving Your Body Really Means + Why it Probably Won't Kill You
- Dances with Fat, Loving Your Body Will Not Kill You and For Health Reasons
- Adios Barbie, When Loving Your Body Goes Wrong
- Family Feeding Dynamics, Accepting and Loving Your Body Will NOT Kill You
- Body Love Wellness, On Jess Weiner and Why Loving Your Body Won’t Kill You
- The Body Positive, Loving Your Body did NOT Almost Kill You
- The Rotund, I Wore My Ranty Pants Today; Meet the New Body Hate, Same as the Old Body Hate
- Jezebel [by Kate Harding], How One Woman’s Weight Loss Story Went Awry
- iVillage, Can Body Acceptance Make You Sick
- Curvy Yoga, Why it's Hard to Believe Loving Your Body is a Good Idea
- Weightless, My Reaction To Jess Weiner's Glamour Article About Body Love Killing You
Please feel free to add more links in the comments if you know of other articles. I'd love to read them.
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