My Top Routines for Optimal Health

27 degrees out and there is no where I'd rather be than on this mid morning trek.

Half way there and the incline is about to begin with one right turn.

As I hike my mind is cleansed and rejuvenated at the same time.

As I begin to enter the "senior age category" of life I find myself grateful that fitness and nutrition have always been a major habit in my lifestyle. I haven't done this hike in a while, and it was honestly a personal test of my level of fitness. LOL! Aside from the cold air making it a bit hard to breathe on the steep inclines, and a few new aches in my hips, I was truly pleased with my fitness level.

At the top I'm inspired and filled with energy as I look out over our City of Trees: Boise, Idaho.

I found myself reflective on my own healthy habits.

Here are my top routines of keeping in shape both mentally and physically:

1. Exercise Every Day: 

Mine takes the form of muscle strengthening exercises five days of week and moderate exercise every day. Moderate exercise is important at our age. I'm also finding you don't have to go all out, we just need to move. My favorite is a two mile walk after my workout giving me a healthy hour of pure exercise.  In the winter months, walks get traded out for 8 miles on the indoor exercise bike. (But it's in front of a window, so I can watch it snow as I workout) My FAVORITE is in the Spring and summer when walking can also mean nine holes of golf or a longer bike ride outside at our mountain summer home.  I'm COMMITTED to an hour of exercise at least five days a week no matter what form it takes. Truth be told, I'm LESS achy when I exercise. And I don't forgo the stretching!!! 

2. Mental Health: 

Exercise is BIG for my own mental health. I also ENJOY  keeping a travelers journal. It fills my need to goal set, helps me get things out of my head and minimizes my over thinking. It has five sections: monthly calendar, my budget book, daily morning affirmation doodles, my journal and a project book. I'm committed to living an authentic life that is CREATED with purpose on purpose and this helps me accomplish such.  

Socially, I find myself becoming more of an introvert as I age. I use to be energized by socialization and collaboration but now find myself  ENERGIZED  by my time alone and prefer social settings with much smaller groups. I'd like to think of this as WISDOM lol...but never the less, I truly find myself relishing this peaceful transition. My blog is really my only social media and lately that has been pretty minimal. I mean, okay, I love Pinterest....but I think of that as my "filing cabinet for the internet". It's a place that stores the ideas and INSPIRATION I find. Social media is overwhelming for me. I don't like the time it sucks up and  honestly my life just isn't that interesting. LOL I enjoy my blog because it documents my quilts and I enjoy our quilt community of bloggers but overall, my mental health is FUELED by the solitude in my life. 

As we enter this pre-retirement stage of life, I have also found list making to become a thing of the past as I'm finding that solitude in the SIMPLICITY of our day to day routines . I just told my husband the other day: "I feel like we are living a life we don't need a vacation from!"  I love that feeling!! And, emotionally, this is an EXCITING transformation. I live in GRATITUDE for all the memories of raising a family that fill my heart but find myself relishing  in the FREEDOM of this stage of life where obligations are minimal and life is full of new adventures for my husband and I.

3. Water: WHY oh WHY is this soooo hard? I've RECOMMITTED  to this, which for me means 10 8oz. glasses of water a day. Luckily my lemon and peppermint teas count! My MOTIVATION is I know this habit with flush my body of toxins, lubricates my joints, helps my skin be more toned (I hope!!!!) and it helps my digestive system.

4. Clean Eating: 

This one is easy for me as I've never been a foodie person. I do enjoy my wine in moderation. 

I hope if you too, find yourself on this pre-senior path of life, that this peace is finding it's way into your heart as well and you are finding the gifts meant for us in this stage of life. 

I'm curious about ways you are intentional about your emotional and physical health? 

Feel welcome to comment and share your inspiration with us. 

With Smiles, Val

My Word for 2021: Committment!

Today I completed my 100 day challenge!!!

I wrapped up the last One Hundred days of 2020 with a commitment to self.

