The Other "F" Word

Recently, I visited a museum of art.  It was no ordinary museum; it was the Louvre in Paris, France.  This museum is extraordinary.  Large pieces of art, sculptures, with figurines as far as the eye can see.  Millions of people visit this historic place each year.  It truly is incredible!  What was striking is that the women in each piece of art were.....well, voluptuous!  Actually, they were what we would consider today as fat!  Yet, in the eyes of these artists, they were beautiful! I began to wonder why that might be?  What has changed in the way we view ourselves, especially as women? How did we get so obsessed with thinness?  

It seems in the 1840s it was proposed that women, in particular, abstain from abundant eating for optimal health.  First by suggesting spices in foods and heavy on bread.  Then came the suggestion decades later to consume more meats; thus the diet revolution began.  Fullness, that was once considered beauty, then became disgust and non-fashionable.  Women used to have clothing custom made by a seamstress and no sizes to compare.  Then the department stores come into play where dresses were sold in sizes S, M, L, or 8, 10, 12. That’s when woman began to compare themselves to one another.

Today, there is so much emphasis on being thin.  Thin is in, or is it?  People come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are tall others are short and there is a huge range in between.  Not everyone is designed to be skinny, just like not everyone is designed to be tall.  There is cellular makeup that gives us a pre-disposition.  That being said, I'm not advocating obesity.  Body build and muscular make-up should be considered, however, being larger than you should is not healthy. What I am saying is not every woman should weigh 120 pounds.  Accepting ourselves for who we are is important in a multitude of ways.  First acknowledging one's self-worth, loving ourselves for who we are and where we are in life.  Small changes add up to larger changes and so on.  Health and wellness is about creating a balance, not just what our pant size is.  A size of a person does not necessarily determine a healthy person.  There are many thin people who are sick.

As people, we are too obsessed with weight.  The better scale of measurement is to ask yourself some questions:

• How do I feel?

• How do I sleep?

• Am I where I want to be in life?

• Can I do the activities I want to do?

• How are my relationships?

We look at ourselves with a distorted view.  Others see us differently than we see ourselves, but we continue to hang on to the negative thoughts, and they become our truth. Our brain automatically goes to the negative. An infestation of ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) is destructive to the mind and body. Anytime you realize you have ANTs in your brain, get rid of them…immediately! Over time, you can change your brain creating better place to live in your own body.  Enjoy your life....there is freedom!

Health Bite: Health is not necessarily weighed by scales.

White Caps

Peace.  It’s a gift from God.  What I love most about gifts from God, is there are no strings attached.  It is yours because He loves you.  All you have to do is receive it. 

When was the last time you felt peace in your life?  Peace and quiet can be felt when the kids go to go bed, or after a hectic day of work is over; but I’m not talking about that kind of peace.  I’m talking about a deep, deep peace.

Our lives are built around hectic schedules of “to do” lists.  We run from point A to point B juggling kids, spouse, work, home, and all the other tasks required to keep up.  With all the technology, I think we, as a society, are more stressed out than ever!  Technology is supposed to help, but I think it has hindered us in many ways.  We’ve become “unplugged” from relationships, conversations, and gestors of kindness.  We no longer need to “bump” into someone at the grocery store because now we can order our groceries on-line.  No need to even get out of the car, as the customer service representative will load it for you!  Don’t worry about getting your steps in….you can go to the gym...maybe, if your can squeeze it in!  What will it take for you to slow down, breathe, and cherish life?

A deep peace can carry you through difficult times in life when things are uncertain.  This type of peace is noticed by others you encounter.  It shows in how you act, speak, and live your life.  It’s quite refreshing to feel that even on the darkest day, God can give the gift of Peace that passes all understanding. 

Maybe you are wondering how you can receive this gift?  It’s quite simple, really.  Just ask for it.  The Lord knows your heart.  He sees your hurts.  He knows your struggles.  He feels the tangles in your relationships. 

As I sit, looking out my window, I watch a tidal river sway with its white caps that then settle and flow along.  Each of us experience those white caps in life.  The turbulence can be difficult leaving one to wonder how it will end, or if we will survive it.  I’ve grown to appreciate life, because life is fragile.  That fragility helps me gather the important people in my life and keep them close.  Things can change in a second and that white cap becomes tall and resilient.  The current seems strong and swift.  Even in those days, peace is available to the recipient.  All you need to do is ask and receive.   

