It Matters Not Your Religion

“The purpose of all the major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts.”
Dalai Lama XIV
So it matters not what your religion is - Unitarian Universalist, Catholic, Jew, Muslim or a form of Christianity or an earth based religion but what does matter is that you work for love, peace, goodness and compassion.

Water Reminders

Well I hope this works! I have installed water reminders on my iPad and phone to remind me to drink water. I hate water. I think it might have to do with drowning twice in my life as a young child. But maybe it is just one of those things that are good for you that we sabotage ourselves by not doing...We will see. I have a water bottle with marking on it for 8 oz. Here's to better health.  I am reading a book called
by Michael Aziz (Author) it is all about the endocrine system which is out of whack in my body, It makes sense to me as it is very much like what I have been doing as I listen to my body tell me what to eat. (I didn't listen very closely over the holidays, but am back listening) My goals are to be able to bend, walk and just feel better.
The first three weeks are to be without any grains. I have done without wheat, but no rice? It is worth a shot, plus this book encourages food from other cultures! The negative is that is is big on rye bread, which is a no-no for me as I am very allergic. Oh well, there are other choices and I don't have to worry about that for 3 weeks. 
How is your health? Have you had your vitamin D levels checked? Seen the dentist within the last 6 months? 
take care.
Kathy

Blue Zones in Iowa

So this year there are many different pushes to make us healthy.  One that I have joined is the Blue Zones in Iowa. You too can join it at: Help Make Iowa the Healthiest State! 
At that site it will ask you to make a personal pledge and to print out your list. You are given some choices to pick in different categories. One of the categories: Right Outlook did give me some pause. It was either sign up for  MeYou Health℠ - something new for me, go to church 4 times in the next 90 days (my church is on-line Church of the Larger Fellowship (the site is called Quest) and I already do this, start a new hobby (I have enough hobbies) or volunteer (I already do this). The reason it gave me pause is that in the last month I have seen a lot of my UU friends and many are telling me they don't go regularly any more.  I didn't press the issue, but this does disturb me. I know that going to church, synagog, mosque or a fellowship is not for everyone but these people were pretty regular attendees. So why aren't they attending? Like me did they not feel welcome there anymore by those in charge? And is anyone doing anything about the problems? Fortunately I have found a solution for me and will pass it on to them. I urge my Iowan readers to take the Blue Zone Pledge and make your city Blue!

My Personal Pledge Summary
I will use my current bicycle and a bike helmet. (& my Prius during the winter)
I will sign up for the FREE online MeYou Health℠
I will replace dishes in my kitchen with 10-inch plates, smaller bowls, and skinny glasses. (making this change over time - begin by replacing the plates, then the glasses, and then the bowls.)
I will continue "Family Dinner Nights" on three nights each week.
I will designate my home a "Smoke-Free Zone."

Love to you all.
Kathy