To complete 100 days of something changes you.

For me, I gained a new confidence in myself. 

I learned to prioritize my own commitment to self...with no excuses. 

I remember when I first started I read: You have to have a Day One to have a Day One Hundred! Then pretty soon, I was on day ten, twenty...soon not wanting to miss a day, not wanting to break my '"trend". This in itself increased my sense of purpose and self. 

I gained a sense of control during a time when we feel like we have no control.

So what fuels you? What is your Bliss?

I begin 2021 with a continued commitment to self.

This intentional effort to exercise and be healthy fuel me.

I handle stress better. I handle loneliness better. I handle our ever-changing world better.

Isolation, social distancing, distance learning as an educator have created an independence and freedom like I've never before experienced.  I tire of daily ZOOM meetings and do not like spending so much time on a computer. I walk on my lunch hour and workout when I get home to keep my body active and strong.  I have learned over the past nine months to nurture my faith and vision of self.

What are you taking control of during these uncertain times?

What are you being intentional about?

I've come to realize blogging is not in my Wheel Well right now.

As I personally move into 2021, I wanted to leave some words that will hopefully inspire you to take control of that which you can during this Coronavirus pandemic we are experiencing.

 I have no New Year's Resolution, yet choose to move forward 

continuing my wellness habits and just breathing through so much that we can't control.

Instead of thinking "I'm giving up this and not doing that" think about replacement.

Success requires replacement:

So far, I've:

Replaced complaining with gratitude.

Replaced toxic people with mentors.

Replaced junk food with nutrition.

Replaced overthinking with action.

and now, I'll focus on replacing alcohol with water.

Hoping 2021 finds you inspired to become the best version of yourself as the world needs more strong, healthy, happy people that are non-judgmentally kicking-ass in their life!

With SMILES! Val

Be Kind to YOURSELF

Hello Hello my fellow blogging friends!!

I came to realize that it's almost been FOUR months since I've even blogged.
Yet, after getting my hair cut today and chit chatting with my hairstylist...

(I just LOVE getting my pixie cut...especially with the onset of Summer!)

 

...I was inspired to write this post...as for the first time during this pandemic I felt like I wasn't alone in finding myself needing to navigate unknown terrain yet internally frustrated in NOT finding comfort and motivation in all that use to motivate me. For example, when this pandemic started I had  an ambitious list of all the things I was going to accomplish with this new found time on my hands....especially when school "officially" let out in June! BIG plans I had listed, because there was nowhere to go and nothing to interrupt my progress. Yet, in four months I've only "loaded" a test quilt onto the frame and completed a quilt top started six years ago (Well, I guess THAT's an accomplishment isn't it! LOL!)  But, the sewing room more often than not, remains dark:

There are honestly moments where I feel as if I'm failing this "stay at home" thing after being so use to an active work/social "routine". Why don't I want to quilt like I use to??? My hairstylist and I talked about this...as she is going through the same thing! We're both use to feeling productive. We both have ambitious list that we have NOT gotten to...nor do we care! We have found comfort in new hobbies. Hers has been bullet journaling and pen pal lettering. Mine has been my Sue Spargo Homegrown stitching:

I L O V E this project. I was able to sew during my school ZOOM meetings and continue to enjoy working on it, now that school is "out for the summer". The bright happy colors, creative stitching offer relaxation and fun!  It's not overwhelming. It's a perfect distraction from the news that at this very moment fills my background announcing: "Will face masks be on student's back to school lists?" It calms any anxiousness as like you, it seems like daily we are trying to navigate an unknown terrain. A text from my principal just dinged reminding me of our "blueprint" meeting as we as our school's leadership team, begin to outline the reopening of school in the Fall according to ODE orders. (We hope!!) I will begin my 32nd year as an educator in a very new normal that's for sure!

My hairstylist and I talked about how we just need to show up with kindness. PERIOD.

