MountainMornings

May is mental health month! Who knew? It’s not like we can all wear pink ribbons, walk/run a race or get a mammogram to feel better.

Still, let’s try this checklist for our mental health:

Are you getting enough sleep? I need at least 7 hours and I keep my bedroom device-free.

Are you moving around enough? I don’t mean tracking every heart beat with a watch or taking a spin class. I mean walking outside and noticing Spring’s awakening.

Here is NJ the cherry trees are in bloom. Back home their petals littered our front yard and peonies are blooming. I’m lucky to have two Springs this year.

Do you have a support system? Friends and family who show up when the going gets tough? And I don’t mean an email like “Let me know if there’s anything I can do,” I mean like a bowl of chicken soup.

After all, loneliness can kill newborns and can be devastating at any age.

How’s your appetite? Everything in moderation is a good mantra. Food fuels your body and as we age protein becomes even more important. Forget food trends and eat what you love, it’s good for our bones and bellies!

I’m happy to report that Great Grandma Ada has her mojo back. And it’s all a mind game, because the surgery went well and her bones are like oak trees. Her indomitable spirit is alive and well. After decades of counseling couples and throwing life preservers into drowning marriages, she’s back to doing what she does best.

Caring and comforting, schmoozing and laughing. Ada loves life and there are many many people who love her! This is a long road, and the mind/body connection is strong in this one.