Wellness

Corps Memories

Jeanna GLeave a comment

If you were asked what activities you participated in most outside of school as a child, what would you remember first? You’d probably remember what you spent the most time doing, and hopefully that was also what you enjoyed the most. 

In my elementary school years, playing games outside, 4-H, Saturday morning cartoons, and Nintendo occupied my free time.  My adolescent years were saturated with sports, riding my 10-speed around town, and playing for the fife and drum corps. No matter the day, I was active. 

I recently read in my hometown newspaper that the corps I marched with would soon be disbanded because of dwindling recruitment of both participants and volunteers. It’s sad to think that some things come to an end, despite how great they were or how many lives they touched. I can’t count the hours I spent practicing my fife and how to march in formation, or how many hours we spent on parade routes or in musters all over the northeast and beyond. We were a dedicated group, which is impressive for a bunch of tweens. But maybe that is even more impressive for the middle-aged. 

What can you say you do most outside of working hours now? If you’re a dedicated parent, your free time is limited, but finding ‘you time’ is invaluable. Do you carve out time for a hobby? Do you practice your talents? Do you focus on doing something that you love and is worth your while? 

I have often heard people say life gets in the way of doing what they love. 

That is absurd. 

We cannot allow ourselves to fall by the wayside. We need to dig deep and re-engage with our younger versions to find the dedication and motivation it takes to practice doing what makes us happy, and to live life to the fullest! 

Don’t let another great thing come to an end. Get out of your own way, and start living. 

Worth the Practice

Jeanna GLeave a comment

How important is spirituality in your life?

Spirituality plays a large role in my daily living and thinking. I don’t pencil “Practice Spirituality” onto my to-do list because it has become a natural part of who I am. Yes, I am a Christian, and I pray daily and go to church regularly. However, this is not all of what spirituality means to me.

I believe spirituality has to do with why I live my life the way I do. What do I think my purpose is, and how do I live to achieve it? In the search for the meaning of life, what choices am I making that are guiding me to the answer I hope to find?

Spiritual wellness also means feeling joy. What do I do to feel alive deep in my soul? I listen to music that gives me chills. I spend time in community to share in the joy of others. I watch sports because I love to cheer and celebrate the accomplishments of those who have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into achieving a goal. I read books and view works of art so that I can gain new perspectives and learn to appreciate new things. And I spend time with my pets because they remind me that happiness can be as easy as a back scratch, a treat, and a nap.

Now if only I could practice meditation without grocery list distraction!

Give Yourself a Timeout

Jeanna GLeave a comment

When we were kids and did something wrong, we’d get a timeout. “Go sit over there and think about what you did wrong. You can come back when you know how to act right.” Oftentimes I am so busy taking care of other things and people that I forget to take care of myself. Sure I eat and shower and whatnot, but am I also nurturing my social, spiritual, and emotional wellness? Am I taking the time to remember who I am and to honor myself by doing what I truly enjoy?

As a kid, I loved being outside. There was so much to take in, so much to feel and wonder about. My daughter and I went on vacation to a lake house with our friends this past weekend. Together we floated in the lake, warmed by the sun and cooled by the water, talking and laughing, rolling over the wake sent our way by the passing boats. The sky stirred our imaginations as we watched the clouds morph into different shapes, wondered about the low-flying helicopters, pretended to be birdwatchers who knew the difference between an egret and a heron, oohed over the distant fireworks, and were mesmerized by the full moon rising and the way its reflection reached across the water to touch us. We breathed the fresh air and felt a close affinity for the world around us. I played, it made me happy, and now I feel recharged and ready for whatever’s next.

Do you forget who you are sometimes, too? It’s time to be your own wellness coach, so blow the whistle and give yourself a timeout! What do you miss doing? Think about it and then go act right!