Memorial Day Weekend Recap and Letting Go
Greetings Reader!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. The unofficial start of summer has officially arrived, and I feel like I was left behind back in March. Is it just me or does time pass more quickly as you get older? Like trying to hold onto sand as it passes through your fingers. The tighter you try to hold onto it, the quicker it trickles through your grasp.
I was reminded of this this past weekend as I decided to do some organizing. As I dug into boxes, bags, and folders, I came across birthday cards, notes, my college admissions letters, LBI beach badges, and more. As I sifted through, I was thinking to myself, "Heather, why in the heck did you keep half of the things you did?" "What in the world were you planning on doing with the *NSYNC concert ticket stub, the mini golf score card circa 2002, or all the chotchkes?" It was a trip down memory lane, for sure, and one I didn't realize how much I needed.
As read cards from my Mom, sister, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents who are no longer with me, it meant so much to me that they thought of me, sharing how proud they were of me, their hopes and dreams for me, or a story from years past. I held onto every shred of memorabilia from growing up. I thought that keeping these things and holding onto them helped me to keep all of the amazing memories and moments attached to them, alive. But I realized that not everything needed to be kept. The memory you've attached to the item might fade, but it never truly goes away.
It's ok to let go. It's ok to get rid of the framed picture that Aunt Margaret gave to you for Christmas that you put up once per year *just in case* she comes over. It's ok to detach yourself from things that once had meaning to you but no longer serve a purpose. Instead, discover how to attach experiences to memories, words to feelings, and actions to love. If you've been meaning to call or text a friend that you haven't spoken to, do it. Tell someone how you feel. Plan a hike or walk with a friend. Just show up for someone who needs you right now, no questions asked. Sit and talk with your grandparents. Grab a coffee for your mom because you know it would be the mid-day pick-me-up she needs (medium coffee, extra light with cream, no sugar =) )
So if you're still holding on that mixed tape that no longer plays, add the song to your iTunes or Spotify playlist, throw it away, and create new memories with some of your favorite hits.
Heather Shasa
Registered Dietitian and Heart Health Coach
RDN@weldingwellness.com
P.S. Looking to connect with fellow heart warriors, ask questions, and learn some heart-healthy tips and tricks? Then, I'd love for you to join my FREE Facebook Group: Thriving with Heart Disease
Hi! I'm a Registered Dietitian and Heart Health Coach.
It sure can be, Reader! The benefits of fruits and veggie extend well beyond their nutrition profiles. Research suggests eating more fruits and veggies can help improve happiness, satisfaction, and emotional well-being. There is joy in the sweet-tasting eating experience of fruit, and smart satisfaction associated with the success of preparing vegetables. Each bite of an apple or crunch of a carrot is helping more than just your heart, it can help your mental health too! Those fruits and...
Reader, it is time. Time to schedule those appointments you've been putting off. Time to get that shoulder checked out after your slip on the icy driveway last winter. Time to add more of a vegetable to your plate than the garnish of parsley accompanying your steak. It's time to make the time to live a healthier life. Here is a list of Pros and Cons for engaging in your own health care, getting screened, and following up on those appointment. Pros Taking action to lower cholesterol LDL, and...
Hi Reader! June is Men's Health Month; an entire month dedicated to help the men and boys in our lives be proactive in their health. Is a whole month necessary to have such a focus on men's health? ABSOLUTELY! For starters, men are less likely to seek medical attention, have lower life expectancies than women, and tend to engage in more risk-taking behaviors such as smoking and drinking. Steps you can take to improve the quality and length of your life Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits,...