personal definitions

Yesterday's post has had me reflecting over my life in the past year. It's been an interesting one, emotionally and professionally, and it's that unique combination of uncertainty, heartbreak, open roads and Central American getaways that led me to exactly where I am today: residing in Manhattan, working at a start-up, doing what I love, and living the way I choose to.

Which leads me to my next thought - how I choose to live. Healthfully is the first word that comes to mind, but upon further examination, it appears as though such a word is often vague. And so, I will define it for the both of us. Doing so is most likely the only way I'll be able to maintain some sense of equilibrium around here.

 

Foremost, I believe in having a healthy mindset. This means making sure I eat vegetables daily but not being critical of myself if on a busy day that merely means a few carrot sticks for a snack. This means prioritizing those extra few minutes each morning to make myself breakfast and pack a lunch. This also means being very okay with skipping a homemade, balanced dinner to meet a friend for drinks and appetizers. And, finally, this means enjoying copious amounts of wine, chocolate, and salads without any concern for their respective nutritional content.

Next, I believe in having a healthy approach to daily life. Enjoying the long walk to the subway, for instance, because I realize that the physical exercise is beneficial and the time spent meditatively moving calms my thoughts. Or perhaps working diligently in the office all day and then unplugging at home to give my eyes, and my brain, a rest. Or maybe even reveling in a suprise lunch of baked goods, corn chowder, raw broccoli salad, and guacamole and then listening to my body as it calls for green juice that evening. Traveling whenever possible, honoring that passion, is probably an example as well.

Lastly, I believe in having a healthy fullness. Yes, I did just make up a phrase, please allow me to explain. Health aside, a full life for me means meeting a friend for wine-filled dinner on a weekday night. It may also mean canceling plans with people I love so that I can unwind, clean up, and relax with my own perfectly happy heart. It is a sense of emotional wellness that is just as important to me as being content with my overall physical well being. That, my sweets, is what living healthfully means to me. How do you define your balance?