It seems simple enough, yet so many go through life not experiencing true peace.  That includes me.  It’s easy to get caught up in this world.  We run from situations because it’s easier than dealing with them.  We look for answers in this world and try to gain control, but it’s futile.  The only answer is to turn it over to the Lord.  He came to set us free from bondage.  He came to restore peace and joy. 

Think of life as slices of pie.  Time spent is a slice out our of life that can never be reused, recovered or replaced.  How that time is spent should be meaningful in building up the world rather than taking it down.  Take a PEACE of pie today and enjoy each bite.  Savor the love and warmth; remember to express gratitude to the one who set you free.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart!  And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives.  So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27

“And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should. How long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it.  And so at last you will be filled up with God himself.”  Ephesians 3:17-19

health-bite:  Take your gift of Peace and share it with others.

Finding the Joy

Life is difficult and each of us will experience a season in life when joy seems unattainable.  We are left wondering if God is listening, does He care, what does this mean.  During the holidays the family unit is placed with high expectations on gathering and making memories.  It’s an opportunity to take time out of the normal schedule to visit with loved ones.  Difficulties arise when members of a family are no longer present at the dinner table.  Others still dread seeing their family due to fractures and hurts from the past.  The emptiness could be overwhelming.

It’s also one of the busiest seasons of the year with a host of commitments, purchases, and demands, one can feel…well, exhausted and wishing Christmas were over.  Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness or rejoices.  Is that how you are feeling right now? Are you feeling happy?  How can someone find joy in the midst of this hectic season you may wonder? 

During the next year, I will be learning to be a health coach.  One of the things I have learned so far is that health begins with other things that are not food…such as relationships.  A loving relationship can bring joy; in contrast, one that is toxic brings turmoil. Here are some ways to try and find your joy:

• Pray. Deep relationships with Christ will open doors that will otherwise stay closed.  He cares for us and wants to know every detail we are dealing with.  He has the answers and there is something wonderful about turning our troubles over to Him.   
• Be grateful.  Practicing gratitude is important in finding joy.  Be thankful for the many blessings in your life.  Everyone has blessings.  Living in the United States is a blessing.  We don’t have to worry about bombs going off today.  Be thankful for family, food in the refrigerator, work, health, family, and the lists go on.  Even a warm house on a cold winter night is a blessing.  Think on these things throughout your daily, and joy will come.
• Say “No.”  Self care is important. We are conditioned to help others, lend a hand, give care to family, work hard, etc.  We sacrifice ourselves and end up exhausted and sick.  Take time for you.  You are important to many people….they will understand.  Get enough rest so your body can deal with all the things that come at it; and get a massage.

One more thing to consider is that constant negativity will steal not only your joy, but the joy of those around you.  Our brain naturally moves toward negativity.  We find fault and judge others, because that’s our tendency.  That negativity creates anxiety in both parties, which blocks access to higher cerebral functioning.  We will then have difficulty with problem solving and ultimately our relationships with others will suffer.  You may know someone who is negative and you may know someone who is positive.  Which person do you want to spend your time with?  How do people view your position?  Not sure?  Maybe you should ask someone you are close to.

Joy is obtainable.  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—mediate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9.

Health bite: Joy is inner peace...find yours

Simply Live

Ever wonder why some people seem to have everything while others struggle to make ends meet? Or people who should be happy really aren't.  Instead they are bitter, angry and broken. What's up with that? There is a saying that happiness is wanting what you have, not wanting what you don't have.  I believe this is true to find joy and being content.  I've often found myself running around looking for just the right item...sometimes driving myself crazy, only to start the whole process over in a couple of weeks.  Could it be, I was looking for something that wasn't tangible? 

We are so very blessed here in the U.S.  We have plenty of everything!  Fresh fruits and vegetables are available year around.  We can drive to the grocery store and purchase fresh lettuce or grapes anytime we want them.  We also indulge is other pleasures like dining with friends or attending sporting events.  As Americans, we spend $2,000 to $3,000 a year on recreational activities...that's a lot of dough.  I guess we are bored and want to be entertained. We go to concerts, sporting events, movies, theaters, and I can't leave out dining out at restaurants.  All of these are luxuries that cost money.  

