By Margaret Plouff – Contributor, Natural Wellness
The beginning of a new year, ahhh, a time for fresh starts and new fresh energy. Time to move forward with grace and improved health, strength and vitality. The holidays were a time to indulge, and did we enjoy that! Now we have a choice to implement new healthy habits. It’s time to take exquisite care of ourselves, really show lots more self love.
It’s a time for reflection as winter draws us into this special time of year. The days are shorter, the weather gets colder. Your body really needs some nourishment right now. So, what can you do?
I believe in adding in new practices and then the old habits and patterns melt away. January and February’s snowy (or rainy!) days and nights beckon for hot baths, a cup a tea, a little nap. Our bodies need nourishing especially in winter. Warm soups, stews, a little ten minute break here and there … these all so simply nourishing to your body, mind and spirit. Notice how you really feel after taking care of You!
Upon rising, try enjoying a large glass of filtered water with a squeeze of lemon or lime, some grated ginger, and add a dash of cayenne pepper: fire water! You re-hydrate after sleep, refresh and warm yourself with ginger for circulation and its anti- inflammatory qualities, and the cayenne wakes up your digestion! This practice is very energizing, try it for a week and notice how you feel.
I received a beautiful new year’s card with some inspiration I’d like to share with you:
Thoughts for a Happy and Successful 2012:
- Plant a tree for your birthday
- Don’t postpone joy
- Demand excellence and be willing to pay for it
- Don’t take your good health for granted
- Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures
- Be kinder than necessary
- Take time to look at the stars
- Swing for the fence
- Live life as an exclamation, not an explanation
- Reread a favorite book
- Do things in the order of their importance
- Leave everything a little better than you found it
- Have a joyful, energized and healthy 2012!
