Skating Uphill - April 2023

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

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“Nature’s Calling
(and I’m not talking about the bathroom)!”
– The Uphill Skater –

 
We refer to nature as “Mother Nature” because we believe nature also has the power to nurture. Of course, with storms (hurricanes, tornados, snow) all over the country this year, this concept may be hard to believe, but if one looks at the totality, it becomes obvious. Our surroundings bring us not only beauty, but also pleasure. Living in and with nature as we do in the Lowcountry is a great example. What an absolute joy it is to live in such a beautiful place, surrounded by some of nature’s most treasured and pristine waters. This is all ours to enjoy, but also to care for, and yes, to nurture; it goes both ways.

The first thing my husband and I did when we moved to Hilton Head Island was buy a sailboat. We believe a sailboat is the ultimate transportation mode, as it is completely nature driven. Even electric cars need electricity—duh! When you are out on a sailboat and the wind fills the mainsail, you are truly one with nature. I will never forget the time several sailboats from South Carolina Yacht Club took a group of blind children out for the day. It literally brought tears to everyone’s eyes to see these kids feel the wind and the movements of the boats. My husband let one little boy take the wheel, and he guided the boat for almost 10 minutes by the feel of the wind. The children stood the entire time. We took them around the boat to let them feel and touch everything to get a sense of how a sailboat works and is guided by the wind. It was amazing!

Nature also called us to become “sea turtle parents,” and we watched our little nest regularly. We did not see our babies hatch, but a nest just down the beach hatched one night when we were there. It was fabulous to see that miracle happen right before our eyes. If you haven’t done this, I highly recommended it!

I also highly recommend any or all tours of any historic areas on the Island and across Beaufort county. The Coastal Discovery Museum (Honey Horn) is kept as natural as it was many years ago, and there is no better place to see butterflies, birds, flowers, ancient oaks, and beautiful natural landscapes. Any community park or walk around water yields not only gators (be extra careful), but also amazing bird life. Let nature call you outdoors, and you can thank me later.

Most of us love nature and want to protect and preserve it, but there are times when it becomes necessary to physically step up and do something. There are many groups in the Lowcountry dedicated to the preservation of our natural surroundings. There are clean-up groups that gather for the May River, the beaches, and various other public areas we all love to go to. Find a group or service you like and sign up to help. You will meet like-minded people with whom you can share your common interests.

Additionally, and I do not mean to be crass here, sometimes it costs money to do the right thing. Organizations do not run themselves. Dedicated people have salaries, and the beauty of the Lowcountry isn’t by chance. Please fiscally support your favorite causes, too. I hate to say it, but money and funding make a difference.

Finally, if you can don’t want to get involved, at least be conscious of your own surroundings and the footprint you leave behind. After a day at the beach or park, pick up trash—yours plus any you see. Always leave a place better than you found it. Pick up junk on the beach, fill in your sandcastle holes, and take your broken chairs and umbrellas to the garbage. Don’t litter, don’t overfill the garbage cans, and on and on. Just imagine what a beautiful and natural world this would be if each one of us simply did this. Let’s make a pact to Keep America Beautiful…starting right here in the Lowcountry.



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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