Heart Choices: Stay Healthy and Enjoy the Journey -->

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Stay Healthy and Enjoy the Journey


Life is a journey.  But much too often I find myself on autopilot.  I'm checking off items on my to-do list but not taking the time to stop and enjoy the moments.

To-do list:

  • Exercise on treadmill
  • Drink lots of water
  • Stretch
  • Free weights
  • Morning quiet time
  • Writing
  • Get ready for work and get there on time

I want to get back in great shape. You see, I know what it feels like:

  • to have lots of energy
  • to have clothes that fit well 
  • to get dressed once and not have to go back to the closet and change after catching a glimpse in the mirror
  • to not focus so much on food and exercise
I want a healthy lifestyle to simply be a part of my every day life.  

I have a lot of living to do.  And I don't want to miss out.  I want to stop and smell the roses.
I used to teach heart patients ways to stay healthy and prevent future problems. Diet, exercise, keeping track of their cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. But I wanted to know what pushed their buttons.  What would motivate them to start to take better care of themselves and live a healthier lifestyle.

So I conducted a research project in the Cardiology practice where I was working.  I had the patients fill out a form to find out what they were most afraid of. Many had been close to death after all.  The results were a little bit surprising to me.

They were afraid of losing their independence.  

They wanted to be able to do the things that were important to them whether that was golfing, working in their career or simply playing and keeping up with their grandchildren.

So for today, I make the choice to exercise and eat healthy.  As time goes on, I discover that it has become a habit.  So I don't have to think about it and focus so much on it.  It's simply a part of my every day life.  I want to be able to do the things that are important to me too.  How about you?


I'm linking up with Kim of Just for Clicks for Weigh-In Wednesday.

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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8 comments:

  1. Debbie, as always I simply loved your post today! SO NEEDED IT! Feel very overwhelmed here! Your & Kim's post spoke into my life. Thankyou for your faithfulness to be there in your group page, & in your encouraging posts.You & Kim were & have been a great influence in my accountability process even though I get so off track! Thankyou!

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  2. You're doing so good with your quest for health!

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  3. You live as you teach, therefor you are well worth listening too.I know about loosing independence. It happened to both my parents as they grew old and too tired to exercise. They both had hip replacements and that was the beginning to the end.The follow up program simply didn't function. My dad didn't even buy a car until his hip crumbed to nothing, and the poor man had seven op.s. That wouldn't have happened in America. Patients there would have sued the hospital till it broke. I stopped my daily walks as i got osteoporosis and broke both wright ankle and wrist. I stopped smoking, but started eating.I know I shall have to pull my self together, not for the looks, but for the sake of my independence.Keep on letting these drips coming. Some day you will be getting a better report.

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  4. It's so funny... I've been thinking lately how fast our lives go. We are on this earth for such an incredibly short time. Yet we treat our bodies as if they are invincible and can withstand the harsh treatment we give them. I want to be as healthy as I can for as long as I can so I don't miss out on my loved ones. GREAT reminder that THAT is why we strive to be healthy. So we can keep our independence and be able to love on and care for those whom God has placed in our path. Thanks so much for linking up!!!

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  5. "I want a healthy lifestyle to simply be a part of my every day life."...

    me too Debbie! We will keep at it one day at a time, and then all those cute things in our closets will be hanging on US!!! :)

    Love you!

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  6. Okay...convicted. I had a melt down this week..the results of not taking care of myself and overloaded myself. What hadn't I been doing? I haven't been eating right nor exercising...and boy did I pay the price.
    Thanks for the nudge...well kick in the pants...now I am headed out the door to walk...since you and Sonja both gave me the kick!
    Love you girl!!

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  7. Jeff and I had gotten in a semi-habit of walking most nights after dinner. But it only takes a week or two of busy nights to throw us off. :-( It's been at least a week now since we've walked together, and although we do still get other exercise in each week, I miss those times of walking PLUS talking. It's nice when we can combine good health practices with relationship building too. :) Thanks for your encouragement for us to stay healthy.

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  8. My exercising has changed over these last few years. I do try and walk every day and occasionally add in weights. Over all, I feel fairly healthy. Thanks for the prod.

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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