March 2021
Go with The Flow
As the seasons change and the end of winter converges with the first breath of spring in March, the astrological sign of Pieces ascends. This is a water sign represented by two fish and ruled by Neptune. The ocean always comes to mind when I think of Pieces and this month’s theme of Go with The Flow feels appropriate. Just as waves come crashing down, they pick themselves up and rise again. And many times, in life, happiness is stymied because for happiness to occur, you need to let go of what you are trying to control and just go with the flow.
The posts this month from A Handbook for Positive Living A Through Z address the chapters of Happiness and Imbalances. Happiness is a state of mind and positive choice. It’s not about what you have but how you choose to enjoy what you have and it gets carried over into other parts of your life and helps you be the best that you can be.
So why not think happy thoughts and allow this pleasure to be yours. Focus on the small things in your life that make you happy and continue this process daily. These thoughts will become a foundation for expanding your everyday joy.
And these happy thoughts help enhance your well-being as an imbalance between the mind and body might occur because of negative thoughts. Those negative thoughts may lead to stress and stress can lead to illness.
Also, by going with the flow and staying in tune with symptoms from your body, imbalances that arise may be messages to address hidden or pending health issues.
You can decide how you will address imbalances and make self-care a priority. I had smoked cigarettes for four years when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 1977 and I stopped smoking. I knew that I had to take care of my body and began what has been a transformational journey for me. I stopped drinking milk due to a lactose intolerance, avoided many processed foods, and followed a healthy diet. I added portions of protein each day through legumes, lean meats, and fish; added daily doses of fruits and vegetables and consumed more water. I also believe in elimination not substitution. For example, I consume butter in smaller amounts as opposed to substituting it with margarine. In lieu of low fat or fat free foods, I just have less amounts as in yogurt and mayonnaise. I do not add sugar to food and have eliminated artificial sweeteners.
Vitamin supplements are an important part of my daily intake and lab work is done every four months. I belong to a gym, practice yoga and meditation, use positivity for thoughts and choose to view my circumstances through various lenses always seeking the good in any situation. Bi-weekly body massage helps keep me in balance. Yes, I still have Crohn’s Disease but with Positive Living and traditional medicine, I unite the mind/body connection to better manage my well-being.
The loss of smell in November of 2021 lead to a diagnosis of COVID-19. I was prescribed rest, liquids, Vitamin D3 and Zinc. Fortunately, I had been taking those vitamins for more than 40 years along with many others including calcium, monthly B-12 shots, Ester C, and a probiotic. Crohn’s disease had forced me to take care of myself and do what was necessary to maintain lifelong wellness. I feel that the daily D-3 and Zinc vitamins were a factor in my ability to overcome this serious virus.
As a result of COVID-19, fatigue set it; I honored my body with rest, and after quarantine, short walks eventually strengthened me to be able to enjoy my golf and workout schedule again. This process took more than two months. Healing takes time! Good things take time. Trust the process and believe in yourself.
My recommendation is that you consider making several small positive changes each month and writing them as goals. Strategies such as  cancelling negative thoughts and refocusing to a positive experience, drinking more water each day, exercising for 15 minutes, adding a fruit or vegetable to a meal, enjoying high protein snacks such as nuts, grilled chicken, or peanut butter and crackers all contribute to a positive lifestyle.
What better person to nurture than you? These small changes when done through a daily routine will become habits, and these habits will become part of your repertoire for good health and wellness.
Enjoy the weekday posts for March and if you are comfortable, do share your thoughts in comments as we are all on this journey together.
Positive Living is about taking charge of your life by making choices that are beneficial to your body, mind, and spirit.
Remember: Choices for thoughts and actions are yours to make; you are in control. Therefore, think happy thoughts, eat healthy foods, exercise; love yourself so that you’ll be better able to love and care for others…and don’t forget to go with the flow.
With hopes for a happy and healthy 2021 spring season… and beyond,
Lora
