Time to Fall Back…but Never Fall Behind

Last night I was happy to catch up with Kyle and amongst other things, talk about getting back to doing some work on this site.  I had asked him if he could put a search tool on here so readers could look up past recipes, or entries about Biggest Loser, or just search for fitness tips and he said that would be easy, but he has been thinking about redesigning the entire site.  In either event, since this site already had it’s one year anniversary, I am hoping we can tweak it and add some sophistication.  He has also been able to analyze where every “hit” comes from, and that was very interesting.  Though most of you come here “directly,” it was interesting to see that people actually come here after googling some key words like “peace” and “fitness,” and a good amount through Facebook, as well. He has also been able to monitor the Google ad links, and it thrills me that people are finding relevant information and merchandise directly through this site.  The Google people are genius at placing just the right ads, on just the right days, beside relevant articles and blog entries.  Remember those ads are safe and secure and I have found lots of great information and recipes through them, personally. As you click, and Kyle analyzes, I am better able to understand what kind of information readers are seeking.  Kyle, Blueglass.com is so lucky to have you on their team, and so am I!  Thanks, Kyle and thanks to all of you for your readership and support.

Though the temperatures dipped significantly yesterday, the pool was still warm and I got in a great swim.  I don’t know if it was because of the change in weather, or because I know my swimming might have to pause for a while as the weather gets cooler,  or if it was because I have been re-focused on the principles of Pilates lately, but I had THE best swim of the season.  I felt focused and fluid and controlled and, well, like a swimmer!   Savoring each swim now, I am grateful to still be in there in November!  Good for my body and my mind, I am still amazed that though I have used my pool every year,  only this year did I fall in love with it.  A great lesson learned.  NEVER assume because you didn’t like something before, that you won’t like it now.  That goes for food, fitness, people and just about everything!  Think about trying something again, for the very first time.  Remember, we aren’t who we were.

If springing ahead is one of my 2 favorite days, clearing falling back, ISN’T.  Born on the shortest day of sunlight, I seem to crave the maximum each day.  I live for the spring and summer.  I tolerate fall and I muddle through winter.  I find the holiday shopping stressful, the eating over-indulgent and the shorter days of sunlight depressing, so no, I am NOT always calm and peaceful, Bonni.  Each day I do, however, find things to make it all ok, because I HATE passing time away.  HATE IT.  For today I am really thankful to have some new sneakers and tomorrow I am very excited to go to opening day at the Parkland Farmer’s Market.  I probably can get away with wearing my Uggs this weekend and that’s always a fun change.  Little things make a big difference to our moods and we should all treat ourselves to things that make us happy each and every day!  Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight before you go to sleep, tonight. Remind people as you talk with them today, as I always find in doing so, someone is thankful for the reminder!

So with the holidays fast approaching, it is time to start sharing some great gift ideas.  Personally I want to buy The China Study for EVERYONE I know, but I will limit it to people who would actually want to read it.  I would love to hear some things that YOU would want to open on one of the nights of Chanukah, or find beneath your tree from Santa.  I think if we start commenting with some random wish lists, it may help others who are reading this buy things for their peaceandfitness fanatics.  Feel free to comment ANY day between now and December 25th.  While it is nice to surprise people with gifts from the heart, it’s also nice to get people things they really want.  Since we don’t read minds, sharing our wish lists might really help.  As a for instance, our older son Derek turns 27 next month, and who would have guessed he wants Legos for his birthday!!!  I actually should have known, as they have been one of his favorite obsessions since he was a toddler and spent his 18th birthday building the Lego electric train set that he received from his then girlfriend, Danielle.  Derek and Kyle, if you are reading this I would love to see your wish lists, too…but no, no new cars 🙂

If I can suggest one thing before we start heading into the season of eating, if at all possible, practice YOGA!  Research shows that the same mental discipline and breathing we use to maintain postures and move through challenging poses,  helps us to stay focused and resist the foods we really do not want to eat.  This is the mind/body connection in action.   Personally, if I can no longer swim, I will be revisiting more intense yoga.  I will be participating in some yoga workshops this week and you can be sure  I will be adding more yoga back in to all my classes as we head into the last of 2010 because in my 30 years of teaching fitness, I have always found what is good for my body, is good for yours, too!

To my SilverSneakers students meeting for today’s Book Club get together at 2pm today at Bally, Coral Springs:  Have a wonderful time as I know you do EVERY time you get together.  Sylna, you are amazing and appreciated by all!

So don’t forget to fall back, but never fall behind.  Together, we can keep growing strong and fit, we can keep shrinking our waistlines and we can have a happy,  healthy and hopefully peaceful holiday season.  Much love from my computer and heart, to yours!