And not only for others but I'm here to say, for yourself as well!  My mind and body shout daily: "Fresh air! Fresh air! Exercise" so I have been intentional about that. I'm trying new things and added a different variety to my fitness regiment. I'm trying yoga. I bike ride. I walk. I golf.

I'm being kind to myself. I finally gave myself permission to NOT accomplish anything at all if that's how I'm feeling. My number one priority has been to be healthy and take good care of myself. And I'm doing that. I do exercise a minimum of an hour a day. I eat well. Annnnddd, I even sleep in a little longer if I awake and being under a cozy quilt makes lingering a little longer rejuvenating. 

But I also give myself permission to stay in my PJ's all day long! As often it's discouraging to continue to keep a calendar that has actually morphed into a document of everything that I didn't get do and people I didn't get to be with. Of course, that makes me sad.

So I guess what I wanted to share, is if you feel like you have no idea what you are doing, if you feel like you are failing at this stay at home thing, know you are not alone. You DON'T have to do it all. You don't have to clean the kitchen drawers. You don't have to learn anything new or even accomplish something. Nope. You don't, Just BE. Reach out to a friend to let them know you are thinking of them. Go for a walk. Watch an old movie.  But know you are doing the best you can in this moment you are in. And honestly, THAT in itself is incredible! BE safe. BE healthy. BE present. BE happy. Yes! Even if it means staying in your jammies all day!

With SMILES! Val

Checking in....

A New Way of Wine Tasting....I Guess. 

A week ago, our Sunday Wine Tasting included a drive in the country....

 ...which led us to a secluded vineyard tucked between the Idaho mountains.
We enjoyed  sampling a delicious variety of cheeses and wines.

Now I'm contemplating if this is what our next excursion may look like!  

(The closet and bathroom literally crack me up!! 

But I guess if I had kids at home I maaayyy have done this??? LOL!!!)

I started "Spring Break" from school this weekend, after, like so many of you I'm sure, a week of drastic change in lifestyle and routines. Spending time working from home in virtual conference rooms like this felt WEIRD!!!   

We as educational leaders in our community are committed to creating a plan to provide our students and families with consistent educational routines and support during what is swiftly becoming a new normal of isolation. The enormity of our social situation and it's impacts on not only our students education, but the role we we continue to play as community leaders is quickly changing. I joked in conversation to my mom, that  when I finally do return to work, it will feel more like a worker for the Red Cross as we may be called upon by the Govoner to for example, provide childcare resources for our first responders. Either way, I'm all in. I think it's important we ban together with grace and love as we all start to navigate this new normal. 

But! Social Distancing...Doesn't Mean Isolation.

It just means new ways of  doing what we love to do...and some of the new habits I'm thinking could be to our advantage! For example, below is a copy of the new "health and safety" guidelines sent out from our local golf course. Bullet number two: "All cups will be raised 1 inch above the ground." I'm thinking is THIS could be a huge advantage to my short game, as now when we putt we only need to "hit the cup" and not get the damn ball exactly "in the hole".  I'm seriously thinking: "Sweet!" (Mom, you'll have to share these with Dad!)

So this afternoon WILL find us getting some fresh air, sunshine and exercise...on the golf course!

With a low immune system, I'm of course taking many precautions to keep myself healthy and safe. But I can not live indoors in complete isolation, as I especially love being outdoors! 

So I hope you'll stop by the ol' blog here knowing I'll be posting more often.  I'll share ways you too CAN take good care of yourself  in hopes to inspire you to create a healthy life for yourself  during a time that you may be feeling like you have no control at all and isolation is real. 

With SMILES! Val

My 20 in 2020

I've been reading about the value of intentional living and have begun to discover what happiness and success mean to me. The heavy weights I've been carrying on my shoulders finally dissolving as I find myself free of so many physical, emotional and financial obligations. I used 2019 as a year dedicated to emotional healing and mindful decluttering. 2019 was a major turning point for us as a couple and in the process, I began to learn what I want and need to feel joy in this middle age chapter of my life. It became empowered  as I let go of  the clutter from our past and refreshing to see life through a new set of eyes. I am grateful on so many levels. 

