I wanted to talk tonight about the importance of personal connections in developing and keeping healthy habits. For the past two days, I, as many of you have, spent time in front of the TV set mesmerized by the eulogies and stories of Ted Kennedy. I’ve always liked Ted, from his first forays supporting universal health care in the 60s, but I was struck by how many people talked about how Ted connected with people on a very personal level, how generous he was to everyone, especially those who were on the low rung of the economic ladder. This was not necessarily financial generosity, but generosity of time and spirit. I’ve heard how he wrote to all of the families of 9/11 victims every year on the anniversary, and how he was the father figure to his nieces and nephews, and how much he laughed and sang and sailed and enjoyed friends and family.
WHEE (Weight, Health, Eating and Exercise) is a community support diary for Kossacks who are currently or planning to start losing, gaining or maintaining their weight through diet and exercise or fitness. Any supportive comments, suggestions or positive distractions are appreciated. If you are working on your weight or fitness, please -- join us! You can also click the WHEE tag to view all diary posts.
Not uncommonly, the death of someone close to us (and that’s what it felt like, as if a close uncle died) becomes a time of reflection on our own life and contributions that we are making to family, friends and the larger community. When I heard all that Ted was doing, I had to wonder how he had time to do all of this. I also felt like there was opportunity to gain some inspiration from how he lived his life.
I made a commitment to spend more time on what is important in life, with friends and family. On Saturday, I went for a 3 hour bike ride with a friend. Today, I went for brisk hour walk with another friend, with a bonus stop at her garden for some free veggies.
I have another friend, who bought a new house (on minimum wage – was able to do this with the help of the stimulus package plus local depressed housing market) two months ago. All summer I had been trying to find time to deliver my housewarming present, but with thoughts of WWTD (what would Ted do) in my mind I was stimulated to call up today – she was not there but didn’t need to be since I would be outside, to deliver my house warming present. The present was divisions of several of my hostas for the shade and day lilies for the sun. This is a win-win-win-win-win kind of housewarming present. 1) The were lovely plants, much larger and nicer than even the gallon plants from the nursery if you can even get them now. 2) They will come up year after year in her garden, reminding her of our friendship. 3) They did not cost any money. 4) Perennials need dividing every 3 years so actually I was helping my plants become stronger and 5) (Ding! Ding! Ding!) working in the garden is great exercise!!!
So what suggestions do you have to make connections with others in a way that enriches a healthy lifestyle? Do you like to take walks with friends? What is the best way you can become healthier and keep your friendships going? Do you like to get together with friends and cook? Are you part of a community garden? Do you belong to a food coop where you share chores?
What stories and examples do you have to share with us that helps us get closer to our goals, in a healthy way that connects with others?
Here is an upcoming schedule; if you can contribute a diary, let me know.
WHEE diary schedule:
Aug 30
Sun AM - louisev
Sun PM - jiffykeen
Aug 31
Mon AM - NC Dem ( 9 AM ET)
Mon PM - Fiddlegirl
September 1
Tues AM - Clio2
Tues PM - ???
September 2
Weds AM - Edward Spurlock
Weds PM - ???
September 3
Thur AM - ???
Thur PM - ???
September 4
Fri AM - smartcookienyc
Fri PM - ???
September 5
Sat AM - Edward Spurlock
Sat PM - ???