Fitness Food and You

Over 12 years ago, when I was living in London, I loved listening to a radio station, that told a unique, yet true,  story once a week. Well, this story I never forgot.

A woman wrote in telling them about her recent experience at her annual gynecological check-up. The woman had put her two small girls on the school bus, when her phone rang. It was the doctor’s office asking her if she could come in immediately, instead of her early afternoon appointment. The woman said that she could and started rushing around to get herself ready.  She figured she didn’t have enough time for a shower, but could freshen up a bit. So, she took the washcloth,  that was sitting on her sink, and used it for the “crucial bits” and tossed it into the hamper. She made it to the doctor’s office on time. When she was being examined, her gynecologist said “Well, it looks like you made a special effort today.” The woman didn’t know what she was talking about and brushed off that comment. Later that day, she greeted  her girls from the school bus. Once inside the house, one of her daughters started screaming.  She wanted to know where the washcloth was that was next to the sink. Her mom told her that she used it and it was dirty. And then her daughter said “BUT MOM!!! That’s where all my glitter was!!!”

Putting aside how funny this story is, there is a lesson that we can learn. We are so busy working, taking care of someone, trying to figure out what to cook, when to exercise, and how to squeeze things in, that we wind up making mistakes and/or doing unusual things.  The crazy thing about this story is  not what the woman did, but how we can all relate to it.  I sure can!

I think we all need to slow down a bit. Aside from making mistakes, I notice that two things happen when we are spinning and rushing: 1. We wind up missing out on the present and 2. We hyper focus on the future. Both of these rob us of what’s going on today. For example, it’s easier to think about joining the gym next month rather than going for a walk today.

So, let’s take a collective deep breath, slow down,  and think about what we can do TODAY to make ourselves feel a little better. And who knows, we might find that this slightly slower pace will actually make us more productive AND happier!

When my husband’s mom was alive, my father-in-law brought home flowers for her every Friday night. Unfortunately, this lovely gesture did not rub off on my husband.

The other day, I was in my local market and I saw tulips and bought myself some. I got home, cut off the bottom stems, took out a pretty glass vase, and popped them in. My kitchen and my mood lit up. Coincidentally (or not), this was on a Friday. Well, I’ve been doing this now for 3 weeks so I can officially say that I’m in a habit!

It’s funny how small things can make a very big difference. And given that women, especially, are so hard on themselves, I think all of us should do something nice for ourselves. And often. Buy some flowers, plant some herbs, go for a manicure, walk with a friend, sit outside without your phone, read a book, watch a sunset.

Treat yourself  to something that will make you smile, because you deserve it.