As you write your New Year's list I challenge you to ask yourself:

Why am I doing this?

Who am I doing this for?

How will this add value to my life?
What will bring you joy?
I'm literally amazed at how having LESS has been a huge part of finding personal joy.

With that said....

My WHY: To embrace the financially free, simplified life style we have created for ourselves. I want to embrace the fact I have more time to practice self-care and enjoy creative outlets.

My WHO: First for myself. I've never put myself first, and often found myself overwhelmed with the emotions of all those I love, yet where most often situations I could not control  Second, for my husband. He is my rock. And finally, it has been my goal to stay fit and healthy enough so I will always keep up with my grand kids. 

How will this add VALUE to my life? I've always done everything by the "book" and this often leaves me feeling unfulfilled. This past year provided my husband and I the opportunity to "wake up" and see our life through fresh eyes. These are my goals and priorities that I will be working towards in this new season of my life as I find myself literally shifting gears living a simple, intentional life for myself and my husband.
These are the things that bring me joy:

ADVENTURES:

1. An exquisite back-country gig. DONE! See HERE.

2. A live concert in Vegas!

3. Travel to Seattle. (Somewhere hubby has always wanted to vacation.)
4. Sit on the veranda of a friend and watch fireflies for the first time.

5. Black Tie event. (Can't remember the last time we really dressed up.

 We probably wouldn't recognize ourselves. LOL!) DONE! See HERE.

PERSONALLY

1.  Cherish the wonderful people in my life: hubby, parents and grands.

2. Exercise: First: Keep on walking! This includes my 10 minute AM dog walk each weekday morning and  two-three mile park walk after work 5 days a week. Second: Keep the joints oiled! I bought an elliptical  and this thing is kicking my butt! I bought it with the intention to keep in shape during the winter for golf...but OMG! Finding myself on the verge of whining.....it is so hard!!! Sooooo with that said...my goal is 5 minutes each weekday morning, gradually increasing to presentable gains by February!!!! ARG!!!

3. Keep a Traveler's Notebook
4. Get crafty again!!

MONTHLY: (This is times 12)

Continue my monthly personal health  21 day challenges....each continuing into the next month.  

DECEMBER:

Sooo for example, in December I did not participate in ANY treats or pot lucks at school. That may sound like not a big deal...but literally the teacher's lounge was FULL of every and all holiday treat for two weeks straight! For me, it was just easier to avoid than indulge. 

JANUARY: 

An intentional focus on continuing my daily 2-3 mile walks 

and implementing the weekday morning elliptical routine.

FEBRUARY: 
Continue my  10*10*40 exercise routine. Eat well.

MARCH-APRIL
Wellllll this was unexpected!
Hello!!! Pandemic!

The virus that shut down the world!!! Literally!
March and April found most of the World coming to a screeching stand still! !
All of sudden we found ourselves "sheltering-in-place", working, schooling and confined to home.
If you do go out for "essentials" one must practice social distancing and wear face masks.

MAY-JUNE-JULY
The world begins to reopen in four long, thought-out stages.
During a time that everything seems unpredictable and out of control, I find myself wanting to create some kind of structure and routine to my days. With three months of HOME and isolation my forecast "life" right now, between my more than I care for daily ZOOM meetings, checking emails and work phone conversation....
I have found solitude in my hand stitching especially.
With that said, by the end of my "quarantine" I'd like to accomplish these three WIP:

 Two of these are wool stitching projects and the other will end up being a winter quilt for our bed.
Funny, as I set out to begin this year, I wanted to be intentional to be at peace. And during this COVID-19, I find this even more important. Intentional living is the way to bring increased blessings into your life. Creating this list does that for me. Wishing you the power to BE AT PEACE each moment and in every circumstance...
...especially during a pandemic. 

With SMILES! Val

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