Resolutions or Life Style Changes?

 
 It's January - the head of the year.  The holidays are over.  Time for a fresh start.  This is the time of year when we settle back into our normal routines.  As the next few months promise to be cold and less active than before the holidays, our thoughts turn toward nesting and home improvements, daydreaming of garden plans in the spring and vacation adventures in summer.  Some of us turn to reading that pile of books that has been building up during our busy schedules.  And then there are those of us who turn towards personal improvement; taking a few classes, losing a few pounds, or joining the gym.
                                                                                                         
 We used to call these things New Year's resolutions; usually starting off with a big vision that melts into oblivion when schedules get in the way, results aren't what we want, or motivation wains.   I like to think of this time of year as the perfect time for 'Lifestyle Tweaks'.  Somehow that picture for me encompasses smaller increments and less daunting goals.  In any case, it helps me to stop and evaluate what I would like to accomplish and what it might take to get there; what's in my area that works, and who I might get to join me for some camaraderie and accountability.  It's not so stressful to think about and it allows for some unexpected interruptions and changes for 'flaws' in the plan.  More like life's realities and ability to change in mid stream.  Unlike a resolution that sounds like a 'stick to it or else you fail' banner; tweaks are advantages, improvements, changes and alternatives as they make themselves available; and we get to set the stage for that to happen.
                                                                                                    
 Look at the whole diet thing for example.  Every woman I know wants to lose 5 or 10 pounds after the holidays; so we sign up for the gym or a diet program.  How hard can it be?  So you join the program, lose the 10 pounds and go back to your old habits only to see that 10 pounds land right back where it was.  Nothing really changed, now you're depressed, and you throw in the towel because it's no different than last year.
                                                                                    
On the other hand, if you're going to make a Lifestyle Change or 'tweak', the plan is that this will be something that you adopt, a part of adjusting to life, that becomes part of the new you.  With that in mind, it opens up doors of adventure and a little reflective thought. 
 
Improving your health is that way.  We don't have to wait until we're sick to make moderate  changes in our lives.  If your life isn't in danger, this is the perfect time to find better foods, nicer clothes, a little more energy, a new hair style, a new way to chill, etc. etc.  Whether you're talking about physical health, mental health or both; let's put a little fun into this.  It's no secret that there are enough negative things going on in the world right now to put a damper on fun.  So maybe we need to tweak that expectation too and take some small steps that lead in the direction of positive outcomes. 
                                                                                                         
 Starting in February, we are offering on a once a month basis, 2 hour 'Zoom Study Groups' on various topics of interest, that encompass the questions that I am continually asked about specific health issues; as so many of you have expressed interest in our teaching opportunities apart from full time commitment in the Potting Shed school program.  This is not just for serious students, but for any of you that would like to do a deep dive into the science of disease and functional solutions for specific topics with food, herbals and supplements in order to be more informed about your health.  They will include interactive discussion, handouts, and Q&A; as well as recommendations on where to find reliable resources.  It is my hope that this becomes somewhat of an online 'community' of folks in different parts of the country; where we can all help advocate for and encourage one another in the learning process.  Following is a list of Study Group Topics with dates for February and March. I give you February and March only so that we can change a date or time and I can find out just what topics appeal to registrants as we go forward.  With some feedback, we can determine what evenings and timeframes work best for the attendees.  No class is mandatory to continue, so you only need attend the ones that have interest for you personally; and you are welcome to invite friends who might be interested also. 
                                                                                                 
 List of Topics - Here are some suggestions, but this is not all inclusive & is subject to those topics olks are most interested in
 
.   Stress Management, Anxiety & Adrenal Exhaustion:  The negative effects of stress, how to
    recognize it and what the options are.
.   Candida and Other Fungal Disease - Fungus can lay dormant, popping up in future to undermine immunity.   WE will look at the science of cause, the symptoms and the options to overcome it.
.   Hands On - How to Make - Elderberry Syrup, Tinctures, Salves…….
.   Lyme - Losing the fear by taking action.  Precautions, understanding, and treatment
.   Women's Health Issues - From PMS to Peri-menopause to Menopause and everything
   inbetween.  A deep dive into the female balancing act and how to keep it running smoothly.
.   The Battle with Fatigue - Stopping the slow decline and building resilient energy.
.   Cholesterol, Heart Disease & Diabetes - The Threefold Cord - which one comes first, what's the Connection, can you have just one and not the others?
.   Building Immunity - Our natural immunity is a God given 'armor' to fight off disease; under
    standing how it works and how to keep it strong
.   Restricted Exercise - Ways to keep our bodies moving despite handicaps or roadblocks to healing.
.   Anti-inflammatory Eating and the Role Food Plays in Overall Health
.   Cooking For Good Health - with possibly a guest chef
 
Zoom classes are easy:   We will charge $25 per person, per class.  This would need to be paid up front.  Upon payment, a link for the zoom call will be made available, which can be accessed by phone or laptop by clicking on the link on the date and time of the class (no special software is needed except to have a video cam for your laptop).  The day of class an email with handouts will be sent out to each of you.
 
The two dates for February and March are as follows: 
          February Date:  February 8th 7:30 - 8:30 EST  Stress Management, Anxiety, & Adrenal
                                                                                                    Exhaustion
          March Date:  March 22nd 7:30 - 8:30 EST Anti-inflammatory Eating and the Role Food
                                                                                             Plays in Overall Health 
 
Sign up by emailing Cathy at thrushsong60@gmail.com.  I look forward to engaging with you all to derail the dark side of ill health in our lives.

---