Wellness Wednesday – National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

 Peloton Bike Ride -  Session for a first timer

Thank you Peloton. Several of my fit friends post pictures of themselves working out with the popular Peloton Bike to encourage others. I learned a few things about my body as I took my first ride on the Peloton bike. Today, September 29^th, is celebrate as Women’s Health and Fitness Day.

Today I celebrate with a fitness story. Along the fitness journey you may become bored with your routine workout, or just want to try something different. While away from home at a conference, I checked out the hotel fitness center. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and variety of equipment available.

As I completed bicep curls and headed for the Elliptical machine, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye. It was the Peloton bike staring at me, flirting, as if to say, come on over here, give it a try. I rolled my eyes at the Peloton, and got on the elliptical, moving my arms and legs at varying speeds.

It wasn’t until the next day, that I had the courage to venture over to the Peloton. I climbed onto the seat, slid my feet into the pedal straps, and scanned the menu choices for a workout. I attempted to get my rump positioned appropriately on the seat, but it kept fighting me, and would not fit. It certainly gave new meaning to the word fitness.

I selected a workout tailored to my needs, it said first timer. The trainer was encouraging and kept me motivated. I felt as though he was talking directly to me. The session was only 20 minutes, but it was intense. I may need to repeat that session a few more times before I’m ready to take the training wheels off and advance to a more intense workout.

What is your fitness routine like? If you’re not doing anything, just start. Do something at a moderate pace to get your body moving. Walking counts too, don’t discount the benefits of walking. Since it’s National Women’s Fitness Day, commit to doing one thing today related to fitness. One step, one day at a time, will lead you to your end goal.

Get fit and take a friend with you.

Monday Musings – Travel Chronicles – The Lighter Side of Flying During a Pandemic

 

The sky was a mix of light and dark shades of Orange. From 10,000 feet in the air, I sat in the middle seat of the aircraft and gazed past my seatmate to soak in the view. The sunrise was calming, no turbulence in the air, but my ears were doing that popping thing.

The higher we went into the air, the more my ears ached. My grandmother used to say, “Chew a piece of gum or pretend you’re swallowing something. It helps that feeling pass.” I chewed, one stick of gum after another like a chain smoker. I took the gum out of my mouth and did a few rounds of fake swallowing. Grandma’s methods didn’t work this time.

In order to take my mind off the discomfort of my ears and face muscles, I reflected on observations of the flight. The flight attendants did a good job of working together. One person was on the intercom in the background giving instructions while the other two stood in the aisle and demonstrated through hand motions. It was like a form of sign language.

Due to the face that our world is still experiencing pandemic, passengers were told that face masks must be worn at all times during the flight, except to eat or drink. “When your drink is down, your mask is up.” The intercom voice also told us, “Do not remove your mask to place your drink order.”

We learned more sign language as the flight attendant team announced and demonstrated the rules of the flight. “As your flight attendant comes around, hold up 1 finger for Coke, 2 for Diet Coke, 3 for 7-Up, and 4 for water.” Asking for coffee with cream and sugar was a little complicated, so when the attendant came around I held up four fingers.

Sipping my water, I pulled a book from my purse, relaxed my shoulders, and enjoyed the rest of the flight. However, this is not the end of my story. On the flight home, a different team of flight attendants provided instruction for a comfortable and joyful flight.

The flight attendant put a different spin on announcing the safety rules of the flight. He said, “If you are traveling with kids, or with someone acting like a kid…put your oxygen mask on first, then assist them.”

The next instruction announced was, “If our flight should happen to turn into a cruise, put the floatation vest around your neck and pull the cord.” Due to the creative antics of the flight attendants, I will always remember the safety rules of the flight.

My entertaining flights had me pondering the questions, does someone write the material for the flight attendants? Is a comedic background on the list of skills, knowledge, and other duties, on the job description? I don’t know the answers to those questions, but I am grateful for the humor. Flying during a pandemic can stir anxiety and apprehensive feelings…Laughter HELPS.

