Enrich Your Life By Volunteering

For years I have wanted to volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program which delivers meals to seniors through Jewish Family Service. I finally decided that this was the time since I am in between careers and actually have the time. At first I was just delivering the meals without much communication due to caretakers answering the door, or not much interest. I still felt good about what I was doing, knowing that this was a much needed service, and I was really helping out. I did spend an afternoon helping a blind woman go thru her mail and pay her bills. She was convinced we would not get through the two large piles of mail but I assured her we would, and we did, as well as paying the bills, and addressing the envelopes. It took a couple of hours but she was so appreciative and happy to have taken care of all of it. I can't tell you how good it made me feel to help her out and feel that immense sense of satisfaction. It was a feeling like none I've ever had.

More recently I have been delivering to two older men who live alone. My first week with my "newbies", I was invited in to sit down, although I did not, due to having many deliveries that day and wanting to get to everyone on time. The next week I decided I needed to make time to visit with them if that's what they wanted. My first delivery is a 91 year old man who lives in a house alone as his wife has died. I have been spending more and more time with him each week, and the conversations are getting more and more diverse and comfortable. We are learning about each others interest and it is such an exercise of self awareness for both of us. I realize how much he appreciates me spending time with him, and I am appreciating the fact that he is so intelligent and has so many interest things to share. He continuously comments about how much food he is getting and how his freezer is getting full. He only gets two meals a week, however he also goes out and cooks for himself as this is what he did in the service years ago. I keep telling him that he is not eating enough but I have stopped now, finally realizing that he does not eat the way he used to. He is very open to my opinions, and general tone, and lets me know that he really likes the way I look at things, and appreciates my overall intelligence and reasoning. I mentioned that he should call and have the meals delivered every other week to avoid the overage in his freezer but he immediately realized that I would not be coming every other week and I noticed the disappointment. This was quite an eye opener for me, and I let him know that I would stop by every week to spend time with him with or without meals. This made him very happy and completely warmed my heart.

My next "newbie" was not home for the first two weeks I delivered so I was told to just come in and leave the food. I didn't think people still left there doors unlocked anymore but they do, and it seems to be ok, depending on where you live. The third week I came in the house and he was there. The cutest little man with the best personality. He was so excited to see me he asked to hug and kiss me immediately. I was a bit overwhelmed but took it in stride and just went with it. He quickly asked me in for coffee and to lunch but he was my last delivery and I had other errands to run and people to meet. He gave me his card to call him and asked for my phone number after many complements about my personality and overall aura. I made it clear that we could go to lunch the next week as friends, not knowing what he was thinking, and he let me know that he was old enough to be my grandfather, which gave me a sense of relief. The next week as I pulled up to his house he was sitting outside waiting for me and immediately got in the car. We went to lunch and he made friends with everyone in the restaurant. I found out he was a Psychologist, and had lived alone for many years after divorcing. He constantly complemented me about my looks and bubbly personality, and wondered why I was not married or dating, or as he put it " why has no one scooped you up, they must be crazy. You are such a wonderful woman." We went to lunch again this week, even though he had just gotten back from lunch. I told him it was not necessary but he wanted to spend some time with me and I couldn't say no. I am really enjoying his company as he is very smart, quick, and wity, and loves to talk to everyone. He has called me a couple of times to give me what he calls "useless information" and all I can do is laugh. I honestly can't wait to see what he will do or say next, and I am enjoying his company so much.

This has been such a wonderful addition to my life, and I look forward to it more and more each week. During the election I volunteered at the Democratic headquarters, and that was well worth it per the outcome of the election. Once again, another self satisfying use of my time.  I can't tell you how much these seniors need company and appreciate having people visit and spend time with them. If you have time to help with this organization, or just to visit nursing homes, or help out at other senior centers around town, I guarantee you will be a welcome addition to others lives, as well as having one of the most self satisfying experiences of your life. My destiny becomes clearer each day thru these experiences, and only aids me in my goal of becoming a Certified Health Coach; the journey to a whole and happy life.

