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 Book Signings
Come meet me! I'll be signing my book, "The Healthy Living Lifestyle," and answering questions about how you can create your own Healthy Living Lifestyle.
Click the links for locations and further details.
• Health & Lifestyles Author Expo at Bookmans in Mesa, AZ
Saturday, January 14th, 1:00PM - 3:00PM
• Hastings Entertainment in Kingman, AZ
Friday, January 20th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Hastings Entertainment in Bullhead City, AZ
Saturday, January 21st, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Hastings Entertainment in Lake Havasu City, AZ
Sunday, January 22nd, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
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 Activity with Purpose
One of the biggest hurdles people seem to have is getting over that horrendous "E" thing – you know – exercise! Are you shuddering already?
Even I have difficulty staying motivated at times. But, I have found ways to make it fun, productive and purposeful.
First off, I have a workout buddy. I have mentioned her before, her name is Carol. We have been working out together for several years now. Our workout and our friendship, has become so much more than just exercising. We met at the gym, doing group fitness. Neither of us really can recall how our friendship began, but we both agree that it was based on mutual friendliness and reaching out to get to know one another. Today, we each know that the other is depending on having company for a workout and that makes all the difference when it comes to staying motivated to get to the gym. In addition, we chat about life's issues and difficulties and our workout becomes a time for both of us to unwind and sound out problems and solutions. Sometimes our talks are deep, other times we share recipes or talk about upcoming vacations.
Next, I try to do something active and productive every day. Usually, that entails housecleaning with varying levels of activity. Some days I do something intense, like scrubbing the bathrooms or washing windows. Other days I just dust, mop and / or straighten up. I am a member of my Homeowner's Association board, so sometimes my activity is a walk around the neighborhood to post flyers.
Recently, I started a rather enjoyable activity that has given me a lot of personal satisfaction. I help clean my Parish Church on Monday mornings. There are two gentlemen in charge of this and they vacuum the entire Sanctuary. They have asked for help with general picking-up so they can concentrate on the floors. Sometimes, if one of them is not available, I vacuum too. It's a great workout, with a great purpose.
It got me to thinking that there are lots of other ways to add purposeful activity to our lives, some suggestions include:
• Habitat for Humanity – helping build a home. You can find volunteer opportunities at: http://www.habitat.org
• Volunteering at the airport – lots of walking as you help people find their gates. I know a woman who did this every Monday morning. She once told me she would never forget the first time a young man asked her where her "hot spot" was!
• One parish I know volunteers to trim people's palm trees just before Easter in order to gather palms for Palm Sunday.
• Helping out at a food bank; stocking and loading foods.
• Helping serve at a soup kitchen.
• Volunteering at a Hospital – lots of walking as you escort patients and their families.
I have seen several articles recently that refer to the need for volunteers in January. It seems that during the holidays, people find the time and inclination, but after they are over, everyone goes back to their “normal lives” yet the need for their services remains.
Finding something you can do to help others can be a great way to fight the post-holiday blues as well as work off a few of those extra pounds.
If you know of any volunteer activities that fit the bill, please share them with me and I will share them in my next newsletter.
I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and have a great New Year!
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