Getting...and staying...active in the New Year

Have you started your January off on the right foot? 

Have you started a new exercise regime or continued with a routine from before? There was a very timely article on the Balance Your 7 website called 10 tips to restart your exercise habit and keep it going.

The gym is now packed with all sorts of New Year's resolution goers. I give everyone credit for getting out and getting active. 

Maybe the gym is not your thing. Try snowshoeing--one look outside and you can see that we have more than enough snow! Or skiing, cross country or downhill. Maybe walking in the mall or another building that would allow that. I know my mom and her friend walk every single morning in their neighborhood, but they head indoors when the weather doesn't allow. 

I've found that I need new motivation when trying to run that extra mile. I've started to download podcasts and books on cd to push me that extra step. I know I'm capable of going further physically, it's the mental challenge that I need to overcome. I try to keep my mind anywhere but focusing on the distance I have yet to go! That's why exercising with a friend is so wonderful! When given the opportunity it's so refreshing to workout side by side and suffer together! A partner keeps us in check and motivates us to push ourselves.

However you choose to start the year, try a new class or a new form of exercise. You won't regret it, and your body and overall well-being will thank you!

On marriage...and coffee mugs...

I've recently come to realize that my marriage is like my coffee-mug cupboard. 

Like most people we started out with a nice set of everyday dishes from our wedding, over 11 years ago. They are sturdy, very comfortable and you know exactly how your hand fits on the handle. But recently we have begun to notice some cracks, and chips in our sturdy mugs. A few have had to be tossed. 

We've begun to replace our everyday cups with new mugs purchased while traveling, or at a certain special event. We've had to learn how these hold our coffee, and at what point do we stop filling them to fit in our cream. Our cupboard has become a bit more exciting, though far less uniform in looks. Some of our new mugs are large with a picture of the resort we visited. Some are curved and perfect for that steaming tea. 

We have changed and grown as a couple. Yes we have cracks and chips, but we have learned to adapt or move on. Sometimes it's necessary to inject a bit of new into the so-called cupboard. There are days where I reach for the sturdy, tried-and-true mug. I like how it feels in my hand, I know just how high to pour my coffee. But then I have my favorite new mugs too, the one with the initials of my hometown, or the emblem of a favorite cafe. There is nothing wrong with change, in fact, we all change, it's recognizing it that counts.

So whatever your mug cupboard looks like, be open to new but don't forget to embrace the old too!