Living and Loving Helping Others
Go Out and Volunteer!!!

The Jewish High Holidays; Getting Back To Our Roots

I have been thinking about writing this article for a couple of weeks, and had the hardest time figuring out exactly what I wanted to write about. I found a blog in the Huffington Post with several articles about the Jewish Holidays, and I realized just what that message needed to be. It is the feeling we get when we enter the synagogue on that first day of Rosh Hashanah. We come together as a community that one time of year. Seeing all of our childhood friends, our parents' friends, and feeling that sense of oneness with those we have grown up with and spent these same days each year, in this holiest of places. It is comforting, and warm inside, with that overwhelming sense of familiarity, and goodness. I love seeing the little kids dressed up in their prettiest, and best clothes, crying in the nursery  because their parents had to leave them to go to the main service. For a while, there has been an alternative, interactive service where more of the kids are welcome, and alot of the younger families can stay together, as the service is shorter. I was raised on the main service in the synagogue, and although I agree with the offering of the alternative service, I couldn't imagine leaving the service I have come to know, and giving up the familiar prayers and tunes I am so accustomed to. Things have changed over the years, as the kids grew up, and my parents moved away, but I will always remember that feeling at this time of year, and I can't imagine not being a part of this most treasured tradition. It is still important to get together with whatever family is here, to eat all the holiday favorites; matzoh ball soup, gefilte fish, chopped eggs, chopped liver (my fav) fresh challah, Manishevitz wine, baked chicken, and/or brisket with potatoes and carrots. I have such great memories of these holidays at my temple, as I am sure all of my fellow jews do, at their own respective synagogues.

As I mentioned before, it is a feeling of oneness with each other as a community, and a feeling of kindness towards each other, as well. In this confusing time we live in today, with everyone split on basic issues, it is so important that we remember that we need to be there for each other; looking past ourselves, in an effort to take care of each other, and feel each others' needs and sensitivities.The Kabbalists have the right idea that kindness towards our community, and taking care of each other, as opposed to only caring about ourselves, is what makes us complete as human beings, and can take us to that higher level of success in our lives personally, and professionally.  We all have successes and failures in various aspects of our lives. We want to find that road to completeness, in an effort to be the best that we can be. It will come naturally if we look past ourselves, and embrace kindness and compassion for each other. In the words of King David “the world is built on kindness.” We can contribute to, and celebrate our own successes by being part of others' successes..

Rosh Hashanah falls on the Hebrew date 1 Tishrei 5773. Be happy as you start this new year, knowing that you are reaching for the highest power there is; kindness towards all, and caring, and comforting those around you. Feel the power as you hear the Shofar blow, ringing in the new year, and a start to new beginnings.

A common greeting on Rosh Hashanah is shana tovah u'metukah, Hebrew for "a good and sweet new year."

“L'shanah tovah friends and family, and very best to all.
May this new year move us all toward a healing of ourselves and our world for greater peace, health, and happiness.”

Happy New Year!!

Cherish Your Friends; They are Precious Commodities

I've been wanting to write an article about how important it is to be there for your friends. In this time of transition, my friends have been invaluable to me, and I have realized how much I appreciate those who have reached out to me, and been there. So much so that I have noticed when my friends have really needed me in return. We are all dealing with so much in our lives; kids, parents, college, marriages, death. Need I go on. I think you get the message. The important thing is that we must continue to be there for each other, for support when that tragedy comes along, whether it be the death of a spouse, the loss of a relationship, or the loss of a job. I know it's hard to compare one to the other, but for the person going thru the so-called tragedy, or the actual  tragedy, the sense of loss is very much the same. Being there and showing your support can be as little as just a phone call or a text, or as big as taking the time to just be with that person for a while so they don't have to be alone, and listen to whatever they want to talk about even if you've heard it over and over again. Everyone heals and deals in their own way, and on their own time schedule. Personally, I have had to realize that everyone is busy with their own stuff, and when they find the time to respond they will. Because I have so much free time these days, I take for granted that just because I call or text doesn't mean that the receiver can respond immediately, even though that's what I want. That's what we all want; INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Eventually they do respond, and if they don't and the message was really important, just send it again, as it may have gotten lost or forgotten, depending on what is going on at the moment with the other party. Remember, EVERYONE IS BUSY with something, and it's not all about you.