I tend to be a high energy person that checks things off of my to do list.  My late husband, though, did things differently.  He got around to it, whenever.  Opposites attract and he certainly helped me to stop and smell the roses, and for that I am truly grateful!  He enjoyed entertainment, especially television.  He watched many programs at the same time..a channel surfer, if you will. He would tell me often, "I just haven't had time to get that done."  One day in frustration, I informed him I was going to give him the gift of time.  He asked me how I was going to do that?  "I'm cancelling cable!" I declared.  I didn't, of course, and he continued to spend a lot of time watching television.  I digress...

Could it be that the more we have the more we want? Plus the more we gain, the more time we spend taking care of, guarding, or obsessing over our stuff.  I'm now in a phase of life with aging parents.  Years of tangible items that are important to one is not so important to another.  Wouldn't be better to let go of those things we can do without?  This year, I lost two people in my life.  The reality of going though things happened and it allowed me to minimize my own material items.  When I went through my mother-in-law's house, I found that in each of the closets in her three bedroom duplex where coats and clothing.  She was just one person, and I wondered why she kept all those coats.  I mean no disrespect to my mother, as she was a very generous and kind woman.  She had four closets full of clothes and continued purchasing clothes up until a month before she passed away.  It just makes me wonder what we, as humans, keep chasing.

Could it have been that something else was missing?  Perhaps a relationship or an experience left us feeling out of control, so consumerism filled in the gap. 

How can each of us be more content without consuming so many material possessions? This is an individualized decision and journey.  If you could just make one change toward simplifying your life, what would it be?  Write it down and do it.  I think you will be surprised by how freeing it is. After the first one is accomplished, write down another and then another.  Free up your life and find contentment.

Health bite:  Living simply is freeing and allows one to simply live.

This is only a test......

Have you ever experienced a moment you thought you had lived before, a second chance, or déjà vu? Sometimes I wonder if these encounters are “do over” scenarios because the first time wasn’t pleasing to God. As we move through life, we learn and grow, but then comes a test of how we respond to the situation we just learned about. I’ll give you an example:

Recently, our family planned a trip to Colorado to bury my mother-in-law. We purchased tickets to fly from Richmond in the afternoon. Due to many unfortunate events (car trouble, over sleeping, traffic, food, wrong directions,) we were running very close to catching our flight. Finally, we got to the gate within ten minutes before take off! We had checked in earlier through our phones, so everything was going to be alright. We made it….so we thought! The flight agent looked at us and frankly told us she had given our seats away, and then proceeded to close the door! We had missed our flight!

Now, this was about to get ugly. In my mind, I wanted jumped across the counter and demand she make things right. The agent was rude and unprofessional in many ways. She was also unwilling to help us find another flight that would leave in time for us to get to Colorado for the graveside service the next morning. We were all stressed beyond measure and exhausted from the day’s events. It would have been easy to cause a scene and yell at the agent for the unfairness we were feeling. Even the thought of going home seemed like a good option. It took a few moments to calm down and begin to let our brains absorb what just happened. Then I remembered: this is a test….how will you respond?

Last year, while traveling to Belize, we had a similar situation arise. Due to events beyond our control, our connecting flight left for home without us. The handling of the situation was, obviously, not pleasing to God so our family had to take time to learn, grow, and re-test.

After some time to regroup, we were able to secure a flight that evening, receive a full refund for the flight we had missed, and meet a flight agent who was a very helpful young lady. She was a home school graduate and a Believer. We arrived in Colorado to celebrate life with extended family and friends. It was a wonderful adventure, and we are hopeful this time passed our test!

The next time when situations keep repeating, stop and think. Is this a test? How should I respond so that Christ will be pleased, honored, and glorified? Life is full of lessons, and we should be open to keep learning and growing.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3

Health-bite: Stop, think, pray, pass your test!

Don't Exercise Like This....

Have you ever watched a hamster play with their favorite toy? That wheel is very entertaining and yet, the hamster doesn’t seem to tire. Over and over again, the hamster spins around as if it’s seen a ghost and can’t get away fast enough! It doesn’t seem to care that it’s not going anywhere. If only we could be as satisfied, but we are humans, not a hamster.