Thank you Southwest Airlines. I was not paid for this mention of Southwest.

When have you found humor during your travels?

 

Fun Friday - Laughter H.E.L.P.S. - A Happier, Healthier You

Did you know that laughter can be used as a coping mechanism? Laughter can help get you through tough times. I was excited to be asked to be a guest blogger on Lori King's blog. Visit Lori's blog and see how I used laughter in a frustrating situation. Click here.

If you enjoy that blog post, check out similar essay in my eBook - Laughter H.E.L.P.S. (Hope, Encouragement, Love, Prayer, Strength).

Make a point to add laughter to your day.

Fun Friday – Family Funnies

 

It’s back to school and time to dig into assignments for many students, my son included. He’s taking a gazillion  college credits because he wants to graduate this semester. From time to time he and I bounce ideas off of each other. My son called me the other day (did not text…must be serious), he said, “Are you working on your writing and comedy?”

“Yep.”

“I have a proposition for you…help me write my paper and I’ll give you some jokes.”

I smiled, “You already have.”

My son is not the only family member who volleys words back and forth like a fast-paced tennis match. My mom and brother get into the game as well. The three of us chatted on the phone the other day. I told them that I was working marketing myself and said, “I need some funny stuff to post on social media.”

Mom said, “You’re not marketing yourself; you’re taking our ideas and putting your name on it.”

My brother added to the conversation by roaring with laughter in the background. It is my belief that laughter should be a part of everyone’s self-care regimen. My brother proved that he shared my belief. Once again, I posed a question to my mom. “How does laughter help you?”

“It helps me, help you.”

I’m pretty sure I assisted my brother in burning calories as his stomach muscles tightened when he belted out rounds of laughter. I didn’t see it, but I could hear it loud and clear.

Whether it’s back to school funnies or crazy conversations with family take advantage of opportunities to exercise your funny bone. Find a reason to laugh today.

A laugh a day keep stress at bay.

 

Wacky Wednesday - The Silly Walk

 As  I stepped into the Children's section of my local library, I was greeted by a chalkboard sign with fat lettering that said, "Silly Walk." I could not resist the urge to follow the directions on the sign...so that's what I did.

I glanced to my left, and glanced to my right, no one in sight, so I stepped onto the path of the Silly Walk. When was the last time you were uninhibited and danced like no one was watching (or walked a silly path)?

Today, step out of your comfort zone, step into silly, and enjoy life's journey.

Motivational Monday – National Women’s Friendship Day – 5 Ways to celebrate

 

“A true friend is one who knows all about you and likes you anyway.” - African Proverb

 

National Women’s Friendship Day is celebrated the third Sunday in September. The purpose of this day is to promote special friendship among women. There are a variety of ways to celebrate, below are 5 ways you can celebrate:

1.      Plan an outing with special friends –  friendships often develop naturally, and those new friends become special friends.

2.      Attend a breakfast or luncheon with a group of women - Feel free to create an event of your own.

3.      Send an ecard to an out-of-town friend.

4.      Promote the value of women in society – I remember in my school days, learning about Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American Astronaut to travel into space.

5.      Watch a movie with a friend -  Make it a girl’s night. How about a grown-up pajama party? You can stay up all night talking and laughing. Better yet, make it a friendly competition and see who will fall asleep first. Looser treats for dinner.

Sweeten friendship day by adding a Friendship Cake. In my college years, I remember visiting my aunt near a Holiday. She was in the kitchen standing over a large mixing bowl, cracking eggs, and whipping batter. I asked, “What are you making Aunt Lue?”

“It’s called a Friendship Cake.”

“Huh?” My eyebrows raised.

Aunt Lue explained that a friendship cake is one that starts with a friend giving you an ingredient to start the cake (called starter). This type of cake can take up to 50 days to complete. I’ve also seen mention of a 30-day process.

I’ve never actually made a Friendship Cake, but it sounds appropriate for Women’s Friendship Day. You share the starter with a friend, and she gather all other ingredients to complete the cake. If you’re ready to stir up a sweet treat, check out the recipe here.