Part of being there for your friends is making sure they are taking care of themselves by eating right and exercising. I know some of my friends might think to themselves; "oh no here she goes again, preaching about food and exercise". Well, that's my thing. It's hard to keep my mouth shut when I see that my friends are not eating enough because they got busy, or just didn't feel hungry. We need to remember that in order to feel hungry, you must eat. Eating is what makes the body work and gets that metabolism moving. I know when I started writing about changing my eating habits I mentioned that I had to get used to eating every couple of hours even though I wasn't hungry. It took about two weeks but once my body got used to eating every couple of hours, I was quickly reminded by my stomach, it was time to eat. Try and keep snacks in your car such as nuts, and water, and grab a piece of fruit to take with you when you are leaving the house. You never know when you will need it because you got to BUSY, and forgot to eat. It's happened to me as well when I get caught up in whatever I am doing and before you know it 4-5 hours have gone by and you haven't eaten anything. Normally my stomach will tell me, and I know that is the natural progression for most of us, but if you jump start  your body with a good, healthy breakfast in the morning, and keep up with those snacks between lunch and dinner, you will feel so much better. Your body will thank you and you will want to eat. Also try and keep up with your exercise, by walking at least 30 minutes a day, and getting that heavier cardio workout a couple of times a week, to keep your heart healthy. I remember a phrase from a movie, " exercise produces endorphins, and endorphins make you happy". Just another reason to exercise when you are down in the dumps. I can't tell you how many times I was down and out and didn't want to go to the gym for any reason. I try to remember how good it felt at the end of those nights when I was coming home and thinking to myself how glad I was that I made myself go, and how much better I felt because I played some great racquetball and got to hang out with my friends at the Y. Most of the time I forgot why I was down in the first place. I would like to also stress how important it is to eat something before and after your workouts, to have fuel to burn, and replenish when you're done. Feeling light headed is a sign you have not eaten enough, and avoiding food due to a workout is not the healthy way to go, especially in the heat. One more tip is to always drink water throughout the day, to keep yourself hydrated, and once again, make that body work.

So enough healthy tips for one day. The point once again is that we all need to take care of each other and be there for one another in our times of need and just because. Be honest with each other, but try to realize when to back off due to timing, and the severity of the situation. Put yourself in your friends position and try and realize what they are feeling before you react strongly, or negatively. I have had most of my friends for a very long time and have come to value them so much more thru the years. Friends are precious commodities, not to be taken advantage of, or taken for granted. I dedicate this article to all of my friends, and you know who you are. I love you all very much!!

Living and Loving My Friends

It's Never Too Late To Get Healthy

As we get older we become so set in our ways, the most popular mindset is "it's too late for me to start now; what ever damage is done cannot be reversed". This could not be further from the truth. Once again, I refer to myself, and the lifestyle changes I have made since turning 50. I made up my mind that I could not go up another size, and I was determined to make the necessary changes in diet and exercise to make that happen in the healthiest way possible, without killing myself with exercise, and continuing to eat the foods I really enjoyed. It is never too late.

The American Heart Association has a physical activity readiness questionnaire that should be used as a guide before adding any additional physical activity to your routine. They ask questions and address issues such as; heart conditions and medically supervised physical activity, chest pain, dizziness and loss of consciousness, breathlessness after mild exertion, high blood pressure and associated medication, bone or joint problems, or any other physical limitations. Once you have addressed any or all of these issues with your healthcare professional, you can start to add more physical activity to your life. For more information on adult fitness, and it's importance please go to adultfitnesstest.org . The AHA also recommends exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. This was my initial goal when starting my plan, and it has been a great guide to go by. Walking is of course the most popular, and easiest to maintain consistently. You can break it up during the day into 10 minutes, 3 times a day, or 15 minutes, twice a day. Whatever suits you and your schedule. I usually walk the dog a couple of times a day, in addition to parking farther away to get more walking in. If you have read my previous articles, I have always tried to stress the importance of finding the exercise you enjoy in an effort to develop a consistent exercise routine. Everything counts; golf, racquetball, baseball, softball, soccer, etc.

