Looking out my window this morning I see a snowfall that poems are written about. Slow fat snowflakes falling onto tree branches which are coated with a fluffy white so beautiful that you see them in artists paintings. This puts me in a good mood and I haven't even left the bed yet. I take a picture of this beautiful scene to look at again in the future and remind me of this quiet, pleasant moment. Why is taking this moment to observe the scene so important you might wonder? Well, for me, I have a childhood memory of my mother and I taking a rest on her bed and looking out the window of our home when I was a child. It was quiet time for both of us from our busy lives. My mother worked every day, most years, and didn't get the luxury of being a "stay at home" mom. So usually at the end of a day, before dinner, we would have "quiet time" and cuddle and talk about the past or the future.
We lived on a busy street corner and watch the cars go by. Some cars would go really fast and make wild turns. One time a car lost control and ran up the lawn before stopping suddenly and moving on. Mostly though, we would notice color or not notice anything at all, and comment on the weather, if it were raining or snowing. I miss my family time as a child, I can't deny it.
I am now in what I call the grandparent generation, as it becomes my turn to move into that role in the spring. I have cleaned out closets and drawers lately, and found old archival oral history recordings of family members, now deceased, that I recorded years ago. I hear them with a new ear for the small details of their family life, that I paid no attention to when I first heard them. I feel like it is the wisdom from ages past. Our meals back then were mostly high fat, salt and sugar laden foods and some family members smoked cigarettes and drank wine and liquor with no limits. Many relatives died young or way before their time. I think about it all.
Winter is a complicated season for many people. Holidays become an emotional roller coaster depending upon the family relationships. When I was actively seeing patients for nutrition counseling about ten years ago, I had patients tell me that their eating changes were often sabotaged by jealous family members who did not want to see my client succeed. I learned that many family's had members placed in roles. The successful one, the thin one, the fat one, the jokester, the idiot, etc. So when my client was successful in dropping weight or bringing healthy changes to the family dinner, they were made fun of, and to fit in, had to cheat on their diet to survive. It occurs with other unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol, smoking and drug use, too. Seeing a physician for help is a must for these situations.
Today it seems the reverse. I know my holiday meals look nothing like they did when I was a child or even five years ago and though we are not vegan yet, it is a much different table. We definitely have many dietary choices such as low sodium, vegetarian and gluten free available at our holiday now. The changes are welcome and now I cannot eat some of the family favorites because my tastes have evolved. Staying healthy is a full time job as we age. As a nutritionist, I say this often and will as many times as necessary, along with dietary changes comes exercise at least 30-45 minutes a day, 5-7 days per week. Meditation or yoga as often as you can and strength training 1-2 times per week. Putting together a plan for a healthier you for the new year is important! If you haven't had a physical exam and have your blood pressure taken in a while, now might be a good time to do that.
Well, out my window now the snow has stopped and the sun is starting to come out. I see a blue sky and the snow is melting off of the tree branches. I believe it is time to get outside and smell the fresh air. It is time to exercise and plan for some family fun this weekend. To make new memories for my family to share. I hope you do the same! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