Sometimes, our lives can mimic this same past time. We don’t mean to, but we, like the hamster, start spinning in circles. We just think we are going somewhere, but guess what? We get caught in a cycle we want to climb out of, but our wheel is going so fast, we are afraid to jump off. Over and over again, we keep doing the same things hoping for a different outcome. Guess what? That is the definition of insanity. When the same action is taken over and over and expecting a different answer, that’s the hamster wheel.

Are you on a cycle of insanity? Spinning around and not going anywhere? It happens to everyone at some point. Just don't stay there! Get off...quick! For some, the wheel is our job that is not satisfying and a manager that is “out to get you.” Maybe it’s an attitude of behavior that make’s you feel like “nobody cares.” It can be any number of things that keep you on that wheel.

If you are tired of going no where, or have a friend or family member who is on the wheel, it’s time to get off! It comes down to a state of mind over matter. So many times, we try to fix the other person, when it’s us that needs fixing. How we respond to the situation is vital to its outcome. Is the person you are conversing with angry? If you follow the course, you’ll be angry too. Is that what you want? Responding with compassion, love, and understanding will allow a different type of outcome. Is your manager unreasonable? Maybe there is something going on you are unaware of. Having the courage to respond differently with humble humility may make work life better.

Behaviors are engrained in us. We have been practicing them for a long time. They are who we have become and the cycles are not easily broken. It will take a conscience effort and a friend to help keep you on track along the way. If you are on the hamster wheel, ask a good, honest friend to help you get off. Make a plan of action and discuss it with your friend. Be prepared. Accountability for our actions is a successful way to be free. Meet regularly in person or a phone call to discuss success and failures with your friend. It’s important to keep the objective in the forefront so you will be prepared when the “wheel’ shows up again. Life is too short to spin on a wheel. Get off and start living a happy life!

What experiences have you had with the hamster wheel?

Who Stole Your Joy?

"It is better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and complaining wife.”

Proverb 21:19

Do you know anyone who complains? No matter what, there is always something to complain about, be upset with, or just plain angry. Hopefully, it’s not you. Complaining and negativity has an affect on anyone in earshot. So what do you do? Do you go along with the conversation agreeing with all that’s being said? Do you walk away? Or do you try to bring the person around to see that life is full of disappointments and it’s best to learn and grow.

Happiness begins within the person, and no matter what goes on around us, happiness is a choice. That's right. A choice. It’s a moment to decide if YOU will allow someone to “steal” your joy. No one can make you be upset or angry. You are the only one who gets to choose how you feel. I love the Proverb above, and laugh when I insert different names for the “wife” when I’m around someone who is constantly complaining. I really wonder who stole their joy and why they won’t fight to get it back. Life is too short to spend it complaining and arguing about things that really don’t matter. My guess is that pride is the biggest culprit. When it all boils down, we often think it's about us....and that's why we complain, wine, and bicker. It’s our pride that stands in the way of us and God. Over and over again, the Word speaks of humbling ourselves not only to our Lord, but to each other. What about you?

I’m sure you all have heard the question, is the glass half empty or half full? How do you see your life? I think we often look outward thinking we are the only ones dealing with our circumstance. No one knows how I feel. There it is…the I. It will stand between you and happiness or between you and contentment. It’s not until you begin to look outward, really seeing, that you will experience a peace. When a person starts down the complaining road, I try to detour them by asking them to name three things they are grateful for. At least that way praise can be given for a moment and perhaps the other things will be in a different perspective.

Now there are times, when we all complain a little. That’s not what I’m speaking about. Every now and then we all need to “vent” about something. Many times for me, talking about a problem will help me work through the solution, even if the other person has no idea what I’m talking about.

King Solomon in his wisdom knew the consequences of living with a quarrelsome and complaining wife. I would think living in a desert could be pretty rough, but evidently, the contrary is worse! Keep the I to I love you and look around at your life. Sometimes life gets overwhelming and all Satan needs is a foothold. Keep your sword and your shield ready for battle. Satan is crafty and will do whatever it takes to steal your joy. Has your joy been stolen? Then what are you waiting for? Go after it! Ask God for his wisdom and guidance on your life so that joy can once again be restored. May you find peace in this life.