Now for some fun facts about how exercise generally affects your overall health in our later years. First realize that physical activity is anything that makes you move your body, and burns calories, and aerobic activity such as walking, jogging, biking, zumba, racquetball, etc, .is beneficial for your heart. Exercise and physical activity boosts your mental health, and relieves anger, tension and depression. In other words, it makes you feel good. It also increases your immunities, reducing your risk of cancer and heart disease.  Physical activity also lowers your blood pressure which can ultimately help you reduce or stop any medications you may be taking, in addition to boosting good cholesterol. For each hour of exercise you gain 2 hours of life expectancy, even if you don't start until middle age, according to the AHA. How great is that!! Other advantages of exercise after the age of 55 are prevention of bone loss, which reduces the risk of fractures, and increase in muscle strength, which contributes to balance and coordination and ultimately reduces the risk of falling.

Basically, physical activity increases your quality of life for much longer than you could have ever imagined, and will ultimately continue your independence, without having to depend on others later in life.We have one life to live and one body to live in. Life is precious and should not be taken advantage of. It's up to you to make that difference and take that next step to the best you can be.

Make it count and live for today in order to have a better future tomorrow!!

Dance Thru Your Exercise With Zumba

A few years ago, at a racquetball tournament in Newport News, I watched a zumba class in progress. It was at the Riverside Wellness Center. The class was very full, and looked like a lot of fun. At that time the only exercise I was really participating in was racquetball, as I was never really a class person. There were many classes I tried throughout the years, but I never went more than once. I was only going  for one reason; to get the exercise. It was never anything I really enjoyed, and therefore it never peaked my interest enough to come back. All I thought about while doing the class was how much pain I was in, and how hard it was, constantly waiting for the end. They should never put clocks on the wall in the room, as that seemed to be my primary focus the entire time. I immediately turned my  nose up at the idea of another class situation due to my previous experiences. A few months ago I finally decided it was time to try some new types of exercises, and zumba was the first on the list. It kind of went along with the ballroom dance class I was taking, as it was technically dance related, and I thought I would enjoy it just as much. I went to a class that was supposed to be for beginners, however when I got there I found that not to be the case. Never the less, the instructor, Colleen, was very welcoming, and assured me that I would catch on and she would make sure to explain the steps as she went along. The first class was quite an experience, and I probably didn't get the exercise out of it that I should have, concentrating on the steps much more than the intensity of the movement. The women in the class were so nice and supportive, as well as Colleen, and they assured me that if I continued to come, it would get easier and easier. She also gave me a written handout explaining that you needed to have fun and let yourself go with the music. This really resonated with me, as my focus was so much on getting the steps down, and being technically correct. The next class I did let myself go a bit more, and the exercise just happened without my realizing it. That was all I needed. I was hooked. My daughter, Megan had also told me she was doing it on the cruise ship, and enjoyed it so much she was thinking of becoming an instructor. A couple of weeks after I started, Megan came home and wanted to start going as well. I took her to Colleen's class and she loved it, continuing to go almost everyday. She got very close with Colleen, and the regulars in the class and they lead her to other classes at other YMCA  locations that were popular. I did go to a few more classes with Megan, and really enjoyed it more and more each time, realizing the exercise benefits, and enjoying the dancing. I ended up having to stop due to a sciatica problem for a month or so, and during that time, Megan went back on the cruise ship. The relationships she made with these women, and the instructors, in the two months she was home was priceless. They wanted to keep in touch with her while she was gone, and made her CDs of the music so she would not forget them, along with other zumba gifts. She was even leading some of the dances in the classes, as she was so good at it, and always looked like she was having so much fun.

