NOISE: Embody

Looking Back, Moving Forward

I'm torn about how to feel regarding New Year's Resolutions. Setting goals for ourselves helps us keep track of our progress, but how do we guage this progress without casting at least a few glances back to see the distance we've come? Aren't we supposed to be 'living in the now', and 'living for today', taking things one day at a time and one breath at at time?

I've resolved to do many things at year's end, some of which have actually materialized and others that I forgot the first week of the New Year. In rougher times, I've resolved to stop making resolutions because none of them ever worked out, anyway. But despite the inner conflict you may be having regarding your own resolutions, the unavoidable truth remains that the New Year always carries with it a sense of 'starting anew'.

We can all start anew any day, any minute, any breath. We can commit to change at any moment, on the eve of the last day of the year or on the eve of the 207th day of the year. Because tonight happens to be the end of a year and the beginning of another, it is a wonderful opportunity to take stock of your own goals and visions for yourself, and get to it.

 

Give Life, Get Life

Last night on NPR, I heard about an interesting new law that is being implemented in Tel Aviv, Isreal. As an incentive to get healthy people to donate organs to those ailing and in need of transplants, the new law gives donors preference when they themselves need a transplant later in life. It's called 'Give Life, Get Life'.

Merry Christmas to All, and to All, a Good Night!

So the Big Day is finally here, kicking off Christmas officially, and setting in motion the annual chain of events that we all share with family, friends, pets, and loved ones. Most of us are probably getting ready for a big party tonight, or may already be at one. Some of us might be relaxing at home, having a small gathering tomorrow morning. Whatever it is that you are planning or enjoying, may it be full of joy, love, and peace.

 

Wrap It Up

It is so hard to avoid being sucked in by the Christmas-Monster. Try as I might, I see the twinkly lights, the shiny wrapping paper, the glittery cards and all the other sparkly stuff and I start thinking that Jake and I need to ditch the hand-me-down ornaments and lights and that crappy tinsel I've recycled for nearly 5 years and trade it all in for some new fancy stuff.

Time Warp

Isn't it funny how a song can transport you back in time? It could be a moment that is decades old, and suddenly it feels so close and familiar, it could have happened yesterday.

Ready-Made XMas

Being a human being, I get busy at the Holiday time along with thousands- probably millions- of other people. And, like most people, I appreciate certain inventions that can save me a little time and effort, like electricity and washing machines, which I gratefully utilize in between Holiday goings-on. But have our 'time-savers' turned into 'I-hardly-need-to-try-ers'?

Gross-Out

Have you ever seen the movie, 'Idiocracy'? When I heard about the new show called 'Bridoplasty' on E!, I couldn't help but conjure images of Brawndo and Big A$$ Fries.

Say It Loud (or, Quietly in Your Head)

I turned 31 on Sunday, and started a new exercise and weight-loss program on Monday. I keep journals of what I eat, I upped the ante on my workouts at the gym, and I made some serious, short-term goals to help me focus. These things, however, are probably less effective than the simple act of mentally or verbally stating daily affirmations to keep my head in the right place.

Cold Feet

The saga of my new running career continues, despite our December temperatures. I felt pretty prepared this morning as I pulled on all my cold-weather gear, including my brand new running shoes whose relatively extravagant purchase I have agonized over for the last 2 months.I felt prepared, layered, and dang tough, too, if I don't mind saying so, but I was anything but when that windchill hit me as I stepped outside.

Cold Feet

The saga of my new running career continues, despite our December temperatures. I felt pretty prepared this morning as I pulled on all my cold-weather gear, including my brand new running shoes whose relatively extravagant purchase I have agonized over for the last 2 months.I felt prepared, layered, and dang tough, too, if I don't mind saying so, but I was anything but when that windchill hit me as I stepped outside.

I swore to myself I'd do a full 15-minute warm-up, which helped, but my feet were still numb- partly from the cold and partly from the stiff new shoes. I found out quickly which direction to run and on which side of the street I could avoid the bitter wind. Even with my defensive tactics, I had a hard time keeping my eyes off my watch and how many minutes i had to endure my self-inflicted punishment.

Then, in the last 5 minutes, I suddenly got my second wind, and felt ready to take on another mile, cold and all. It was in these last few minutes that I remembered why I was running at all, and how I had motivated myself outdoors on this freezing, grey morning. Having a goal, no matter how small, is a great way to stay focused. I look at how far I have come in terms of being able to run at all, and I feel like I've made great progress. Sure, some people run marathons, but this morning, I was happy to just do my 1.8 miles.