Save My Marbles | Nutrition Map

IMG_7051-1 — There will be many more twists and turns on this journey, but my tribe will be there.

Getting through this telenovela life I have been living has never been easy. The one thing that I can constantly count on is the support and guidance from my tribe. You see, I didn’t grow up with a large family. It was usually just my mom, sister and myself since my folks split before I hit the age 10. Most of my father’s family lives in Cuba and my mother’s family lives in Florida. Over the years I have only maintained a close relationship with a handful of them (they all know who they are, and to you, I owe so much of sanity) 😉

A sampling of just some of the tribe and some of the many gut busting good times.

Back to my tribe. What I have learned throughout the years, is I didn’t need a large family to survive. I just needed my nearest and dearest. My tribe is filled with a bunch of weirdos such as myself. Some related to me by blood, but the vast majority are around by choice. A choice both parties have made to be there through it all. Another way to #saveyourmarbles is to maintain great social and emotional networks. I think I may have that covered.

My tribe keeps me stable.

My tribe keeps me sane.

My tribe calls me out on my nonsense.

My tribe checks in on me.

My tribe doesn’t kick me when I am down, and they most definitely don’t jump down the rabbit hole with me.

My tribe lifts me up.

Most importantly, my tribe keeps me happy. #Saveyourmarbles, be happy.

The tribe that can travel together, stays together.

Friends are the family you choose. I can’t thank you all enough. FYI they aren’t all here, but you get the idea.

So, as some of you following my journey already know, I first noticed my mother had the beginning of her cognitive decline a bit over 8 years ago. From that day forward, I have immersed myself in learning how to prevent it, if possible, so it doesn’t happen to me. Now, while I fear forgetting, what I fear most is my dear family and close friends having to watch me decline and ultimately care for me. A fear that keeps me up and disturbs my slumber.

As a dietitian I knew what I had to do, but the wife, mother, daughter, sister, coach, Girl Scout leader (and every other hat I wear) in me needed validation in the way of research. I know, it can still happen, but I am going down fighting.

So here, day 1, I begin describing how I am fighting and waging my personal battle. This is how I fight. Here is what is most important to me: Physical activity. Surprised I didn’t say my diet? While that is a part of the puzzle I will discuss, staying active is the core of my plan.

I wear my Apple Watch and track my steps, calories burned, and the hours standing every day. I run on my treadmill most days of the week. I ride my fit desk stationary bike when watching webinars and while on conference calls. FYI I hate running. I mean I loathe it. Despise it. What I do love is how I feel about 20 minutes in and when I get off 30-45 minutes later. That natural lift in my mood and change in my attitude. To quote the character “Elle Woods” from the Legally Blonde (yes, I am quoting this movie, and I do it all the time in my office):

“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”

I choose to be fit. I choose to be happy. I choose to fight to #savemymarbles. At least if it happens to me, I know it won’t be my fault.

Where the running magic occurs: just me, my Brooks sneakers, my ancient iPad Generation 2 (that still works) and my NordicTrack treadmill.

Where Diet is a Four Letter Word.

Nutrition Map

Category Archives: Save My Marbles

What to do to #SaveYourMarbles: Day 2- Maintain A Tribe

What I do to #SaveMyMarbles: Day 1

Where Diet is a Four Letter Word.