Here we are, about half way through 2010 already! Is time flying or what? And Summer Solstice - ah, I love it! For those of you new to my crazy system, I do the equivalent of New Year's Resolutions four times a year - Winter/Summer Solstice and Fall/Spring Equinox. Yep, four times a year. It gives me more chances and shorter periods to deal with when I set goals - more chances for success! PLUS I don't have to remember all year long how I blew the resolution last February! (Think about this - it works!)
So I'm doing some mental assessment on how my last little 90-day session has gone. Not bad! And the few things I never did get to, get to be top on the list for THIS next 90-day block of time til Fall. It's summer so the list will be short!
This little "system" of mine may seem crazy at first, but it really does help to keep your mind focused and your short term goals on the front burner. When it comes to goals, I don't care what it is, it is one step at a time, sometimes one day at a time.
Since we are halfway thru the year, how are things going for you? Need to tweak things? Re-think the plan? Are there things you have given up on? Solstice is the same day every year - a great marker, unlike holidays that tend to be changed (except Dec. 25 is always Christmas, but you know what I mean.). Use this time, this date, and sit down with yourself for a little chat.
Health wise, here are a few suggestions that over time will make a huge difference in how you feel, and you may, by Winter Solstice, have lost weight as a super bonus!
1. Quit consuming anything with artificial sweetners or HFCS.
2. Eliminate cola drinks. (If you are as crazy about the "fizz" as I am, trying sparkling water with fresh lime and a bit of agave - it's very refreshing!)
3. Increase your veggie consumption. (This does NOT mean add fries!)
4. Try going a few days meatless - or at least one day a week.
5. Walk! Park far away and walk - do stairs instead of elevators - best yet, get a pedometer and put yourself on a program to walk 10,000 steps a day - start slowly but increase your steps a bit each week.
See how you do in the next 90 days - by Fall Equinox!
Health, Diets, Foods, Natural Alternatives, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Anti-Aging, More Energy, Beating Fatigue, Preventing Disease, Preventing Illness, Living Green, Earth Friendly Tips, Health Tips, Food to Avoid, GMOs, Exercising, Recipes, Super Foods, Avoiding Toxins, Holistic Health, Cancer Prevention, Natural Health
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer Solstice and Time for Review
Labels:
artificial sweetners,
changes,
fall equinox,
goal setting,
HFCS,
resolutions,
summer solstice,
walking
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Happy Summer to you! Great list, and as a walker, I second #5. I walk whenever and wherever I can. It's good for the body, and good for the soul as well.
ReplyDeleteWalking is not an option for me (in a wheelchair), but your suggestions are great. I gave up sodas 2 months ago and I've recently given up coffee (oh boy!). I have severe bronchitis and asthma, so losing a little weight is very important at this time.
ReplyDeleteSuzen,
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware of your system and I love it. I'll also increase my veggies and decrease eating anything with a face:O)
Oh SuZen, I only recently found out about these Winter/Summer Solstice and Fall/Spring Equinox and how important they are for nature. They are true cycles in which they change energy in their life cycles. I never knew and didn't care until the Maechelle Small Wright books put me right and now you. It is amazing and the cycle happens to us anyway, knowingly or not. I agree with you, the more times we take stock in life the better.
ReplyDeleteIt has helped me to achieve all the things you said here. I love my fries though, baked potatoes will do now once a month or less. xox Wilma
10,000 stairs? Really? Is that what you do?
ReplyDeleteLet's see, I have lost five pounds and have eliminated most sugar and processed foods from my diet, at least I have that going for me. I have kept up with the writing but my kids and husband have suffered from it. I exercise much less over the summer but am slowly gearing up to run at 6am.
I need to listen to your great advice, read more books, force my children to go on more adventures and leave Muki and Wade alone more so that she stops growling at him and under no circumstances do I want to make money because I am not desperate...right?
You're sure potato chips cannot count as veggies? Too bad. :)
ReplyDeleteWalking is on my list. I would like to get back to walking on a regular basis.
This cycle is my favorite. The kids are off school and we live without schedule or big goals. My long healing process has taught me to flow with what is and have desires rather than goals. My wishes tend to come true if I don't watch the clock.
Happy summer, SuZen!
Maryse
Hi Joanne! What a good girl you are! Bet you eat lots of veggies too!
ReplyDeleteHi Tabitha! I've worked with people in wheel chairs who did arm curls and an amazing amount of strength training. But assuming you are not able to do that, then what you eat will be all that more important. Fantastic you gave up soda! There is just not one good thing about it! Coffee too? I'd give up anything BUT that! You'd have to shoot me - and you would want to! haha!
