Get out of that Rut

Get out of that Rut!

I read a great quote the other day.  “The only difference between a rut and a grave are its dimensions.”, (Ellen Glasgow).  It made me think of the negative feelings that come with being in a rut.  Then, it dawned on me.  We really can’t afford to live in a rut, and here’s why.

Truthfully, living in a rut would have made even high school graduation nearly impossible.   Complacency in any aspect of our modern culture puts us at a stand still.  What if we had just been happy to live with penicillin?  Well, one could argue that our life expectancy would be that much shorter and our quality of life less than we know it today.  If we had simply been happy with land and sea travel, we could easily come to the conclusion that what we know today as air and space travel would not likely be part of our reality.  Countless other examples exist.  

So why can’t we afford it?  My position on this is not related to competing for the world’s best economy or the most impressive technology.  No, instead, it is each and every man and woman’s race against their own aging process.  Let’s say you were quite a soccer player in your high school days.  Then, it’s college, a job, a spouse and a family - and now life gets busy.  You put your health and fitness on the back burner until “the kids are grown”, resting on the fact that you were always very active. Sound all too familiar?  This kind of rut is the lethal kind.  And here’s why you (and I) can’t afford it.

Put the healthcare costs of an aging body aside.  That’s another blog for another day.  Consider that in this no or low activity rut, you are not keeping up with the natural aging process.  Your skin, muscles, and blood vessels are getting progressively less elastic.  Your heart, organs and muscles are being infiltrated and surrounded by fatty tissue.  Your cell’s telomeres are getting shorter and shorter.  Read more on aging details in several of my other blogs, but in the meantime here’s our answer.  Notice how when your fitness level stays the same (GREEN, ie in a rut), and the normal aging process continues (RED), the area between the lines changes.  Another way to say this is that what was once fitness > age, changes to age > fitness since aging is never at a stand still.  Look again.  Understanding and placing value on this truth may be one of the single best investments you can make.  Quite simply, your health...it's something you can't afford to live without.

Keep moving!

    

    

Silence

Want to up your game?  Take your health, fitness or level of happiness to the next level?  Try silencing your mind.

If you are like many people, a negative thought in your mind is as destructive as the plague.  Parallel in several ways, that one little germ of a thought festers, grabs onto others around it, grows within you and is even contagious.  Once the negative dialogue begins, how do we stop it?  Have you ever had the experience where you finally just say to yourself, "snap out if it!"?

You've heard how pathological it is to hold a grudge.  Physiological changes incur with emotional stress:  your blood pressure raises, your muscles tense, cortisol is released.  Holding onto a negative thought is a lot like it.  It's a grudge against yourself as it consumes energy that you would otherwise have to spend on your health, fitness and happiness.

The first step is recognizing that a negative thought is present.  When the driver in front of you slams on his brakes because he dropped his cell phone almost causing you to rear end him in bumper to bumper traffic, your (although justifiable) negative thoughts are only harming you.  Realizing its impact as you sit, fuming for the remainder of your commute, aggravated before your work day even starts, will help talk you down.

If you can separate your intelligence and your emotion, "That was a close one - get me away from that irresponsible driver," you can move toward quieting your mind.  Stop the negative thought pattern.

Oftentimes it is more challenging to stop a thought that comes from within.  A self-doubt thought may be the hardest.  In this situation, there is no literal removing of yourself from the situation.  Stopping the negative thought pattern may take mind silencing.   In an ideal situation, connect with a natural element: the sunset, a shade tree, a body of water.  Nature is a good grounding force as it is a reliable source of quiet.  Next block all thoughts from your mind and find the place of silence.  Try to avoid any new thoughts.  Absorb the tranquility that comes when the mind is silenced.

It takes practice, but the practice itself is a solace.  Now, think about what's holding you back.  Think you can't lose that weight, run that fast, deal for this long?  Find your quiet place and start applying your new found energy toward achieving your goal.  Focus on the positive, see the glass half full.  Leave your worries behind and enjoy the peace that comes with silence.

To your health,
Amy

A Family's Greatest Treasure

Grandparents are a family's greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, The greatest storytellers, the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family's strong foundation. Their very special love sets them apart. Through happiness and sorrow, through their special love and caring, grandparents keep a family close at heart. ~author unknown


Wow, I couldn't agree more.  This past week marked some important dates for my family.  On August 6th, my extended family decided that my 93 year old beloved grandfather would discontinue heroic measures and accept the natural sequence of a failing medical condition.  The heart break and emotional struggle as we realize the finality of this decision was at times overwhelming.  The retold story of how my grandmother, his bride of 68 years, told him it was "OK to go" was nothing shy of gut wrenching.  His "very special love sets him apart." 


A day later we reflected on the 15th anniversary of the passing of my maternal grandmother.  What an impact she had on the people we have become.  We look back at the myriad of examples her life and her love taught us.  Laugh, learn and remain faithful to your family.  A clear example of unconditional love, "sets her apart".


Why is it that grandparents have that incredible ability to stamp our hearts with their unique, indelible mark?  I know for myself and my siblings, that although the physical body may fail, the "who" of my grandparents will never fade.  I also know that many families share this sentiment. 


Time and time again anthropologists, sociologists and National Geographic authors (Dan Beutner) write about cultures where generations of families live under one roof.   If we look at happiness, quality of life and meaningfulness, it is in those connected cultures where grandparents are an important, valued part of the family life, that  happiness and longevity are richest.


In the American culture, as we slowly return to the value of the family, we should consider the role our grandparents play(ed) in our lives.  If you still have living grandparents (and thankfully I do), call them.  Reach out, ask for a story, remember a funny time or a just share a new experience.  If you have children, kindle their connection with their grandparents.  And if you are a grandparent, thank you.  Your strong foundation for our families is a true treasure.      

The Family Room

By Friday, I typically feel like I've put in my time and have earned myself a weekend.  So, Friday nights, my siblings, their families and mine congregate at my parents' house for a little battery re-charge.  No one cares what you're wearing, if you find the couch and sack out for a half hour, or if the kids interrupt the conversation.  The time is filled with laughter, crazy stories of the week and trips down memory lane.  It's just good old fashioned down time.  Always uplifting, time well spent.

This past Friday, as I bemoaned the busy schedule of the upcoming weekend, I passed back and forth through our Fuel Good Cafe.  A hum of conversation, the incredible smell of brewing coffee and cooking sandwiches, and the casual, relaxed feel with the TV and couches- it almost felt like the family room at my parents' house.  See, we're a big crowd, and there's always  room for more.  That's the feel at the Fuel Good.  It's genuine smiles when you make eye contact, the comfort of knowing you're among friends, and the common ground of actively working toward being a better you.  There's an occasional hoot for an accomplishment, a few tears for friends going through a hard time, and always an ear to tell your story to.  Yup, just like the family room.

Propinquity has its effects, and who doesn't want to share in some light-hearted, good-natured fun?  As I went through the cafe throughout the day, the feel didn't change.  This could have been a group of strangers and something about the atmosphere gives off a sense of connectedness.  It's like today's Cheers cast.

In my search for healthy aging practices, regularly spending time with a community, family, social network or group of close friends is a common theme in the cultures that live happily ever after.  Bring your friends and see how The Fuel Good Cafe provides excellent, healthier fare in a "family room" atmosphere.  Re-charge your batteries, contribute toward your own "happily ever after".  I'm sure you'll agree - always uplifting, time well spent. (And by the way - can I recommend The Herbivore!)