Today is February 1st...I cannot believe it. I feel like time is just flying by at record speed. I like the month of February for many reasons...one I love that we get to see family for the entire month. My in-laws come to visit for the month and the girls just adore having them around for an extended amount of time. Secondly, I like Valentine's Day....this was not always the case. I liked it when I was younger because every Valentine's Day my Dad would give me a small box of chocolates, but to me that was the best gift. I love that memory. Oh then there were college years...I despised Valentine's Day. I think one year I had a "boyfriend" so I didn't mind so much, but for the most part I didn't care for that particular holiday at all. Then, I met my husband and I liked it again...of course now I like it for my children as well. It's not about the candy though...I just enjoy being able to celebrate how much I love them. No, I don't need a special day to do this, but it's fun.
Last year we started a new tradition where we have a special dinner all together on Valentine's Day. This year I am going to add in a few extras. Some of these ideas I found on Pinterest...my new addiction. So, we will have a nice family dinner, but this year I will set the table with a red tablecloth, we'll eat by candlelight and each place setting will have some Hersey kisses and candy hearts. I am also going to write each person at the table a short note stating what I love about that person. I can't wait. I feel like there are times when I don't let my family know just how much I love them and how much they brighten my world.
This year February takes on another spin for myself and my family. It's Heart month, it's Go Red month which is the organization that helps to raise awareness about Heart Disease in Women. This hits home for me. Not just about my Mom and my Dad who both passed from Heart Disease, but now about me. I need to make changes in my life so that I do not become a statistic. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? It's so scary because some women do not even realize they are at risk for heart disease.
Next Saturday I will be running the Go Red 5K and I can't wait. I know that every step of exercise I take is helping me to care for my heart. I wish so much that my Mom had more awareness of what was happening to her. Of couse now looking back it is easy for me to see what was happening. I think about how she was gradually complaining of being so tired, and the "belly" fat that accumulated....it makes me so mad when I think about it. I don't understand how she didn't see what was happening. Maybe she did, but didn't know how to make changes...I don't know. Actually, none of it matters anymore. The fact is I have a family history and I have to make the cycle end. It is not an easy task to change your lifestyle, but I am trying. I want my heart to be the best it can. I have four other people that need for my heart to be healthy. One of my biggest motivators is my children. I want them to learn healthy habits and the best way is to be a model. When they see me making time to exercise, it makes them want to get out and move. Nothing makes me happier than to see them active. What is your motivator to exercise or get healthy? Any tips?
If you are a women I ask that you think about yourself this month. Do you need to make changes so that you have a healthy heart? Do you need to go get your cholesterol tested so you know your numbers? If your a man, do the same, plus talk to the women in your life about caring for their hearts. Be aware...know the symptoms for women, know what to do if you have any symptoms. Awareness is the key. Lastly, wear your Red this month and love your heart.
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever." – The Notebook
Last year we started a new tradition where we have a special dinner all together on Valentine's Day. This year I am going to add in a few extras. Some of these ideas I found on Pinterest...my new addiction. So, we will have a nice family dinner, but this year I will set the table with a red tablecloth, we'll eat by candlelight and each place setting will have some Hersey kisses and candy hearts. I am also going to write each person at the table a short note stating what I love about that person. I can't wait. I feel like there are times when I don't let my family know just how much I love them and how much they brighten my world.
This year February takes on another spin for myself and my family. It's Heart month, it's Go Red month which is the organization that helps to raise awareness about Heart Disease in Women. This hits home for me. Not just about my Mom and my Dad who both passed from Heart Disease, but now about me. I need to make changes in my life so that I do not become a statistic. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? It's so scary because some women do not even realize they are at risk for heart disease.
Next Saturday I will be running the Go Red 5K and I can't wait. I know that every step of exercise I take is helping me to care for my heart. I wish so much that my Mom had more awareness of what was happening to her. Of couse now looking back it is easy for me to see what was happening. I think about how she was gradually complaining of being so tired, and the "belly" fat that accumulated....it makes me so mad when I think about it. I don't understand how she didn't see what was happening. Maybe she did, but didn't know how to make changes...I don't know. Actually, none of it matters anymore. The fact is I have a family history and I have to make the cycle end. It is not an easy task to change your lifestyle, but I am trying. I want my heart to be the best it can. I have four other people that need for my heart to be healthy. One of my biggest motivators is my children. I want them to learn healthy habits and the best way is to be a model. When they see me making time to exercise, it makes them want to get out and move. Nothing makes me happier than to see them active. What is your motivator to exercise or get healthy? Any tips?
If you are a women I ask that you think about yourself this month. Do you need to make changes so that you have a healthy heart? Do you need to go get your cholesterol tested so you know your numbers? If your a man, do the same, plus talk to the women in your life about caring for their hearts. Be aware...know the symptoms for women, know what to do if you have any symptoms. Awareness is the key. Lastly, wear your Red this month and love your heart.
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever." – The Notebook