Skating Uphill - January 2019

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

SkatingUphill Header

 
“Everything these days seems to be about ‘RE.’
Honestly it’s enough to make one REgurgitate!”
– The Uphill Skater –

All right, I know I watch too much HGTV, but doesn’t everyone these days? It’s all about REmodel, REpurpose, and REdo. I must admit, I love that kind of stuff. Who doesn’t love a REcolor? (I’m talking about dying roots, ladies, and I don’t mean the front lawn.) What about a REupholster? Sure, that old ratty sofa could really use it, right? At the same time, we could RE-wallpaper and RE-carpet, too. How about the REclaimed wood craze? I mean you can hardly tear something down these days without Chip and Joanna Gains hitting you up to buy the wood and RE-selling it for double the price. Okay, so what does all of this have to do with the New Year, and what to do about that self-improvement we are all so desperately seeking? Well, just an idea: Why don’t we consider the idea of a RE-resolve?

What that means, dear ladies, is instead of making a bunch of nonsense resolutions like dropping a bunch of weight, or writing thank-you notes, or some other thing that we have already tried and failed, why don’t we try a different approach? Why don’t we try to RE-resolve? Here’s how this idea plays out: Have a good look back at some New Year’s resolutions that you have actually kept. I know there are at least a few, right? Back in the day, when you were really in the mood for it, you and I must have come up with some truly memorable resolves that we not only kept, but that worked well for us on a going forward basis.

For example, one year I resolved to get two laundry baskets—one for dark clothes and one for whites. I was tired of pink undies and bras, and blue jeans dotted with bleach spots. This worked so well for me, I bought baskets for my husband and both of my children. I had somewhat mixed results with husband and son, but my daughter and I now have bright whites and non-speckled outerwear. Our underwear looks great too, but you will just have to take my word on that. I plan to RE-resolve that one again this year.

Another really successful resolution for me was to pick up the phone and call someone every day. I don’t mean calling for a hair appointment, but honestly giving someone a call that I have meant to chat with, or owe a call, or need to talk in depth about someTHING—not someone! I have actually done this, and I mean to REpurpose this REsolve this year. The fact that I am already doing it has no bearing on resolving it again. Are you starting to get the idea?

I am also REsolving again this year to try to eat more healthy foods. I can highly recommend this resolution because it has a lot going for it. First, if you do it, it is good for you. It’s a positive change with built-in benefits. Second, I did not say I was going to eat only healthy foods, or lose a bunch of weight, or anything like that. to Repeat, I said I’m going to try to eat more healthy foods. That is just vague enough to be a winner in my book. If I don’t say how much more, or how healthy, or any of those other specific things, what can it hurt, right? I mean who doesn’t want to eat more healthy foods. Trust me folks, this is a keeper.

I have to tell you this idea also has a side benefit that will prove the motto of this column is actually a good motto for life. I say that “Skating Uphill” is hard, but when you reach the top, the view is worth it,” and I really do mean that. I talk a lot here about leading and living a healthy life style, and believe me, I get that it is not easy on the best of days … and impossible on the worst. Sometimes that glass of wine and quiet time with the door shut is all that keeps us going. Sometimes too, it’s a time that makes you heart sore with your own pain or the pain of a loved one. These times happen, and, unfortunately, they must be lived with until we get through them.

Please remember, though—and make it part of a REsolution if you can—to celebrate joy. Okay, corny, I know, but if we are called upon to endure pain, then we also must be allowed and even encouraged to celebrate the good times, the happy times, and the times of personal satisfaction.

Be happy, do good, and enjoy your many gifts!  Love, Judith

Leave a comment

You are commenting as guest.