1. Move my body
How and when varies, but generally it happens within an hour of waking up. For years I started moving by running an outdoor trail, taking a power yoga class or swimming 1500 yards. But since adopting my rescue puppy Charlie a few months ago, that’s changed. My mornings now begin with a gentle walk as we stop and (literally) smell the grass, greet other yawning neighbors walking their pups, and listen to a symphony of birds cruising the pinon trees of Santa Fe. More vigorous workouts happen late morning or early afternoon.
2. Ingest plants. Lots of plants
Except beets. I can’t stand beets. Otherwise I break out the Vitamix and mash up a morning smoothie with a combo of greens, bananas, mint, vanilla plant protein, and a dash of creatine powder. I do my best to eat healthy sources of protein through chicken, Greek yogurt, nuts and fish, but absolutely allow myself a fistful of animal crackers from time to time.
3. Sit with it
There’s been a ton of research filling my inbox about the negative effects of drinking alcohol..in any amount. The sober-curious movement is picking up steam, and I’m half in and half out. Fundamentally, my experience in fitness and health can’t deny that life without alcohol would suit me best. I also know that I love a tangy margarita and bowl of salty chips enough to struggle with giving it up entirely. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in my 55 years of living is that alcohol is no replacement for navigating through life challenges. When I’m sad, scared, angry, frustrated..I’ve learned the best medicine is to sit with it. Fully sober. Feel what I need to feel in order to get through to a brighter side.
4. Be willing to show up and suck
Chasing perfection is a killjoy. My biggest breakthroughs in life have always started with failures. When I give myself permission to make mistakes and dig around in the sandbox, I have a lot more fun, and tap into a deeper level of creativity. Whether it’s creating a yoga class plan, learning to handle a gnarly mountain bike trail or even writing a blog post, I’ve got to be willing to show up and suck before I can shine.
5. Be with others. Two-legged and four-legged
Find common ground and hang out with others. For me it’s at the yoga studio, coffee shop, or animal shelter I volunteer at. I loved being in a book club the last town I lived in too. My four-legged pals make life better too. My rescues Charlie (puppy) and Junior (senior cat) pull me out of past regrets and future worry and into the sweet joy of right now. They’re so playful and appreciative of any attention I give them. Truly man’s best friends.
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