When was the last time you called a friend and invited her to hang out? You could spend time together doing nothing in particular except catching up on life’s events.

Happy Women’s Friendship Day to you. May you always be surrounded by fun friends and lasting friendships.

 

Words of Wisdom - Internatonal Literacy Day - 3 Fun Ways to Become Involved

Photo Credit: medium.com

International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8th and is a way to spread awareness about the importance of literacy. Below are 3 Fun ways youcan join the celebration,

1.  Start an online (or in person) Book club.

2.  Hosat a local author hangout online.

3.  Start a reading contest with family and firends.

Perhaps you prefer book drives, live readings, or games, the idea is to improve literacy and spread awareness. It doesn't hurt to have a little fun along the way.

To learn more about International Literacy Day and the importance of literacy, check out the article - Fun Ideas to Celebrate International Literacy Day.

Monday Musings - Labor Day - Are you eating clean?

Photo Credit: mysteryreadersinc blog

It's Labor Day in the United States, a time to celebrate the contributions workers have made to the, "strength, prosperity, and ell-being of the country," (thebalancesmb.com). It's also a time families and friends get together to celebrate with food. Several friends and I say the same phrase each year, "We're going to workout everyday, the week leading up to Labor Day...they we can eat crazy."

A healthy lifestyle is key to our wellness, and we know their must be a balance between eating and exercise. I say we, because I know I'm not alone. Just for today, do we really need to worry about eating clean, and weight loss? Let's lighten up today and see what comedian Lisa Mills says about eating clean.

YouTube Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for entertainment purposes and menat to be humorous. Don't use this as a guide for your weight loss journey. We can lose weight together, but not through the advice of this post.

Today, relax and spend time doing something fun, you deserve it.

Fun Friday – What’s in your closet? A Humorous Look at a Weight Loss Journey

 Do you remember as a child being afraid of monsters under the bed or in the closet? Well, there are still monsters in my closet; they’re in the form of clothes I can no longer fit. Here’s a peek inside my closet.

Two sections exist in my closet – Hopes & Dreams, and I Wish You Would. The Hopes & Dreams section holds the clothes in smaller sizes, that I didn’t want to let go. These are clothes that I hope I can fit again one day, but my body says keep dreaming.

In the I wish you would section are the sexy dresses I can’t fit any more. When I touch these dresses they scream, I wish you would…try to stuff yourself in here. I listen to them and move on. Never fear there is hope on the horizon.

A new section of my closet has birthed – The Comfort Zone. The clothes in this section are not judgmental; they are stretchy, soft, and encouraging. Warning – these clothes can grow with you and push their limits.

If you are on a weight loss journey, view it as just that, a journey, not a sprint. Don’t put  the greatest emphasis on how much weight you’ve lost, but on progress you’re making. Do one thing each day to get you closer to where you want to be. It can be as simple as drinking more water, stretching while sitting at your desk, or committing to taking more steps throughout your day.

Reward yourself along your journey. We all know, a person doesn’t become healthy, fit, or lose weight overnight. It may take baby steps and finding a way to have joy during the process. Everyday is not an upbeat day, but I find a way to incorporate humor, and you can too.

A reward can be a new journal (oh, wait that’s what I did), a home spa day, or popcorn and Netflix. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make yourself feel like a million bucks.

Get rid of the proverbial monsters under your bed, in your head, and in your closet. Call the exterminator – prayer, hope, and determination.

Make your inner critic your new friend, chat with her about your outer beauty. Well, tell that inner critic to shut up. You are beautiful from the inside out.

Add a few new items to your closet – prayer, hope, determination, persistence, and humor.

You've Got This!

Wordless Wednesday - National Skyscraper Day

National Skyscraper Day is celebrted esch yer on September 3rd. Take a peek at several skysrapers I captured on a vacation this year.

A view of Chicago

Did you know that Louis Sullivan was the first master architect of high-rise buildings? National Skyscraper Day was set as September 3rd in honor of Sullivan (his birthdate). Learn more of the history of the day here.