Saturday, February 15, 2014 • Whidbey News-Times
Create healthy habits for your everyday life FAITHFUL LIVING
By JOAN BAY KLOPE
As I pen “Faithful Living” this week two Olympic figure skaters, both expected to medal, have fallen on the ice and experienced what must be the most extreme of disappointments. To dedicate your life so exclusively to one dream, to harness natural talent, and to set aside other distractions with the hope of Olympic greatness — only to have that dream come crashing down onto the ice — is a devastation I cannot possibly understand. I do, however, pause to consider their feelings. I remind myself that life — like many Olympic dreams—is filled with the agony of defeat. What then do healthy people do to build their emotional reserves in anticipation of those moments when we crash? I believe they make the most of every day. They intentionally build healthy habits into their schedules and last week I singled out four: rising early, eating right, exercising, and accomplishing one big task each day. Today let’s continue the task of understanding what it takes to build emotional reserves by taking a look at habit number five: Doing one thing you love each day. I know. Your “To Do” list is expansive. We cannot, however, allow those tasks to stop us from identifying personal dreams and creating time to develop them. Whether they be hobbies, long-term goals, or activities you find enjoyable with little consequence, they have the potential to breathe life into your growing sense of self. Embrace these things and make time for them. HABIT 6: Rest effectively. A growing bed of research is telling us that rest is as essential as healthy food, water and air. Take responsibility for turning off technology at a good hour each night, create ways to step away from your day, and move into a bedroom that welcomes healthy sleep. HABIT 7: Be present with people. Practice not allowing a separate stream of thought to move through your mind while you are in conversation with someone. Set aside things you know are distracting to you. Actively engage in conversations. Look people in the eye. Ask questions. Pause, process, and think. The here and now will instruct you and give you a needed break from pressing matters requiring more time. HABIT 8: Invest your life in someone else each day. Volunteer in your child’s classroom. Fund a local charity. Send an encouraging text message. Set up a coffee date. Get up early to pray for those you care about. Your own joy and fulfillment is guaranteed to grow. HABIT 9: Nurture your soul. No matter your theological perspective, you are so much more than flesh and blood. You are mind, heart, and soul as well. Make time to breathe deeply and think. Make it a priority to understand how you best connect with God and set that time into your planner. HABIT 10: Reset and clear away the junk. Tomorrow is another day with opportunity and potential. But who likes to wake up to clutter and messes? Take 15 minutes to “blitz” your living and working spaces when you step away from them. You will thank yourself the next day! Joan Bay Klope can be reached at faithfulliving@hotmail. com
BIRTHS NAVAL HOSPITAL OAK HARBOR Liv Grace Gilmore, 7 pounds, 5 ounces, was born Jan. 21. She is the daughter of Donald and Brianne Gilmore. Emerie Ella Link, 8 pounds, 9 ounces, was born Jan. 22. She is the daughter of Brad and Kadie Link. Eli Henry simmer, 9
pounds, 6 ounces, was born Jan. 23. He is the son of Ryan Simmer and Victoria Kolenbrander. Isaac James Holton, 7 pounds, 12 ounces, was born Jan. 24. He is the son of Peter and Joy Holton. Katherine Aria Couts, 7 pounds, 4.5 ounces, was born Jan. 27. She is the daughter of William and Sheree Couts.
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