WORLDLY WISDOM

HERE is a great article titled "10 Truths I Wish I'd Known Sooner".

As we get older, we tend to become more introspective as we examine our behaviors, our lives, our views of the world, people in our lives, and our surroundings. When you dip your foot into the truths of yourself and your life, you tend to do 1 of two things:

1) dive in! learn from past mistakes and change who you are for the better (with some back peddling along the way), accepting opportunity for growth as it arises, or
2) step back, turn around, an dig in your heels; scared or unable to face the truth, you seek to follow your current path blindly (hence people who still get trashed playing beer pong at 36 while the kids are sleeping).

Regardless of age or which path you choose, you can always learn and grow. The article above is written by a woman who has clearly taken the leap into the unknown and, through time and grace, has detailed 10 truths that resonate throughout the ages.

A summary of the 10 lessons (directly listed from the article):

1. Events reveal people’s characters; they don’t determine them.

2. Lying, by omission or commission, is a bad idea.

3. Sex always give [sic] you an answer, although not necessarily the one you want.

4. Most talents are transferable.

5. Fashion fades; style is eternal.

6. You can’t fake love.

7. Mean doesn’t go away.

8. No one’s perfect.

9. Ask for help.

10. Keep your eye on the prize and your hand on the plow.

I plan on sending this article to all the women in my life, including Mom and Grandma :)

NOT SO HEALTHY HABITS

HERE is an article on habits that you may consider healthy but may be doing more harm than good!

Summary:

1) I rarely miss a day at the gym
-Every body needs a break! Take at least a day a week to prevent overuse injuries and to let your muscles heal.

2) I don't eat sweets
-Eliminating candy is fine, but if you put ANY single food ingredient (in this case: all forms of sugar) completely off limits, you're likely to build a craving and ultimately binge. Moderation is key! And try to eat natural sugars like honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, or stevia.

3) I've gotten my body fat down to 18%
-Obsession and extreme thinking will only lead to increased anxiety and decreased happiness (18% is the lowest limit of what is healthy for an adult female). Not to mention your body needs fat to protect organs and keep normal body processes functioning properly! Instead of focusing on numbers, focus on how you feel, how your body fits into your clothes, and the bigger picture of your overall happiness. You are a human being! Not a number! Treat yourself like one :)

4) I've cut way back on carbs
-Carb restriction may lead to temporary weight loss, but it usually isn't sustained and it's unhealthy for you body. Just like fat and protein, YOUR BODY NEEDS CARBOHYDRATES! In fact the only form of fuel your brain can utilize is CARBS, so save yourself the frustration of memory difficulties and weight re-gain. The TYPE of carbs is more important than carbs themselves. Go for whole-grain and pass on refined.

5) I've stuck it out, regardless, in my relationship
-It is unhealthy to force yourself to continue involving yourself in something that makes you unhappy. The stress from the relationship can lead to health problems and can prevent you from having a positive self-image. Your NEEDS should always come first in life (not your wants) and happiness and quality of life should be first on that list! Don't ever sacrifice who you are for another person or an ideal.
NOTE: Compromise is part of being in a relationship, but when you stop being able to be yourself that's when it's time to go. Just make sure to CLEARLY make your needs known to the other person, giving them the chance to turn it around before you bolt.