Do not go gentle into that good night…Rage, rage at the dying of the light—Dylan Thomas

“Each morning we are born again. What we do today matters most.” – Buddha

Okaaay…it is only the 6th month into the new year. Sooo…how many of the resolutions you set have already gone by the wayside? It’s no longer the new year.

The opening line from a Dylan Thomas poem is a powerful piece expressing defiance and anguish in the face of aging and mortality. The opening lines urge against passivity, urging old age to rage against the dying of the light. The poem continues with variations on this theme, urging different types of people to resist accepting death passively and instead fight against it with all their strength. The repetition of "Do not go gentle into that good night" reinforces the urgency and determination of the message.

We are all experiencing the effects of our lifestyle choices. Whether it's sitting at a desk for eight hours a day or consuming processed foods, or getting older, our health is impacted. I often think we were meant to lead lives as farmers or homesteaders, closer to the land and its natural rhythms.

**We’re 10 months in…**

**It takes courage to say I’ll begin again, TODAY!**

**Kong Air Squeaky Tennis Balls**

**From squeaky to bouncy,** they’ve got the best, to keep your pet happy and totally obsessed
**So, fetch that toy, don’t delay, Your pet will love you more each day! Word to ya mutha!**

Fetch It Now

When I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and prescribed insulin, I realized the importance of what I put into my body. Standing in the grocery store aisles, I felt overwhelmed by the realization that most of the food available was processed. Turning to the vegetable aisle, I knew I had to make significant changes to my diet. I carefully studied nutritional charts and glycemic loads to make informed choices.

Nutrition is complex, and I struggled to grasp its intricacies. While I attempted a rapid nutrition course, I withdrew to avoid damaging my GPA. Concepts like trans fatty acids and nucleotides seemed daunting. As I explained to the nutritionist, if nutrition were straightforward, we would all maintain ideal weights effortlessly. We would know how to counteract the effects of indulgent foods with healthier choices. We all need a nutritionist.

On my first visit to the nutritionist, I walked into the room, and my whole world changed. It was as if the sky opened up a huge beam of light shone down and a chorus of angels sang, “Ahhhh…” Before me lay a banquet table, adorned with all the foods I believed were off-limits. I had resigned myself to substituting parsnips for mashed potatoes due to their high glycemic load, and especially since parsnips were not in season. However, the nutritionist surprised me by explaining that I could still enjoy certain foods, albeit in moderation.

**Having a furry companion helps**

**Add things to your routine that energize and sustain you rather than drain you.**

She introduced me to the concept of measuring portions using nesting measuring cups and spoons, which she assured me would become my best friend. I learned that I could incorporate rice, mashed potatoes, and even spaghetti back into my diet, as long as I measured them out carefully. For example, at Thanksgiving, I could indulge in a quarter cup of mashed potatoes, but I could enjoy sweet potatoes to my heart's content, along with turkey, as meat has minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Initially, I was advised to limit my meat portions to the size of my palm.

I am thrilled to share that I am no longer dependent on insulin, and I have successfully transitioned from a size 22 to a size 10-12. My A1c is down to 6.33 and blood pressure 90/80. I have also returned to the pre-diabetic stage, thanks to the guidance of my nutritionist, the nagging millennial and the companionship of my cheeky dog. I've come to realize the importance of sticking to my regular exercise routine, which involves plenty of walking with my furry friend. Whenever I deviate from this routine, I notice fluctuations in my health markers during my check-ups.

Although it may be late in the year, it’s never too late to commit to incorporating exercise into your daily routine. As we get older, movement becomes even more crucial—not just for our bodies, but for our minds too. No, I’m not talking about running marathons or conquering the nearest mountain range. Simply taking a walk around the block, stretching for a few minutes, or even doing some light yoga can work wonders. The goal is consistency, not intensity. Your body will thank you for staying active in ways that feel sustainable and enjoyable.

The beauty of exercise as we age is that it doesn’t have to be about burning calories or chasing after a younger version of ourselves. It’s about maintaining mobility, strengthening our hearts, and keeping our minds sharp. A short walk with your dog, a bit of gardening, or even a slow dance around the kitchen while waiting for your coffee to brew—these small moments of movement add up over time. And when paired with a balanced diet and self-care, you might just surprise yourself with how energized and refreshed you feel, no matter what the calendar says!

Last month 40,000 people mustered up the courage to begin again and again and again…

Plan on buying a couple of months of product. Just like making a weekly meal prep planner. and we already know if you didn’t do it a couple of blog posts ago or workout Wednesday ago. You are not going to do it. There is something to it in doing it now. Just start. Personally, I was desperate, I didn’t want to lose a limb, or sight. I think Covid helped as I figured that a healthy body was harder to take down. So I grabbed the dog because she needed the exercise too.
My neice is gorgeous. She just had her fourth kid and she has whipped herself back into shape aaaand she has a dog. Someone stole her dog but promptly brought her back.

GREAT AS A MEAL OR SNACK REPLACEMENT: Replace small meals or snacks with Glucerna each day

Sea Moss provides your body with essential minerals and nutrients to help keep your digestion in check, boost your immune system, and give you glowing skin. Black Seed Oil is praised for its antioxidants, which can help support a healthy heart. And Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, can help you better manage stress and keep your mind sharp.