Julie Kittredge Art & Photography

Getting healthy. That’s one of my major goals for 2012. Thankfully, my health is not bad, but I am aging. I’ve strained myself by not getting the rest I need and the stress from the last several years of personal struggle have taken a toll. I realized how exhausted my body was over girls weekend when I slowly began to experience what it felt like to be really rested. The difference was night and day, I felt alert! My goal is to maintain a pattern of getting the rest I need and since getting up early to work out and spend time in prayer, meditation, and getting God’s take on my day is a priority … I’m going to have to go to bed early. Yep, that means I’ve been heading to bed by 9:30 every night. So early! I’m really not trying to be dramatic. But, as I edge ever closer to the big 4-0 I am seeing the affects of tired eyes, lagging energy, unclear thinking, a body shape that is not bouncing back like it used to, skin that is not as youthful. My eyelids are beginning to drape over my eyeballs like window shades … I’m beginning to understand the draw to botox! Too bad I’m not really into injecting foreign objects into my skin.

I haven’t  shared much of my journey into more natural living over the last few years. Not sure why … it’s something that I have gradually incorporated into my daily living. These are a few things I believe in and have incorporated over the last few years through research and exposure and friends who also believe in a more natural /holistic lifestyle.

::  I believe in using only natural products on my skin. About a year and a half ago I became aware of what we put on our skin, how/what it absorbs into our bodies, and how regular soaps actually strip the moisture from our skin. So, I learned how to make my own bar soap (cheaper than buying). I always have a stash and it makes great gifts too! I made a huge batch of all natural lip balm made with coconut oil and bees wax – the best lip balm ever! I still use regular lotion on occasion, but I don’t need it often. I just found affordable natural shampoo and conditioner at Whole Foods that I’ve just started using (it’s actually cheaper than my Pantene!)

::  I buy only the worst offenders in organic food, potatoes, strawberries, romaine, spinach, apples, beef, eggs … the rest I buy regular.
::  I eat a lot of nuts. I drink almond milk only because I can’t handle regular. (I would buy hormone free milk).  I try to buy whole grains as much as my family will tolerate.

::  We make our own homemade pizza every Friday for family night. From the dough (not wheat) to the sauce. The best. I’ve been told by my kids’ friends who have enjoyed the leftovers that it was the best pizza they ever had. Hmmm not sure about that but … but it’s special. The kids request it when we stray from it.
::  My latest incorporation … green smoothies! I thought I would need a juicer or a very pricey Vitamix in order to make this mean green body lovin’ smoothie. I whipped mine up in my regular blender! Happiness!  Kale, spinach, banana, berries, almond milk, and a tablespoon of flax seed oil (see recipe here). Mmmm it’s good! Can’t even taste the green.
::  My neighbor and I have been working out at 5:30 am since … wait … June! Can’t believe we’re still at it, but the accountability is great. I would never do it if she weren’t expecting me several days a week.

::  I’ve started running … the Couch to 5k program is so doable. My goal is 3x a week with a short yoga routine following. Then I do strength work with my neighbor in her basement 2x a week.

It’s important to note that I didn’t do all of this at once. It was really one small change at a time over several years that made these things part of my lifestyle. Regular exercise is the most recent thing that has become a new lifestyle choice  - knowing that it needs to be a priority and one of the first things on my calendar, not something that can be put off as an optional “if it fits in” scheduling option. I’m looking forward to a new burst of energy and health this year. I need to be thinking more clearly and I think taking care of myself is the first step. One day at a time … I’m feeling thankful for a warm winter (so we can workout outside), that I can make green smoothies without an expensive appliance (keeping it simple, using what I have), and for a great workout buddy to help keep me on track. Getting healthy in 2012 … it’s another new journey!

:: ongoing 1000 gifts list ::

159 … two hearts connected

160 … my sisters

161 … mom and her legacy

162 … restored soul

163 … sun through tall grass

164 … emotional space

165 … hindsight

166 … trials that bring beauty

more 1000 gifts images on flickr.