I finally started feeling better a couple of weeks ago, and have resumed playing racquetball, as well as zumba. I went to Colleen's class last week, and it took me a week to recover, however, I noticed that I picked the steps back up easily, and really got into it so much. It felt great, and I realized how much I missed it. I went back this week again, and I am really getting into the music, reaching a new level of movement. I may actually be getting good at it. The point is that I really love it. As I said before, I have never enjoyed being in an exercise class, but this is so different. I am dancing for an hour, and getting the benefits of exercise without even realizing it. I started to think about how much I always loved to go dancing when I was younger, and how alive it would make me feel. I now have that awesome feeling again in a much different setting.

Enjoying your exercise is key to being able to incorporate it into your daily routine. I hope this article will inspire you to go out and find those activities that you enjoy. There are so many benefits,and enhancements to life, that come along with participating in group activities, as well as joining a fitness center, golf course/country club, or other facility. Your life will be so much more fulfilled without you even knowing it. Take a chance, and a step towards that which you have always enjoyed, and you will enjoy it more later in life. You will not be sorry you did.

Living and Loving Zumba

Life Is A Gift; Don't Wait For The Tragedy

Everyday there are so many stories, TV shows, ads, and reports about obesity, and the tragedies that have caused people to become healthier and take charge of their lives. I finally decided that this needs to be the subject of my next article, so here it is. Why do we have to wait for a life changing event such as death or illness to shock us into reality, and finally take charge of our  health and wellness? I think it's great that there are more and more shows such as "The Biggest Loser", and "The Revolution", and even "Dr. Oz", not to mention all the cooking shows on the Food Network to promote the importance of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. What I don't understand is how and why we let ourselves get to the point of no return. I know that everyone is a victim of their environment. We eat the way our parents eat which is the way their parents ate. We exercise the way we were taught in school, and/or by our parents. As adults we are exposed to so many new things, however we seem to turn a blind eye to the things we know we should do in an effort to maintain the norm as we know it. Always afraid to take that new step into the unknown. How will I ever live without my cakes, cookies, chocolate, creamy sauces, satiating fried foods, etc. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to talk to people about new foods I have tried, and had them tell me; "I can't live without this", or "I can't give that up", " It doesn't taste the same", "I'd rather not eat it if I have to substitute this for that". The very next comment is; "I can't seem to get rid of this belly, and I am exercising all the time".

 My answer is if you want your body to change, you have to be willing to make changes.   The real question is how badly do you want things to change. I have learned throughout my life that you can do anything as long as you try hard enough, and want it bad enough. We all control our own destiny. What we eat, and how much we exercise is no different than what we want to be when we grow up, or what we want to do with the rest of our lives. The information is out there for the taking, but you have to go and get it, and then do something with it. I realize that change is always the hardest thing to accomplish. I found this out being an Office  Manager/CFO in my last job. I instituted many changes in my early years at the job, but this was by far the greatest challenge. People are so resistant to change. If we never take that next step into the unknown, we never improve on anything, and everything stays at a constant whether it be good, bad, or indifferent. If it's not a good change, the best  part is you can always change back to what you know to be good. What have you really lost in the long run, and you took the bigger step in an effort to find out what else was around the corner that you otherwise would have never known about. More times than not, the results of the change will be positive, and you will feel a remarkable sense of satisfaction, and accomplishment for going in the new direction. I have always felt that there is always room for improvement. 

