Tag: #lifeisgood

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…


Jetsetting June

Hello again dear reader…here we are in June and we are pleased to be checking in to share the joy that a mini break or a vacation can bring you.  Meg and I both planned to jet away somewhere in June and we both agree that in our quest to live in the moment as well as to find joy in the everyday things, getting away from life’s routines is a great way to re-activate our senses and feel joy.

For me, the planning and anticipating is as joyful as the actual vacation – I get excited sharing with people that I am heading away and talking about my planned activities. The opportunity to share and have those around you share their experiences is a real bonding moment. Shared joy is terrific! It goes without saying that the part when you finally arrive and hunker down for fun, relaxation or whatever the destination you have chosen prompts you to do is the ultimate moment. That big happy sigh that you have arrived.  

Well earlier this month I was able to get away for a mini break in New York City with my family – my husband, two adult children and my son’s girlfriend.  The first thing I must share is how incredibly grateful I feel that I can get the time and have the means to take vacations. This sense of gratitude stays with me throughout my time away and I often pause and think about how blessed I am.  Especially in a city that offers every conceivable pleasure…shopping, shows, eating, seeing…you name it. We did it. An actionpacked couple of days clocking in 20,000+ steps a day…and the moments that brought me the most joy were the ones when we were acknowledging the fun and enjoyment we were experiencing together.  The joy from picking a great place to eat and having some laughs together as we celebrate the food we are enjoying. Or when you decide to forego a plan and spontaneously attend something you didn’t expect you would – like on Saturday when my daughter happened upon an ad for a Plant Based Expo going on in NYC the very Saturday we were there and it was open to community members – and we went together! While there we spotted Dr Gregor of How Not to Die and we felt giddy – knowing how much we have learned from him and the beauty of the Daily Dozen. The best!

All this to say that I also always feel joy when we arrive home safe and re-energized and our awesome puppies are waiting for us.  When you look and are open to it – there is much in life to celebrate. This would be the lesson I continue to learn…life has many challenges and you cannot always predict what is ahead – however by making the decision to be open and to have the willingness to put forth the effort you can also ensure that when the joyous moments occur you are ready to savour them and feel the joy that life is good!