YOUR LIFE A-Z: LEARN

LEARN TO FISH FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

LEARN

It is never too late for this important word.  It has been proven that people who choose to discover interesting things to LEARN all throughout his/her lifespan are happier, healthier and keep the brain engaged building new pathways.   New pathways in the brain require the brain to use its plasticity that it is biologically wired to do which can help keep dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at bay.  But more importantly than that LEARNING something new keeps boredom at bay.  Boredom leads to overeating, laziness, too much drinking, and other brain dulling activities until one day you wake up and say,  “OMG, I am a coach potato.”   In this fast paced very technological society that you live in, you have many opportunities at your fingertips to LEARN something new everyday.  Crossword puzzles become more animated by playing the game words with friends which keeps the brain working and engaged.  However, to LEARN something new such as a new language, how to play a musical instrument, or a new sport can be intimidating.  That is normal for everyone so don't let emotional intimidation keep you in the corner of life.  Don’t compare yourself to others and his/her abilities.  Focus on your self and choose to LEARN something new that will be a bit intimidating.  It will be a good challenge for your self-esteem to get a workout too, while you LEARN.   Enjoy the fact that you are able to LEARN and let yourself explore many opportunities to LEARN.  Even LEARN to cook a new recipe for dinner.

YOUR LiFE A-Z: BRANCH-OUT

EACH BRANCH IS UNIGUE AND BEAUTIFUL 

BRANCH OUT

Now that we are on a roll with our warrior, headed out for a zany adventure, what is it that you have been hiding from yourself that you really want to try?  It does not have to be big but of course it can be.  It can be something as simple as getting those ears pierced that you have secretly always wanted to do.  Think about a tree and its many branches.  It is amazing that something that looks as boring as a tree-trunk can branch out into so many different ways, providing shade, shelter, and protection.  In the forest, deer and other creatures love to sleep near the tree trunks under branches.  It feels safe and protective to them.  What are the benefits that you will acquire in your personal life by branching out into a new direction or just responding to the warmth of the sun pulling you towards your best-self?

Branching out is an important part of growing up and becoming all of who you can be.  Without branches trees do not fulfill their purpose.  Without branches there is little beauty.  Look at your life today and ask yourself, where can I branch out?  Where can I expand into more of what I need and want in my life?  Is it time to ask your boss for a raise?  Is it time to look at adding class to your list of things you have been wanting to learn?  Find a way to branch out today!

YOUR LIFE A-Z REACH

Reach For It!

REACH

Stop expecting things to be delivered to you. Reach for what you want.  Stretch across the table, the aisles, and the negativity.  If other people can have it so can you.  You are no better or worse than those around you.  Stop being jealous about what others have and reach for what you want.  If you are not reaching, then it clearly is not important to you.  Don't judge yourself for that.  Just let it go and reach for what is really important to you.  Going out for pizza is so much better than having it delivered.  Pizza in a box is soggy.  A pizza that you reach across the table for is so much better.  Life is better if it is not handed to you.  You will appreciate your successes more. You will realize that you put your sweat and maybe even tears in what it is that you want.  It means more to you.  

Reach for the stars.  The stars are so far away and it often seems like we can never get there.  But if we use our bodies to stretch upwards to the stars we become more agile, our leg muscles elongate as we sweep down and touch our toes.  We feel empowered by this simple exercise and we learn to reach as far as we can.  Reach for  the choices you want. Who cares if what you want is across the table rather than instead of right it front of you. Reach for what you want.  Stretch into your differences and be who you are.

Photo: Pam Smead