Paving a new path

As 2018 comes to an end, as many others I have been pondering on the journey that I embarked this year. The journey of life enriches every soul with different emotions, it takes us up and down the roller coaster ride.When I stood at the starting point on January 1st, little did I know that the friends whom I considered as my pillar of support were indeed the road blocks. So I decided to clear those road blocks to pave my way for a productive year. As I continued my expedition alone, I found great solace in the silence around me. I started to enjoy the little things in life that I had long forgotten being caught in the cobweb of relationships.The soft touch of morning breeze or fragrance of the flowers in my garden or beauty of sunset ...all seem so much pleasurable to see,smell and feel wholeheartedly. The clarity in my vision and mind improved so did my resilience,soon I found myself discovering greater destination on this road. I started covering longer distance, enduring uphill roads to find my destination...a place filled with happiness and tranquility.
Just when I was basking in my moments of success, I found myself being engulfed in a wildfire from the "Dark Web" called Facebook .The fire that initially started as a spark to ignite my spirit soon started to burn my soul. I looked around to find many victims of this wildfire who lost their money,friends,peace of mind and mostly importantly their privacy. I was determined to extinguish it around myself which was not difficult at all. My phone and my mind was no longer cluttered with notifications about irrelevant posts or overwhelming birthday reminders or unlikable "likes"!
I have lived and formed strong friendships in pre-Facebook era and was very confident that my bond with my real friends will always stay strong,so I let go off the Facebook friends ( should we even give those acquaintances the "Friend" title?)
After the smoke from the Facebook fire cleared,the scenery around me had already changed to different shades of yellow and the air turned to crisp cold signaling the arrival of autumn. The days were getting shorter and I was afraid that I will lose my way in the dark, winding road ahead of me. I was almost close to my finish-line and was determined to make it.Then came my guardian angel in a black and tan furry bundle whose warm body and lively spirit brightened my dark gloomy days. My four legged loyal pal guided me through the path ahead, her vigilance warded off all the dangers in my way. I walked confidently knowing that I'm being protected by my paw clad pal.
By the time I saw the first snowstorm of the winter,I was experienced in walking, jogging as well as hiking in all weather conditions. The coating of white brought peace and tranquility to my mind at the same time reminded me to be cautious of the slippery path if I don't pay attention. So I slowed down and walked steadily with my mind focused only on my target. On the way I stopped by the fire build with love by my caring family and true friends to warm my body and soul. It was Christmas eve and I was almost there! There was one sharp turn which I maneuvered it by preparing my body and mind with physical as well mental exercise. I was tempted to look back but my gut feeling told me to look ahead and  move on until I reach my destination....the New Year. I finally reached the finish line...it was a picturesque place as I had imagined with relentless parade of  silvery waves to the shore telling me never to give up and the golden yellow sun rising on the horizon sending message of hope and a new beginning. I felt gratified with the lessons that this path had taught me and I'm looking forward to start another exciting expedition in the upcoming year.

New Year...New Beginning

As we put away the Christmas decorations,clear the last piece of chocolate, throw away the left-overs from the holiday party, we realize that it is already New Year. A New Year signals a new beginning. A fresh start with renewed energy to overcome our challenges, a new chance to accomplish our dreams.
Once the calendar resets to January 1st, we suddenly feel an overwhelming urge to reset our bodies to the healthiest version possible. We jot down the list of things to achieve in the new year. Weight loss being the top most priority this year again for many, we are excited at the same time overwhelmed to navigate our way through the maze of diet plans,supplements and medicines.
Here are some quick tips to reach your optimum weight this year and also to keep it off :
1. Set realistic goals. Write down your goal weight, most importantly set a date especially if you have any upcoming event. The weight did not come on overnight so do not expect it to come down easily either.
2. Track your weight weekly on the same scale in the morning without clothes and maintain a log.
3. Focus on eating healthy. Allot time for smart grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation. This will go a long way not only in weight loss but also in improving your energy level,saving you money and time. If time is in short supply,make use of the food delivery services that caters to health conscious consumers with fresh ingredients and recipes delivered right to your doorstep.
4. Exercise can be fun. Sweating it off on the treadmill is not the only way to burn calories. Choose any physical activity that you enjoy doing, be it gardening or walking the dog but maintain a regime.
5. Make use of technology. Apps like MyFitness Pal, Fitbit makes tracking easier right from the palm of your hand.
6. Clear your mind of all conflicts. Emotional instability can lead to binge eating, insomnia, depression and weight gain.
7. Partner with a pal. Having a weight loss partner can be both motivating and supportive. Friendly competition like "Biggest Loser" among girlfriends, family members or colleagues can give you the best outcome.

Let this year be the one to tip the scale in your favor. Good luck.