From the Editor
Like many adults in this world, I wear many hats. I have a closet full of them, including the wife hat, the mother hat, the daughter hat, the caregiver, the writer, the editor, and more. On any given day, I’ll switch between several hats, usually leaving myself depleted at the end of the week. I spend most of my time caring for or serving others except for one hour per day that is dedicated solely to my own self-care. This is the “me” hat. For those 60 minutes, I take care of the one person that I am most responsible for. Whether I am at the gym, in the yoga studio, or walking my dogs, I dedicate that time to my physical and mental well-being. It’s a daily appointment with myself that has become non-negotiable and a moment in each day I look forward to.
Some may call it self-care, fitness or even a form of therapy. At times I’ve felt selfish or even overindulgent for claiming this sacred time as mine. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that you cannot pour from an empty cup. It is up to me to make sure my cup stays filled. I am well aware that if I do not preserve and nurture my own health, I will have nothing to offer the others in my life.
Many people take their health for granted until a problem strikes. I recall the first time I was made aware of how fragile my health could be. I was a young mother and as I bent over to pick up a Cheerio (Yes, a tiny piece of cereal!) off the floor, I felt something in my back slip. I had performed this painstaking act of motherhood countless times already, yet this time my body chose to react differently. I was in agonizing pain. Every tiny move that I had taken for granted was painful and laborious. It was in this season of my life that I decided my health would become a top priority for the rest of my days.
Your health truly is your wealth. Without it, everything quickly becomes meaningless. Our health is multifaceted and complex. Mental health, physical health, spiritual well-being, and preventive healthcare all play vital roles in our overall wellness.
As the old saying goes, it takes 21 days to develop a habit and 90 days to establish a lifestyle. As we fall into the rhythm of 2024, I challenge you to do something for you that will nurture your health for years to come. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
In light of this topic, I am thrilled to announce that next month’s Shore Local Women’s Network meeting will include a health and beauty panel with five incredible local professional women ready to share thoughts, ideas, and inspiration on the topic of wellness. Join us from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on March 7 at Josie Kelly’s Public House for a morning of networking, delicious lunch, and conversation. Visit tinyurl.com/SLWMarch for tickets.
Wishing you a healthy and happy week, Shore Local! Be sure to check out our wonderful advertisers and stories by the contributors that make Shore Local possible every week. Visit us online at shorelocalnews.com and on all social media platforms.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
