Moving Towards Healthy
I first heard this quote from Susan L. Taylor, former editor-in-chief and editorial director of Essence magazine, many years ago and it has always stayed with me. She was speaking at a conference about the need to take better care of ourselves, and to make wellness a priority.
It is not always easy, staying on track when it comes to better health, but at the end of last year I shared that I wanted to optimize my health. I took a few important steps – finding a medical practice that understood a more integrative approach to wellness, recognizing my personal baseline, determining where I wanted to go, and putting together a plan. (I discussed my approach to planning here if you want to see how I set my goals.)
In short, there are four variables I need to manage—food, movement, stress, and sleep—and by paying more attention to these areas I can set reasonable goals and go after it. Periodically I’ll update on how it is going, but this is a lifestyle change, not a quick-fix.
Why now? It is this simple—I’m a grown woman who wants to take better care of herself. No excuses. I know what I need and I’m going for it.
Have you faced challenges on your fitness journey?
Purpose for Every Season
Happy New Year!
Honey, I’m Grown – What Comes Next
Grown: You are grown when you know better, know what’s best for you, and you do it, without explanation, apology or need for affirmation and approval.
Honey, I’m Grown
I found myself saying this more and more over the last few years, especially when I have to make it clear that I know what I want and have no intention of apologizing for putting my needs and values first. “I’m Grown” is an exclamation, a declaration, and a period at the end of a sentence. It means that I’ve been through enough in life to have something to say and share. At this age I know better, certainly most of the time.
I like that my friends use this expression too—when they are embarking on a new journey, when they have had enough, or when they have made a decision they don’t want to explain…unless they feel like it.
Although I have considered myself to be grown for years, I began writing about this in December of 2017, using images to share bits of wisdom and humor, advice, and quotes, with the intent of expressing my thoughts on being grown, getting older, and to encourage and entertain readers of all ages.
In late December, I will share my latest goal—to optimize my health so that I am fit for the journey ahead.
~ Ramona
I heard this on the Jesus and Jollof podcast, hosted by Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Orji, two talented Nigerian women—they are on TV, writing books, speaking, and sharing their wit and wisdom. They say that Jesus and Jollof are the two things they cannot live without; I think the quote emphasizes the role of faith in making progress towards your goals.
Honey, I'm Grown 