The first month of the new year is history already. In many ways, it really felt like a prolonged version of last year. We are still struggling with a pandemic, political unrest has shifted focus, but it still lurks in our television sets. But come on now, if we are going to move forward, we need to get busy! So, let’s hear how you’re doing on those ideas you had for making things better in your life this year.
I’ll go first.
My quest to be healthier is continuing. Because my income has reduced quite a bit, I am no longer paying for monthly assistance in motivating and tracking my weight loss. So far, I am maintaining. I have learned what I should and should not eat, and even though I don’t keep a lot of temptations in the house, too much of a good thing can still be a bad thing. Confession: it’s not just snacking between meals that causes issues, it’s snacking between snacks. This is a work in progress.
Along with the nutrition aspect, I am still working on the exercise part of being healthier. This is coming along pretty well. Though my favorite activities (reading and writing) take place while seated, I have learned to balance my e-reader while riding my stationary bike. Reading makes the exercise go faster, so I this helps combine two good things into one. I am spending forty-five minutes most days huffing and puffing up imaginary hills, and instead of coasting down, I keep pedaling. Now, I am traveling a distance comparable to going to the grocery store and back, and then, taking a quick trip around the neighborhood in the bargain.
Besides the reading that is done while pedaling, I have picked up the habit of carrying along a good book while waiting during hubby’s doctor appointments. This also means that I now have at least two books going at the same time. That would have never happened before I retired, since work things were occupying a hefty portion of my brain. I have also maintained my resolve to provide a review of every book I finish, at least those that are featured on Amazon because they make reviewing super easy. This is good information for readers, and good feedback for writers.
There are, of course, a lot of writing goals included in my plans for this year. Very soon, you will have an opportunity to participate in one, when my second book is published! Look on Amazon for a book called “To Everything a Season”. You will recognize many of the short articles in this book, because they appeared right here in Ouachita Life. Presented in chronological order, you will relive the journey we took together in the infamous year of twenty-twenty. Also included are the blogs I posted on www.jennycarlisle.com during the same time. It’s the story of how we faced reality, overcame fear, and began to look forward to the future. I am excited that there will now be a companion for my first book, “Turn, Turn, Turn.” By the way, if you didn’t get a copy of that one, it is still available. If ordering on Amazon is not your thing, I will be glad to send you one or both. They are easy to read and full of hope and encouragement. Just drop me a line c/o Ouachita Life, or email me at jennycarlisle@sbcglobal.net.
The rest of my resolutions are on hold, waiting on a literal shot in the arm. As soon as hubby and I are vaccinated against this terrible virus, we will resume our travels, and hug our loved ones all over the country until they beg for mercy. I also plan to try some new things, like maybe practicing yoga, and planting some new things in our yard. For the past year, that list of things we will do “when this thing is finally over” has been growing by leaps and bounds.
So, it’s your turn. How are those resolutions of your coming along? Be honest. You may need to get a fresh start on some of them. It’s not too late. Have a great year, take care of yourself, and please keep in touch.
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