Hi Tess! I have a bunch of blogs about my system in archives - but I'm glad I keep writing about it since readers come and go. Go green - you can do this!
Hi Wilma! Yes there is a lot about the four quarters - I really resonate with the energies.
Now Wilma, how about sweet potato fries? They have such wonderful nutrients versus white potatoes. I'd let you count that one as a veggie.
Hi Jillian - Oh you are TOO funny! I said steps, as in walking steps, not STAIRS. Whoa! I'd be one frikin athlete. No dear one, you put a pedometer on and WALK 10,000 STEPS! LOL
Hi Maryse! Boy I only wish they did count! When I think of all the potato chips, dip and coke I consumed in my earlier years, it's a miracle I'm thin, healthy and living! Have a great relaxed summer!
Hi suZen - What a fun system. I love how you tap into the natural cycles of the earth. I often do some small ritual on the solstices and equinoxes, as a way to remind me to be present for it, to touch, taste, smell, feel, hear its bounty. That's my goal.
ReplyDeleteHi SuZen .. great idea .. the four times a year - will be much easier - and I'll bear that in mind for the autumn. Life is in flow now and has to happen .. then once decluttered and sorted life can settle down.
ReplyDeleteYour natural ideas are great - simple but easy to start .. fortunately it's just really walking I need to get in .. but I walk to town, and walk when I park! Once out of here .. then life will change & exercise will come in.
Love your simple review tips.. enjoy your 3rd quarter .. Happy summer days .. Hilary
Boy, I don't know what it is, but I abhor setting goals. It's like I don't like to be held to any amount of measurement. If I do something, great. If not, great (sort of). Ever since I was a kid, I've disliked such systems in most areas of my life. Maybe it's because I'm afraid of failure? I'm so organized and good at helping others set goals, yet with me, not so much. Weird... but as you're influencing me daily, SuZen, maybe goal setting is in my future, and your system sounds perfect, quite frankly!
ReplyDeleteI am finally feeling better and today is the second day of sunshine in a row. I am still working on my get healthy goals, but I keep adding just step by step daily goals.
ReplyDeleteDropping all meat has been a wonderful boon to my energy and I am eating huge amounts of veggies -Wow do I love my CSA box.
I think though setting smaller goals is great and much more workable.
I do 2 miles a day rain or shine and last week I had time so I did my 5 mile walk (usually about 90 mins) in 2.5 hours just to make sure I could still do it....I was thankful for the benches a long the way and proud that I made it.
Now if the cold and record setting amounts of rain would go away...I am getting bored with walking the stairs inside when it is just too nasty.
Great ideas Thank you
Hi Suzen,
ReplyDeleteI like your four times a year goal setting/evaluation idea. It makes it sound more doable, plus might help to keep us on track better, too.
I've been off of sodas for quite some time now, and recently started drinking more sparkling water. I like the fizz every now and then and find the sparkling water works perfect for those cravings.
We also try to have at least one meatless dinner a week. In the summer it seems easier to do that with all of the fresh fruits and vegetables we have available.
Happy Summer to you!
Hi Patty! Yes I love staying with the seasons, using "natural" markers and all helps to keep me fully present!
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary! Walking does so many great things for us - bodies AND minds. I'm sure you'll find it easier when the load of clutter is lightened too - everything seems to flow easier!
Hi Megan! If goal setting will be a change for you and your life pattern, then to start slowly with the quarterly thing might just be a good way to start! :) Anything new you do has much more success when you start little and slowly!
Hi Patricia! You have the recipe well in hand! Can you hear me cheering for you?! YAY you! I know the rains have been a bummer lately here too but I'm learning to adjust a bit here and there too.
Hi Barbara! I'm sure with you on the fizz! I drink a lot of herbal ice tea but sometimes I just need that fizz! Summer IS really a great time to do more vegetarian meals - the trick is to find some recipes you like for fall/winter. Let me know if you need help with that!
The fries admonition made me LOL -- as I'm posting about them later today, well as part of my post, that is.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, I'm not a cola swiller. Just wine. :)
Happy 90-day reassessment, Suzen!
I'm just glad the sunlight is getting shorter daily, I do try to avoid the UVS, mostly for vanity sake.
xo
Hi SuZen! I love it that you check in and refine your resolutions 4x a year! These are great tips--little mindful things that could make a big difference. Hope all is well with you! :) Jodi
ReplyDelete