Rachel’s Corner

Something I made: I was inspired by the season and the pumpkins sitting at my doorway. It felt a little wasteful and even irresponsible to use food as décor especially when the pumpkins were grown on my friend’s no-till farm just a couple of hours from my home. I googled “how to use the whole pumpkin” and was delighted with the possibilities. I carved the pumpkin, roasted the seeds and baked a delicious (and healthy) pumpkin “pulp” loaf – take that Starbucks! I’m going to compost the carved pumpkin… but, next time, I would roast it instead. Please don’t just toss your pumpkin in the trash. Check out YouTube or Pinterest for some amazing ideas of how to consume this healthy and tasty fruit.

Something I’m doing: Playing! After these past few years of forced and sometimes voluntary solitude, I’m finally comfortable gathering in groups larger than a handful of my regular contacts. One thing I’ve dearly missed is getting together with like-minded people to share ideas, have respectful debate and build community… yes, I’m referring to workshops! I’ve attended two in the last two weeks centred around my passion for reviving rural towns. For me, the play extends far beyond the workshop venue to getting to explore a new town, meet folks outside my usual circle and, make friends that share common interests. I’m now percolating with a renewed passion for everything rural and I get to engage in another form of play: hosting my new friends over dinner!

Something I purchased: For the first time ever, I bought proper hiking boots! Well, that wasn’t my intention. I went to visit a friend and came home with a pair she purchased that were a tad too small for her feet. I had been tossing around the idea of new footwear as I plan to continue my daily walks even though the weather is colder, the winds are strong and winter is coming! I don’t think I’ve ever owned a pair of hiking boots because I don’t consider myself a “hiker”. But much like other forms of exercise or movement, having the proper clothing and footwear is key to feeling comfortable and enjoying, or at least enduring, the experience. I have to tell you… walking in hikers feels like wearing mini elevators for my feet. I absolutely love the ankle support and, contrary to what I envisioned, they look super cute. I’m not going to share the exact ones I purchased because, just like our bodies, our feet come in different shapes and sizes… I would encourage you talk to a footwear expert (maybe someone who works at a shoe store and sells orthotics). You don’t have to buy from them as they can be expensive – you learn what works best for your feet. Buy the hikers you can afford that are available in your area. Your feet will be happy 😊

Today, I choose to surround myself with love and acceptance, immerse myself in meaningful activities and nurture healthy relationships. This wasn’t the case a few years ago. My life was crashing in nearly every way – at least that’s how I felt. With some introspection, support, and a dose of curiosity, I recognized it wasn’t my weight that was out of control, it was my thoughts, my mindset and my ways of being. Today, I choose to surround myself with love and acceptance, immerse myself in meaningful activities and nurture healthy relationships. The choices we make each day set our strategy for how we live our lives. What choices are you making?

Until next time my friend,

Rachel

Rachel is the Vice-Chair of the Board & Director of Strategy with Obesity Matters. Join our Facebook community to share your tips on how to live our best lives. And, tell us, what are you choosing? #OMwhatareyouchoosing