No Resolution
The recovering perfectionist in me has learned to be much kinder to myself in this decade of my life. There was a time when I set many goals and lived with the rigidity of accountability to try to meet more than was feasibly possible. Today I embrace smaller changes with the knowledge that consistency over time will lead to more balance and a sense of accomplishment. I no longer beat myself up for failing and accept small setbacks as part of the process.
Healthy Striving
This January I set a goal to mindfully flatten my glucose level by eating much cleaner. I didn’t set huge rigid parameters around eliminating all things with white flour, sugar, or dairy, but I definitely set out with a plan to prepare healthy choices and to be able to decrease my cravings for sugar after allowing myself to enjoy a little too much sugar over the holidays.
One of the ways I am managing this is by spending 20 minutes on Sundays cutting a multitude of raw veggies that I love such as brussels, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, radishes, and organic tomatoes. I chopped all of them up and threw them in a large bowl. Then I made Quinoa and Thai rice noodles and combined the raw veggies into daily lunch servings. I added some artichoke hearts and kalamata olives for an extra zing.
I love flavored olive oils and balsamic from my favorite local store called Olive and Vyne and mix their Persian Lime and Cucumber Melon oils and balsamics with my veggies. I also cooked chicken as an add-on for increased protein. Having this all set and ready to go, makes my busy mornings go so much smoother, and prevents me from grabbing bars and quick food choices that have too many carbs or sugars added.
What We Have Control Over
I may not have control over this hormonal shift at this age, but I do have control over a few variables that have been contributing to me not feeling my best. What we eat and put in our body can have a huge impact on our sleep, recovery, and our mental health. So many clients who stop drinking alcohol, find that their anxiety actually improves. The same is true with the ups and downs of sugar and caffeine for our energy, fatigue, and inflammation.
As someone who is living with the aftermath of 2 shoulder surgeries and a Tibia/Fibula Fracture, I know inflammation and the aches and pains associated with these surgeries very well. I know I fought some of the dietary changes as I just wasn’t willing to go back to a restricted diet that I once lived by when I counted every Macro and denied myself the joys of many yummy foods. Again, balance has been my goal. Yet, I’m also realizing that mobility and living pain free from aches and pains is also a powerful motivator to a more healthy eating regime.
Consistency Over Time
What small changes can you make that can lead you to feeling more awakened, mobile, and more energized? Our emotional well being is a huge part of this journey, and it requires those of us who live in a state of productivity to learn to let go and experience the parasympathetic release of our nervous system.
On Friday I participated in a restorative yoga class with some friends. It wasn’t about exercise, strength building, or cardio. It was about holding poses for up to 10 minutes and allowing yourself to breathe into the position and let go of all the thoughts in your mind. I had to breathe through pain and aches in my body, just staying in the moment and addressing the reality that rest is just as important as physical activity.
Whatever you hope for in 2025, know that life is full of goals and disappointments. Please don’t beat yourself up if you fall short of your self induced expectations? Remember that consistency is the goal, and small changes made consistently over time can be huge for your overall physical and emotional well being.
If your mental health needs a reset, I am here to hold space and help you make the changes desired in 2025.