Mmmmm, that type of morning where you wake up refreshed after a great night’s sleep (7-8 hours) excited to start your day with anticipation.  I had a delicious breakfast of steel cut oatmeal made with lavender flowers and cinnamon and topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries with almond milk.  I had my one cup of coffee (cutting back from 2) and then danced for 30 minutes.

Today is the Summer Solstice and it is my favorite day of the year.  A day I always celebrate with family and friends.  Today is extra special because my darling grandson Oscar is coming to visit and we are having our first sleepover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yowza!!!!

Just as I suspected, this healing journey I began, is not going to be an easy one.  I remain committed to it.  I have stopped taking my diabetic medication but I am still taking the ones for high blood pressure.  I am going to concentrate on one problem at a time.  My blood sugar remained stable for the first 2 weeks but has crept up a bit for the past 4 days.  We have added a tea to drink daily along with my Chinese herbs and monthly acupuncture treatment. I don’t love exercise.  I would much rather read a book or even watch a marathon on Netflix –Orange is the New Black, anyone? I know that I have to get moving, keep moving, move faster and make it a life habit.  I am totally committed to this.

Emily Babaris, my Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner recommends that I exercise in some way every day for at least 30 minutes.  She said walking, swimming, dancing, yoga – something every day.  These are my choices but you might enjoy something else and that is good too.  I do walk everyday for at least a few kilometres – just part of not having a car and using public transit.  I really love not having a car (healthy, carefree choice for me and environmentally friendly) and using the Toronto transit system (TTC).  I have a monthly pass that is delivered to my home by Canada Post.  My payment is withdrawn monthly from my bank account.  Easy, unlimited travel in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)…..perfect!

Ok back to exercise (see how easily I get off topic on that one– I knew I wouldn’t stay committed to a class or even going to a gym or a pool.  Pooh! I am just lazy and hate to leave home soooooooooooo…….I know that I love music and that there have been many songs over the years that made me smile and made me just want to dance.  I decided to make a workout playlist on Youtube.  I added songs that inspire me to move.  I am sure everyone has songs like this.  My latest is Happy by Pharrell Williams – it makes me smile, makes me happy and inspires me to dance.  I love Cyndi Lauper, The Divinyls, KT Tunstall, Men Without Hats, The Beach Boys and on and on.  I add music to my list all the time. I always do lots of sun salutations and smile on each one.  This is the way to start to the day.  When I was in Provence last month, I found myself outside dancing and kept going for an hour!!!  I also have a couple of yoga workouts that I have been using (also on youtube).  I discovered “Yoga with Adrienne”.  I like her routines especially the one for beginners and another one for weight loss.  I also intend to add swimming this summer (once it really warms up) at the outdoor pool on the Beach near Woodbine.  I am told these pools are free….what a bonus that is and I am excited to get started a few days a week. The pool opened last weekend.  Check out a pool near you on the Toronto Parks and Recreation website or call 311 for information.