Healthy Makes It Happen

I always welcome a reprieve from winter, not that I was looking for one, and so soon, because for the most part the temperatures have been unseasonably mild (fingers crossed). Sure, we’ve had a few cold days, but not to the point of being uncomfortably bitter. However, I’m sure they are on the horizon as we inch our way towards February.

I’m holding out for one major snowstorm – a few feet will do, so that I can go snowboarding, or just frolic with friends and neighbors, building snowmen, etc. However, my favorite thing to do, with a hot drink in one hand and a camera in the other, is to simply walk from neighborhood to neighborhood watching others enjoy themselves. It really is heartwarming! I’m grateful for that feeling of nostalgia that washes over me, from time to time.

Yesterday was truly exceptional. The weather could not have been better – a comfortable 55 degrees. The wind was a little fierce at times, but it didn’t ruin the perfect day, and if it could stay like this all year, I would be thoroughly content.

I was pleased to see so many out appreciating the day, doing a wide range of activities – walking, hiking, cycling and running. I always take pleasure in watching disc-golf on the Jones Falls Trail, and many were out playing that too, and in large numbers. I’m contemplating taking it up in the spring. People always seem to be having a good time, so why not.

What I’ve noticed recently is more and more people are consistently exercising. The number of runners I see on a daily basis has tripled. These aren’t conditioned runners, but people who began walking, then jogging, and now running a few miles each day. I’m so excited to witness the process, the evolution of activity. It’s priceless, and it affirms what I’ve always known to be true – we all have the power to change and improve, and that a little encouragement goes along way.

I watched many of these individuals buddy-up, which enables them to go the distance, and now a few are exercising alone, and that’s because they can see and feel the benefits. (I’m not one to be silent, so I couldn’t resist approaching a few people, letting them know how great they look, and the response I got was incredible. It wasn’t the thank you or smile that got to me, but the joy I felt emanating from their being. There’s nothing like feeling the love. Now that’s happy living, my friends!)

I can’t say it enough, a healthy diet and exercise is so very important. Both help control weight, combats health conditions and disease, improve mood and boosts energy.

I’m hopeful more people will see the light before it’s too late, because healthy really does make it happen. – paerki

Additional Photos: Food Love