I am trading in my “resolution” for a “New Beginning”. Somehow I feel lighter already. The great thing about new beginnings is they can start all the time and every day. Every morning there it is, not to say there is not commitment involved. I am learning that a new beginning can start either when something else stops or if it’s something entirely new in my life - but the main point that I’ve come to understand is that new beginnings need space. They need a clear point to start from, a clean slate. I have discovered when I make room for this “new beginning” it stays with me a lot longer.
One of my exciting new beginnings is running. Late summer of 08’ I took up running after my sister passed away and I had embarked on some major personal challenges. At the time I was so wrapped up in my sadness and grief I found myself up late at night pacing the creaky wood floors of my farm house. Really what I wanted to do was run, I wanted to just run, run anywhere just away. I craved something that would physically exert and exhaust me. But, I wanted to do it constructively and I wanted to be able to benefit from it. (Thankfully, I left my destructive behavior back in my 20’s) My brother in law has been an avid runner ever since I can remember and I never quite understood what he got out of it. He would run 30 miles and it would be like nothing for him. I rather thought it was a little freakish really, but I asked him how to start. I started the run walk method. Walk five minutes, run three minutes, walk, run, walk, run. Then run a little farther walk a little less. I noticed the difference immediately my head became clearer and I started to see improvements in my body. I finally got up to running a full mile! Now after four months of mindful running I am up to three miles if I really push myself. In November I ran my first 5K at the Route 66 Marathon. Four months ago I couldn’t run a half a block. This year I plan to run a half marathon with my brother in law and some good friends. The first one is in April. I don’t know if I will be ready to run the whole thing but if not it won’t be from my lack of trying. What a transformation for me.
2009 represents a year of accomplishments and personal/spiritual growth and new beginnings. I am so grateful to be apart of a community of people that make growing better, easier, and worth it! Here’s to your new beginning!
It’s of course worth mentioning that eating well has been a great benefit for my ability to thrive. This following recipe is out of the Best Bites Cookbook and if you don’t have the book yet it is so worth having it. Click HERE to order your cookbook online or stop at the Seretean Wellness Center and buy one today!
Chicken Noodle Soup1 pound skinless, boneless, chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium-size carrots, peeled and finely chopped
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
8 cups good quality chicken broth, low-sodium
2 cups frozen egg noodles
Parsley, chopped for garnish
Cover the chicken with water in a medium saucepan and cook on low until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from pan and when cool enough to handle, cut or shred into pieces. Reserve the cooking liquid and use it as part of the chicken broth.
Heat stockpot over medium-low heat; add olive oil. When oil is hot, add onions, celery and carrots, salt and pepper; cook until tender (about 15 minutes).
Add the stock to the pot and heat until simmering. Add chicken pasta and simmer gently for about 25 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serves 8; Calories:250; Protein: 24 g; Carbohydrates: 19g; Total fat: 8 g;
Saturated fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 75 mg; Fiber 3 g; Sodium: 350 mg
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