7 Questions Sunday

Happy Sunday, folks! We’ve made it through another week, and tomorrow we go speeding headlong and headstrong into another one. I can’t wait. Mondays are my favourite days, as they are the start of a brand new week; another chance to shine, to inspire, and to get things Done.

Today I would like to introduce you to someone who has played a HUGE role in my life. She’s known me all of my life, and in spite of that (and ALL of the trials and tribulations that this entails) still give me hugs, encouragement, slaps on the back of the head when needed, and laughs at my silly jokes. Yes, I am talking about my Mom. That’s her, waiving to the camera, as we got set up for the Inaugural Hartford 5k last summer. She and my Dad were instrumental in making the morning a success (I hope I can rope them into it again this year!). Below are 7 questions that I asked her recently, and her candid and honest answers. I hope you are able to find some insight and inspiration, just as I have over the years.

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Many new health-related terms have been popping up lately. Two of my
favourites are 'wellness' and 'fitness'. I tend to think of wellness as
holistic, while fitness relates more to ones physical being.
1) How would you describe your present level of fitness?

I try to walk 25 miles a week.  I have been doing this for about 5 years.  I have Trochanter bursitis and also trouble with IT Band (just diagnosted after 10 years of issues... doing PT for it).  This is where the wellness impacts the fitness.  I am 66 years old so you youngens' will understand in 30-40 years!  I also do yoga a few times a week.  

2) How would you contrast that with 5 years ago?

This is about the time I started the extended walking.  I retired 8 years ago but it took me a while to get use to it!  Slow learner.  I had been doing some walking but became more consistant.  I have also limited my gluten intake.  More fruit and veggies!

3) Was there an "a-ha" moment for you? Would you care to share it, and is it
still a motivating factor for you?

I have a twin sister.  We were both a bit overweight and although she had been a smoker for 40 years and I never smoked we have a serious history of heart disease in our family.  A little over 3 years ago she was not feeling well for a few months and I nagged her into seeing a doctor.  She was found to have three blockages.  Two near her heart and one in her neck.  During the angioplasty she suffered a stroke!  It was a long recovery and she has many problems.   The main one, of many, is her lack of speech.  Her gait is not always the best, she lacks reasoning skills and is very depressed because of her dependency on others for just about everything.

Dolly was a selfless, lively lady, full of fun and devoted to her children
and grandchildren.  I have lost my best friend, listening ear and wombmate. I love the Dolly I have now but I mourn the loss of her spirit.  This event gave me a huge jolt!  I had to do something about my lack of attention to myself.  I lost 45 pounds and became more faithful about getting exercise and doing something to relieve stress.

4) Have you had any injuries or setbacks along the way?

I have moderate to severe arthritis in my neck, lower back, feet and hands
besides the IT band and trochanter bursitis.  Some days I cannot get out of
bed without a lot of stretching first.  I live in Florida and the weather is much easier on these maladies.  Holiday weight gain can sometimes be an
issue as I love to bake and make desserts but I am able to keep it in check

5) How did you overcome them?

Hard work and a vision of where I want to be healthwise so that I can enjoy my family as much as I can.  

6) What areas of your life have been most impacted by your improved fitness?

I think being retired and having more time for me has helped.  We live in Florida most of the year and summer on our sailboat on Lake Champlain in New York during the summer months.  This makes it possible to walk every day.  This past summer I was able to walk 45-50 miles a week and I missed walking when it rained. Invest in some really good shoes and just go!

7) Any advice for others out there, searching for their "a-ha" moment?

They are all around you... do not wait for a tragedy to occur to open your eyes.  It could be the birth of a child or grandchild, the death of a good friend or relative.  Make it a positive reason for change instead of a negative one.  And it is ok to be a little "selfish".  Take time for you.  The world will not come to an end if supper is a little late so that you can take a walk and unwind after work.  Also.. do not think that getting a dog will force you to walk several times a day.  Find a neighbor that has one and walk with them or volunteer to take an elderly neighbor's dog for a walk for them.  Both the dog and you will love it and you will not have the expense and the responsibility of ownership.  Win-Win!

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Thanks for stopping by! Are you ready for a great Monday????

-g-