Caring for Self makes for a super September!

Well now where has summer gone?!?  Here we are welcoming September and all that the promise of “getting back at it” brings. This time of year is chock full of potential and the thrill of planning. Many of my family and friends see this as the true and practical start of a new year and an apropos time to get back to doing things that matter and making the changes that will enhance and enrich our lives. With this in mind, Meg and I thought making self-care a priority in September was fitting for both of us. The foundation of everything we endeavor to do and accomplish rests on the strength we possess in ourselves, and this month we are focused on cultivating joy through actively caring for ourselves and nurturing that strength. 

For me, the month ahead will involve setting a couple of personal, health related goals to take where I am at on my journey to a more joyful life to the next level….stay tuned for all the ‘deets’ on this. Ever since Meg and I had our January Jam session, I have found that setting a specific goal and bringing my Jen Taylor passion to it has allowed me to achieve some things I did not think possible. I have never seen myself as athletic – and yet since January I have joined the Y which allows me to swim and work out, I have walked so many steps – both on pavement and through many lovely nearby trails. And as of 2 weeks ago, I tried Urban Poling to up my game when walking. Do I look like an athlete? Not sure about that, but damn I feel like one for the first time in my life, and feeling is believing! This activity, combined with engaging a registered dietician to help me create a healthy and balanced eating plan, has helped me see myself as a healthy eater with vitality and joy inside and out (good food tastes great, and when you know what you are eating is keeping inflammation and disease at bay, it’s not hard to stay the course!)

Of course, healthy eating and exercise are just a couple important facets of self care – I have also planned some of the more practical “to-do” self care items – dentist next week, new eye glasses with my new prescription, a haircut, etc – these things can sometimes feel like a chore, but they are important in helping me to look and feel my best!

Stay tuned for a post on what Self-care September looks like for Meg…