Getting back to my point of the article; Take charge of your life now. If you wait until something tragic happens, you could be harming yourself in ways that cannot be repaired. It is a well known fact that getting rid of the belly fat, and incorporating daily exercise in your routine, can, and will reduce medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and many other illnesses. This is different for everyone, and there is no guarantee as to what medicines you can reduce or cut out completely, but the benefits of eating more fruits, and vegetables, healthy whole grains, beans, lean meats, chicken, and seafood are becoming clearer and clearer each day. I know myself changing the way I eat has caused me to notice how badly my body feels when eating too many sweets, fried foods, and fatty foods. I actually enjoy the taste of fresh fruits, and vegetables, and cooking my own healthy meals gives me such a sense of accomplishment when the meal is complete. I was raised to enjoy my food, and I have learned to do just that thru healthy eating with fresh ingredients. Always remember to eat what you like, and be creative with your food. Once again, change is good, so try new things to enhance your choices, never depriving yourself of anything within reason. My advice is be healthy 90% of the time, and let yourself go 10% of the time.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

Life is Precious, Don't Take It For Granted

Why Wait; Live Your Life Now

I was let go from my job in January of this year. It has now been about 6 months and I have learned so much about myself, my friends, and others I have come in contact with during that time. In February I finally joined facebook to promote this blog, and it has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions of my life. I have reconnected with so many old friends that I did not keep in touch with over the years who I really had fun with growing up. What I realized is that the connections to these friends are still very much the same now. Although our lives have changed due to careers, marriages, divorces, and locations, our personalities and likenesses have remained the same. The most ironic thing I have noticed is that we are all at that point in our lives where we just want to spread our wings and fly. What I mean is that for whatever reason; probably because of what we are taught, when you are young, we have a tendency to choose the more logical path. I know that's what I did. I always enjoyed theater in high school and started out in college somewhat going in that direction. I always knew that I wanted to be involved in some way. While working a summer job before starting at ODU I met an older woman who was very unhappy in her long time marriage, but could not leave her husband due to financial constraints. I realized that I never wanted to be in that position during my life. I knew I was good in math and english, and decided to pursue a career in accounting., knowing that it would support me financially and I would never have to depend on anyone but myself. It was by far the best decision I could have made at the time, and has been very good to me for the last 29 years. I was able to start at the bottom after graduating with a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, and ultimately became a CPA. I climbed the ladder year after year, and job after job, to finally land that job I had always hoped for. I could never have done the job without my years of experience in different positions, with different companies, and dealing with some of the most colorful characters. I had years of career, and life experiences.

I am now at a crossroads in my life. It is my time to do what I want to do. I have been divorced and single for the last 18 years. Wow, that sounds like a long time. I am in the process of selling my house as the kids are gone, and moving to Florida,where I have wanted to go for many years. I have chosen my new career path which I will start after I move, but has gone hand in hand with the premise for this blog: HEALTH AND WELLNESS. I can hardly wait. The best part of the last 6 months has been reconnecting with my old friends from this area and realizing that we have not changed inside. We all want to get back to what we want to do. One of my friends is singing in a band, while my other friend is getting ready to perform in local theater. They still have their full time jobs for now but they have reconnected with their innermost passions. I am so excited for them, and even more excited for myself. I also realize that I do not want to spend the rest of my life alone, and very much want to fall in love again, and find that special someone to spend the rest of my life with.

As part of this life transforming process, I have also opened myself up to so many new things; golf, writing, travel, and the ultimate for me: HEALTH AND WELLNESS. Feeling good inside and realizing what I need to do to enhance that is the seed of all things. I truly believe that eating well, exercising, sleeping enough, and enjoying life to the fullest is definitely the key to a long, happy life. I almost forgot to mention that I have been seeing a therapist for the last year, in an effort to help me deal with some anger issues surrounding some unforeseen circumstances. This has been such a wonderful enhancement to my life, and has taught me to look at life much more positively (the glass really is half full), as well as my approach to all people, issues, and life as a whole. I am much more accepting of others and their lives, and have learned to only deal with what I can control, and leave the rest behind. I should have done this years ago but I can only look forward at this point. If you are having issues in your life that you are not happy with, and can't figure out what direction to go in, I highly recommend finding the right professional and seeking help. It is AMAZING, and will change your life.

Check out this video and keep these lyrics in your heart.