If ever there was a year filled with unexpected changes, certainly it was 2020. On Friday, March 13th, when my co-worker Ellen and I decided we needed to cancel all our fitness classes temporarily, never did we think it would be December and no end to returning would be in sight.
Over the past 9 months, I have taken so many online classes. While the bulk of them were fitness related, I also honed my meditation teaching skills and learned to read tarot, which came as a surprise to even me. I took my personal training and teaching outside to parks, and the backyard. and now refer to the backyard lawn as my gym floor. Thanks to Mitch for keep the “floor” so nicely manicured and more importantly for always supporting me in all ways!
In the past few weeks I have become increasingly concerned about those that are struggling with food insecurity. Early on in the pandemic, Tuesday mornings, we would hear helicopters flying over our home as less than a mile away, there was a food distribution site. Then that stopped. This month many who were able to collect unemployment, will find their benefits coming to an end.
Last week I wrote about my birthday wishes and this week, I would like to announce the introduction of my 2021 project:
F.F.I.T.
Fighting Food Insecurity, Together.
Because TOGETHER, we can make this happen. In lieu of payments or tips for my backyard classes, I will be asking for CANNED food donations or checks made out to Feeding America. The canned foods (and they MUST be canned ONLY) will get delivered to food banks in the NW Broward County area. There is one right around the corner from me that currently feeds about 100 homes a month. They request NO rice/pasta/ JUST canned as the drop-off site is outdoors. Just a single dollar, donated to Feeding America can feed at least 10 meals, often more when companies offer matches. So every single dollar really matters, no checks will be too small. Of course you can make a donation that will cover you for several classes. We all just do what we can. I don’t want to deal in cash so that I can keep this as transparent as possible!
One thing I have always noticed in my business is that people that take care of themselves, also like to take care of others. I saw it every day in the gym and in my dealings with my clients. I have always had amazing support and I know that people feel their very best, when they are helping others.
While I am in the earliest stages of this project, I wanted to expand on what I wrote early last week. I was saying to Mitch, yesterday, that during this pandemic, I think we all look forward to eating more than ever, because it’s something to do and it makes us feel comforted. Imagine if you didn’t even have dinner to look forward to, or went to be wondering how you were going to feed your kids, tomorrow. I can’t.
Thanks for stopping in and thanks for your many suggestions and support. It is meatless Monday, and there are a bounty of fall veggies to enjoy this time of year. I have been rinsing and tossing a can of chick peas in with my roasted veggies for some extra protein, texture and deliciousness. Season those garbanzos up and let them get nice and crisp.
Always remember that what is good for YOUR health is also good for the planet and the animals…have a beautiful and compassionate Monday.