Health-bite: Fill your glass full of joy.

Tongue Damage

“So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do.” James 3:5

How profound is the statement above.  There are many passages in the Bible referencing the tongue.  Some that speak of praise, but many others referencing hurt and lies.  It's such a small thing, but can leave such huge scars.  We praise with it, speak sweet, loving words with it.  Yet, also use it to curse and destroy.

Its use is necessary for eating and speaking.  The tongue is necessary in our health too.  It moves foods around to aid chewing.  Moving foods down to our stomach for digestion, the tongue is a necessary muscle, yet we seldom think of the tongue day to day.

When brushing the teeth, brushing the tongue is also essential.  Eighty percent of bacteria live on top of the tongue.  Even doing a stellar job brushing and flossing will not eliminate the majority of bacteria unless the tongue is cleaned too.  I personally like tongue scrapers. It can feel strange at first, even gaggy; but with time, the tongue will get used to it.  Even being able to place it back further that before.

Cleaning the tongue will freshen breath and improve overall oral health.  So now that we have the tongue clean and fresh, how will you manage your tongue today?  Will you help others with kind words?  Lift someone up that is feeling down?  Praise your neighbor for a job well done? Say, "Hello" to a stranger?

The tongue is both a weapon.  Yielding in anger and hurt destroying relationships and leaving scars that can be felt for a lifetime.  The tongue is also a comfort.  Building up others with sweet, soft words of praise.  Practice love, practice patience, practice restraint, practice contentment.....practice happiness.  It's a choice.  You are who you choose to be.

Health-bite: keep the tongue clean in all ways

Where's The Charcoal?

The first thing I think of, when I hear the word charcoal, is hamburgers and hot dogs.  In the summer, the potent smell can make one's mouth start to water! I had never heard of activated charcoal until I read it in Rachel Weaver's book, "Be Your Own Doctor."  Apparently, it's really good for belly aches, poisons, infections, and other things.  Alternative medicine is something I'm unfamilair with.  I take my vitamins, use essential oils occasionally, but to really try and heal something myself seems too good to be true. It's scary actually, largely due to it not being "main stream."  What if I add too much or not enough of something.  I just don't know.

So I took a chance and ordered activated charcoal off of Amazon.com.  The book said it was good to have in the household "just in case."  Okay, I'll bite.  My shipment came two days ago.  I had it sitting on the counter and wondered, where am I going to keep this?

Yesterday, our family went out to eat to celebrate a birthday.  One of us ate too much fried food, mashed potatoes, rolls, and cookies.  Top it off with chemo pills and tummy is upset!

Now normally, our household is up at least until 10:00 - 10:30 each night, but  this night, someone was feeling sick.  I mean really sick.  Pancreatitis is quite painful.  After stirring back and forth, lying down and not being able get comfortable, I remembered this book I had recently purchased.

Looking through the table of contents, I found a page about charcoal and how charcoal water can settle the stomach.  So I mixed it up.  Waited the required 30 minutes and presented it to the patient.

The patient was not thrilled looking at this glass of grey/black water.  Frankly, I'd be wary of me too!  I don't know about this either.  I did take a sip so I could sell it and how it tastes so good.  Actually, it tastes just like water.  Reluctantly, the patient took a couple of sips, laid down and went fast to sleep.

The next morning, there were no signs or symptoms of the previous night.  The pain was gone in just a few moments and we were able to sleep through the night.  I'm liking this stuff!

Recipe: mix 1/4 cup activated charcoal to 2 quarts water; cap the jar and mix well, wait 30 minutes, pour into a glass. Drink as much as needed during the day.  Refill the jar as often as you wish until all the charcoal is used up.

