December 31, 2012

Year End Reflections and Moving Into the Future: Loss, Challenges and Hope for 2013

Susan Dopart EAT LIKE ME, Great Idea!, Healthy Aging, Insulin Resistance, Life Lessons, Menopause - female and male, Rethink This!, Wellness Blog

This year was one of big changes for me and challenges with loss, as I know is common with many of my readers.

After losing my beloved cat George of 18 years we decided to move into being Puppy Parents with Perry, who has been more than challenging if you’ve ever had or heard the Weimaraner breed. It brings a whole new understanding to being patient and devoting time to training, and perseverance that I can now appreciate.

In addition, after being in the same office of 13 years, I moved into a new office that was an entire build-out from the floor up. It is more beautiful, peaceful and Zen-like than I ever imagined. I appreciate and love the change but after being in a busy office with lots of interaction it is a big adjustment that I’ve needed to get used to.

The last 3 weeks a dear friend of mine had a brain blood clot and is seriously sick with a long rehab ahead. A beloved Cardiologist Peter Guzy from UCLA who I adored died on Christmas day. I had just seen him when I went to visit my friend with the blood clot and little did I know that would be our last conversation – a gift from my friend.

As I age I realize I need to appreciate each moment, listen to my intuition whether it be personally, emotionally or physically.

What exactly does that mean?

I take walks more mornings than I used to rather than going to the gym 5 days a week, which has helped my energy and orthopedic issues.

I sleep more and pay attention to my body when it needs the rest.

I stick to my eating plan, but if I really want a treat it is okay as long as I limit it and pay attention to whether my body is able to handle it without repercussions of fatigue, cravings, etc.

I look forward to challenges in 2013 with plans for a few new books: menopause (male and female) and weight, insulin resistance and children/adolescents, and possibly a healthy cookie book and a new recipe book – all projects I’ve planned for the New Year with disclaimers of changing course if I need to.

2012 was a year of change, challenges and uncertainty, which is part of the cycle of life. We can choose to embrace the mysteries of twists and turns with curiosity and an open heart or not.? Thanks for being a part of mine and I wish you hope, health and happiness for 2013.