Farewell futile expectation, desire and resolution.

A few days late, but never mind, I’ve been relaxing and working hard on a garden make-over.

So here it is, a few thoughts about 2012, and NOT making resolutions.

A friend shared these 6 Habits of Cultivating Happiness from the Greater Good Science Center. So easy and gentle, I’m sharing these on my fridge for the whole family.

The transition from 2011 to 2012 revealed an overdue shift in how we think about food and our bodies, endless dieting, shame and judgement.

As so many of us are seduced into believing we must be svelte, skinny and super-fit by mid-January and forever onwards, I’ll share these articles with you. A health professional with a love of fresh food and cooking, my hope is that clients embrace guilt-free enjoyment of great food and regular, life-affirming activity. It’s a relief to find others are exploring these ideas.

This much we know: there’s fat chance of staying slim

Getting off weight’s vicious cycle

You may also want to know that a new study published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet shows that ” just 15 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity is all it takes to reap major benefits. A little bit of exercise can do a lot of good, and some is always better than none.” From Medicine Matters by Dr. Sandra Fryhofer.

I call moderate exercise :

any form of housework or gardening which raises heart-rate and a sweat

jumping or skipping

doing the Time Warp or the Hokey Pokey – with zest and laughter

brisk walking in lovely, fresh places

saluting the sun – yoga

getting off the bus or train one stop before your usual stop, and walking the rest of the way

taking the stairs, not the elevator or escalator

What are your favourite forms of exercise? We’d love your ideas and insights, shared with a comment below.

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Cautions and care: This article is provided for your information and enjoyment. Before beginning a new exercise program, it’s always a good idea to see your family doctor for a check-up. Similarly, if you or a loved one are struggling with an emotional or mental health concern, see your doctor.

Image: © Margi Macdonald