Health-bite: charcoal water for stomach upset/nausea

Making A Smooth Work Week

Meal planning can be fun and exciting.  The best thing about it is getting to choose what foods appear on the menu.  Sometimes, foods appear on my menu because a family member has a special request or has a favorite food.  Choosing recipes that contain foods that are on sale can help save money while still eating healthy.  Once the menu has been determined, make the shopping list.  Including all the items necessary for the week. One way to save money is to stock up on staples when they are on sale. Items such as canned and dried beans and legumes, canned tomatoes, rice, lentils, quinoa, farro, vegetable and/or chicken stock, and pasta have a long shelf life.  These items will be used frequently, so expiration will likely not be an issue. To make things simpler and speedier throughout the work week, plan to spend about a hour prepping the fresh vegetables and cooking the dried beans, if using.  So, if two of the recipes this week call for chopped onions, chop enough for both recipes and store in an air-tight container.  Same with other fresh veggies.  If using avocado or berries, it's best to cut/rinse those the time they are needed.  If food preparation will be speedier throughout the week, there will be less chance of grabbing something high in calories or fat due to hunger pangs.  With some thought and planning, success will be in reach for a healthier, more nutritious suppers.

Health-bite: plan for the week ahead

Who's In Charge?

What do you believe in? What drives you to who you are or where you are going?  It may not be who or what you think. I used to think I was in control of my thoughts and my actions.  It was my mind that went astray because I was not concentrating hard enough.  If someone made me mad and I reacted emotionally, it was justified because of that person or situation. It's not my fault! What I thought and felt were mine and mine alone.

Look at what the Word of God says about thoughts and actions of this world:

"For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies--the evil rulers of the unseen world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world."    Ephesians  6:12

My refuge is Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Without His help in my life, I don't know where I would be. Certainly not a hygienist or the caregiver I've become. Life is a journey.  Christ's desire in our lives is to praise and please Him. Unfortunately, the dark powers that are in charge right now often overshadow our best intentions.

Recently, I had the realization that things that seem fun or exciting often take us away from our sovereign Lord. Our purpose is to please God, not man.  So many pitfalls that cause me to stumble, often I wonder if I will be able to get up again. Life is hard!  Each one has or will have moments when you may ask, "How much more?"

Center in Christ. My time with Christ is in the morning before everyone awakes.  It's a time for me to sit in silence with my creator and bask in His greatness. It's a time of devotion and prayer before my day begins. This wasn't always the case. For years I went to church, prayed before meals, occasionally prayed at night before bed.  Sometimes during the day I prayed, if I thought He could help me.

What changed?  My daughter, Heather, invited me to read a book with her that changed my prayer life.  I think it will change yours too.  Draw the Circle, by Mark Batterson, opened my eyes to the living God who hears my prayers and loves me now matter what.  Since then, I've made significant changes in my personal life.  God knows all, and I want to live in His plan.  Not mine.  I'm a Type A personality, I love order and control. I want to choose, make decisions, and plan.  Unfortunately, that's when I screw up!  I really don't know what's best.  At the time it seems good, fun, exciting!  But it took me away from God.  Life is a journey...not for me, but for God.

Without a firm foundation and self-control, failure awaits just around the corner.  To be faithful to anything, requires commitment and self-control.  It's putting everything else in front of self.

Life is a journey of discovery.  I want to continue to discover every day of my life here on earth how to glorify and love to the fullest.  If you walk in the pathway He has set for you, a peace overshadows doubt. A calmness overtakes chaos. Love wins over hate.

Where is your heart?  Is it in this world of fulfilling the ME? Or is it in Christ Jesus?

Health-bite:  center yourself in the Word of God

Accountability Buddy

So you decided to make a new start, huh?  Hopefully you made some realistic goals. Making a goal of losing that extra 10 pounds by next month probably isn't realistic. Giving yourself three months probably is.  Remember, you want to be successful; don't set yourself up for failure. Have you found a buddy yet?  Someone to be accountable to will make you more successful in reaching your goals.   I have three daughters who are in their 20s. They exercise and have goals, but I can tell you, they work out more regularly when one pushes the other.  They also push me more and I'm not as likely to give a lame excuse as to why I can't exercise.

If you just can't find someone to help you be accountable, look into downloading an app onto your phone or other device. I personally like MyFitnessPal (see icon below). Purchasing a device like a FitBit can be helpful too.  This devise helps you keep track of physical exercise by monitoring movements. It can also monitor your sleep habits.  Read reviews and ask your friends and family what apps they like. It's best to have both a living person and an app of some type to help you stay motivated and reach your goals.  Use the technology available.  Select one that best fits your needs and go for it!

Health-bite:  Find A Buddy