And These Three Are One...

Let me just get it out of the way for my die-hard Christians...I am not talking about the Holy Trinity.  That's not this post!  With that said, let's get on with it shall we.
I flew to Pensacola this past weekend on Delta Airlines, and as I usually do when I fly Delta, I read the airlines "Sky" magazine. Sting, the musical artist, was on the cover.  Well, Sting was talking about his longevity in the music industry.  He talked about being able to do the job of a 25 year old at the age of 59 and how it was "...a choice...it takes discipline."  He suggested that for him, the discipline comes through the mind, body and spirit being one.  Now, Sting has done yoga for more than 20 years and is a Yogi (as a result). For him it was more about "the body achieving its fullest potential and movement" and how the body can't do that if the mind "won't surrender." I like it!  Of course, the spirit is essential for the well-being of the other two.   So, I started to think about my life and how there are times when, if one of these is off, then the others are thrown off very easily.  When I'm not having my daily quiet time of prayer and scripture and journaling, my day tends to be less centered and is more of a free for all.  When I don't take a mental inventory of the things that are going on and prioritize them and go through the important versus urgent check list, my life is less centered.  Consequently, that can find me eating more which leads to the physical being off center as well.  As a result, pain and discomfort manifest itself not just emotionally and psychologically, but also physically.  I know...it all sounds a bit metaphysical and new age but that's not my intent. Not to mention, this is not so much new information as it is a reminder.   I'm simply trying to be the best "me" I can be, and if a part of that is maintaining a healthy spiritual, mental and physical base, then I'm for it. 
Admittedly, I haven't done that lately.  Fortunately, I'm back on the metaphorical horse, but I've suffered because of the initial fall.  I think back over the last several months, and it's been a whirl wind...A new baby; the end of a chapter in my career;  moving...wait....packing then moving...then unpacking; not yet having a church home; not knowing anyone in my new city; the death of my father; grieving the death of my father...ok...you get it.  A lot has been going on! Now, my full life is no busier than most,  but for me, the way I handle it makes all the difference.  Not to my surprise, the magazine (obviously a wellness issue), had articles  written by people who'd visited several different wellness resorts.  The resorts were in Tuscon, Arizona; Rishikesh, India; Maui, Hawaii; and Blue Morpho, Peru. Reading the articles made me consider that if all around the world there are resorts with staff and programs dedicated to the merging of the mind, body and spirit, then surely I could consider (or reconsider) it in my space.  "Look within"...."set your intentions"..."take the leap"..."check in for spiritual rehab"...All of these were headlines, so to speak, for what the resorts were offering.  Well, I'm not in an exotic location (at least I don't think so :o), but I plan to explore my own wellness right here in Columbia, South Carolina....mind, body and spirit...and these three are one.

The weight is over...

 It's time for me to pay the piper.  I've been running/jogging for 13 years, and during that time, I've been constantly reminded of how bad running can be for your knees.  Well, my knees hurt...now, earlier today and probably later, too.  Now in all fairness, I have to say I don't believe it's just the running in my case.  I weigh more now than I have in ten years, I had a baby 10 months ago (and I dare not talk about fat pockets that seemed to have multiplied since that experience) and the mother of all my reasons (excuses...whatever)...I'm ten years older (GASP).  Having said all of that and given myself plenty of room to get off the hook, I know I  have to get some of this weight off instead.  In the spirit of full disclosure (or maybe partial disclosure), I can't walk into the stores like I once could and just get that cute top on sale because it's sure to fit.  Nope, I'm having to look for cute clothes again and pay more money ...perhaps for more material (SIGH).  I'm also finding more clothes in my closet that don't fit! And my knees hurt!!!  So, as Donna Joyner said this morning in my Body Gospel workout, I'm going to succeed on purpose.  I know, I know....I have to once again live committed to a lifestyle of fitness.  You know, back to a time when I exercised at least 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day; said no to mayonnaise and cheese; wrote down what I put in my mouth; and enjoyed less red wine.  Ahhhh, days of old when my knees didn't hurt and my favorite jeans fit....oh how I  miss thee...but don't worry, we'll be together again.  I remember when I lost over 80 pounds ten years ago, it was because I wanted a career on TV ( and you know what they say about the camera).  Well, I still want a career on TV, but I also want to feel better physically and, on some level, emotionally.  Granted, I'm not carrying around the weight of the world.  I realize it's all relative in terms of fat, skinny and the like.  But, I am carrying around extra weight that amounts to the size of a young child... and that kid has to go!  My husband is supportive and even doing his own thing to live a healthier life (YAY Dale!).  So, here's the part where I invite you to get on the bandwagon with me.  Start your workouts and your healthy eating today!  I know we tend to wait when it comes to starting the things that seem huge to accomplish but....if you're like me, you don't have a choice, and  the weight is over!

Sidenote:  I'd love to hear from you if you are or have been in this struggle.  Let me know what works best for you or just leave a word or encouragement.  LET'S DO IT on three....one, two, three...."LET'S DO IT!"

....And that is all!

GET OUT AND VOTE....and that is all!

Just treats....is that okay?

So, I've been planning to write all day and Grace's first nap was a wee one and well...you know...where does the time go.?!  Anyhoo...yesterday, Grace experienced her first All Saints Eve or Halloween, as it's more commonly called, (and as it will be referred to for the purposes of this entry).  I got a variety of feedback as it pertains to observing Halloween.  I got..."Grace is doing Halloween?", and there were several statements of "I don't do Halloween".  I don't think anyone meant to suggest that we were doing something wrong (at least I hope not) by dressing up Grace in a cute tutu  that her Granny Rose sent her.  I hope not!  I mean, as a Christian ( and here's the rub), I get the implication of Halloween.  There's supposedly this thin line between this and other worlds, and it allows spirits (good and bad) to come forth.  That even sounds wicked and certainly not like something I would let my 9 month old daughter participate in, right?  But what about the candy (that she can't even eat), or the cute little tutu (that her grandmother bought her) or the cute little kids who ring the door bell dressed up in all manner of costumes...most of which are more adorable than anything else?  What about the fact that I was allowed by my parents to dress up and go out at night, scared out of my mind, and knock on doors for candy or whatever other treats might come my way?  To that some have said, when you know better, you must do better.  I agree wholeheartedly.  I'm more interested in Harvest Festivals or Fall Carnivals or All Saints' Eve Days.  I seek out the pumpkin patches and hay rides and fun and games with hot chocolate.  But I also wanted Grace to dress up and take a picture on what was her first Halloween.  Her older sister is even picking out next year's costume (Tiana it is), should Grace continue to "do Halloween".  Well, she didn't go door to door; mostly because it would have been more work for me and we have a limited selection of neighbors.  But she did experience Halloween so say the pictures.  Sidenote:  see her cute pictures below.   I turned out ok (I think :o), and I experienced Halloween for many years.  And the truth of the matter is, she, as we all do, will make her own choice when she's of age.  Heaven forbid I should be a grandmother someday and Grace finds herself in my shoes (GASP).  In any case, this year, I'm the mommy and Grace had a Halloween with just treats....and that's okay with me!