Oh my gosh, the end of the year is getting closer and closer, faster and faster.
Oh let us not let the time go by without some reflections, reading, and writing our next chapter to help ourselves start the new year right and remember all of the learnings we’ve gained through 2021 (originally I wrote out 2020 and had to go back and edit, because eeek!! It’s the end of 2021 and I still keep forgetting.
To help spark your own reflections and to help support you getting ready, I’m sharing some of my own 2021 reflections and recommendations for the year of 2022! So let’s go!!
In 2021, I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about others too. I learned a lot about what it means to walkthrough personal health challenges, be shipped across your state from specialist to specialist in search of answers with little to nothing to show for it, other than the confidence that “well, I guess my body can create new supplies of blood since I’ve given so much away this year.
I’ve learned firsthand that as a human I cannot survive behind a screen, despite how much society around me (and us, rather) may benefit from our crazy lives of consumption and alignment to their corporate winnings by enticing us with endless technology and innovations. Granted, I love the power that technology provides as a tool to the future and as tools to actually promote our human potential and chance to thrive and to flourish on this planet, but as the great quote goes, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and I don’t think there’s been much of responsibility on the part of the big push of technology over the last decade and a half.
In 2022, no doubt will our lives still continue to depend on technology, but I recommend we intentionally design time limits and constraints for our use, and to proactively prevent our mindless consumption as much as possible too.
We need nature. I suggest we put times on the calendar to get out in nature for as much time as possible (like the 5th, 15th, and 25th for example) as strong reminders that we are humans, natural creatures of the earth and we need more time with our natural planet, mother earth.
Use these as your “nature days!”
And if you look at some of the places around the world where people seem to live the happiest, healthiest, longest lives… they scarcely use technology. The Blue Zones
They choose instead to still include natural movement, community, and physical activity as part of their everyday activities. They haven’t coveted comfort and ease like we seem to do here in the US. They haven’t comforted themselves out of natural health and vitality like so many of us.
Trust me, I get it. It’s no fun sitting behind a desk all day for work. I truly don’t think humans can thrive in such a setting.
In 2021, I learned even more just how deeply my soul longs for in-person events compared to isolated, quarantined, locked-behind-closed-doors living. Which makes sense, because it is in our genes to hunger and long for community, for support, to live life in abundance of others because paleolithically, these were the best defense for survivial. We died alone in the wilderness, but yet “a chord of 3 strands is not easily broken” – meaning we are indeed stronger and better together.
If you want to do some more deep work of your own to plan prepare and ponder your way into 2022, check out my recent video about doing the deep work inside our souls.
And as I’ve been reflecting on just so many ponderings myself, I can’t help but recognize the same tried and true aspects of health we just simply need to come to grips with and begin to implement in our lives from the very foundation of our families and communities. It’s okay to be different.
Eating real food, nutritious food, lots of plants, lots of colors, eating with friends, family, and enjoy. As a registered dietitian, you’ve heard this from me more than once, so I don’t need to harp on this too much, but just remember what you really need as a creature and consider disassociating yourself from the internalized learned beliefs and behaviors designed by corporatism, greed, marketing, and making money off of you as a lifelong consumer. Eat well, feel well, live well.
If you’re looking for help in your journey towards eating healthier whole foods, cooking more and eating well inside the home with people you love in the year 2022, go check out my friends at CookSmarts with a brand new holiday special for 30% their meal planning service. Subscribe today for a healthier tomorrow. (also make great gifts for those people in your life who could use a good hand in the kitchen, planning and preparing for healthier eating) Did you know that the average American eats out of the home, like fast food or a restaurant 115 times per year and that on average, when we eat out of the home we consume over 300 more calories compared to if we had decided to make our own meals inside the home. Healthier, wholesome, more nutritious, and delicious if we just give ourselves the chance!
Secretly (not secretly) I wish I could just cook with you myself and teach you all about healthier homemade meals you can enjoy myself, but I can’t jump through this post! That’s why I love recommending CookSmarts to my clients)
These meal plans can give you the foundation and ease you need to build your own personal growth with cooking and eating well with whole, real foods. Seriously, if you’re eating out 115 times/yr like the rest of average America, this is just one of the ways you can level up your life and take your health (and your household’s) in a better direction for the new year. Can you imagine what gains you could make in your health if you just gave yourself the chance to dedicate to health with determination? I believe in you!
Waking up each day with a sense of Belonging and Purpose.
Belonging can be developed through actions and practice of self-love, living life close with loving people in your life, and maintaining some sort of faith in your community. These are common components of the Blue Zones too. Your purpose can be cultivated through reading, writing, speaking with others, recognizing your gifts, talents, hobbies, and interests, and especially the unique shaping of your life throughout all your years and all your experiences. Many people take on a bold sense of purpose when calamity hits, when emergency strikes, but why not walk ourselves into purpose before problems arise. We can do it!
“A chord of 3 strands is not easily broken”
Many doctors find their purpose when they noticed someone sick during their childhood, likely a close friend or family member. Lawyers often have a strong sense of justice and respect. Teachers often have their purpose most closely aligned with caring for young children and helping prepare them for their own futures. Architects, construction workers, and blue collar workers often care about building towards the future, preparing themselves and others for the future in which we can all live together with ease and comfort. Even people who don’t take on a formal job can maintain a strong sense of purpose to, dedicating their time and attention to the service of their family, their community and be more flexible to adapt to the changing needs. Where do you find your purpose?
In 2022, where do you plan to go?
What do you plan to do?
What changes will you make?
How will you work to live your best life possible?
Let me know in the comments below! :)
If you like to hang out online, come find me and say hello! 😁
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Want to learn more about some details of the Blue Zones – ya know, those special places around the world where people live the longest, happiest, healthiest lives – you can check out one of my previous posts about it here: