The first half of 2018…what the heck does it mean to be healthy anyway?

It’s hard to stay healthy in certain seasons of life – isn’t it?

To me, May is right up there with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Super Bowl. In our home, it’s a month that is filled with birthdays, Mother’s Day, graduation parties, sports-viewings (so many sports), end of school events, city festivals…the list goes on and on. And with those amazing, happy annual occasions comes unhealthy (but VERY tasty!) food, unexpected changes in schedules, late nights, caffeinated workdays.

May is also the time when I start to get obsessed with working outside. Every year I feel this unyielding pressure to actually get started on the overwhelming landscaping projects that are needed around our home. I start a few — and then get distracted by work, or parties, or the unrelenting humidity and temperatures in the south begin to limit the hours when yard work is even feasible.

I love it though. It’s a time that is filled with joy! There is never a lack of things to do, places to go, and friendships to reignite.

Less time to clean = a messy, but happy home, right?

So what do you do to keep on track with your health? This year, I’ve felt like I haven’t succeeded. I let other people’s plans get in my way. I have been a bit better speaking up for myself…but not good enough. Not going to the gym has been swayed by other options. Time has gotten away from me.

But I’ve realized a few things, on the cusp of the second half of 2018.

1 – Goals are important. I want to have a more healthy lifestyle. I want to lose a few pounds. I want to be stronger. Putting goals on a few of those things is important. So I need to think “What is a more healthy lifestyle?” “What is a few pounds?” “How much stronger do I want to be?”

2 – Relationships are more important than some of my goals. Yes, I wanted to go to the gym, but sometimes taking the dogs for a walk and then grabbing coffee with a friend is a better option. Better for my mind. Better for my soul. Better for my dogs.

3 – Being healthy is more than just losing weight. It’s mindset. Brain, body, spirit. If I’m just working on my body, am I being truly healthy? From this season of life, I have to say no.

4 – Podcasts rule. And you can download audio books from the library for free. How did I not know that??

5 – I really don’t like beer.  There. I said it.

So I’m cutting myself some mid-year slack. Life is a journey. A journey filled with great people, delicious food, and changes to our schedule and routine. My new healthy lifestyle? Love God. Love People. Don’t eat the cookies. Walk the dogs. Read a book. Say thank you. Don’t eat the donuts. Laugh with those who laugh and mourn with those who mourn. Sing a song. Celebrate. Don’t eat the cake.

So embrace it. Maybe that should be my main goal for the second half of 2018. Here’s to a joyful summer y’all!