A year ago, I started this blog to share my health and wellness journey, and it is hard to believe that we are about four hours away from the New Year. I wrote this publicly to hold myself accountable by blasting it to the world. And in true Risa fashion, I have waited to the very last minute to complete my final post for the year. Yes, I am that person, who measures my performance with numbers and tasks – cannot take the HR out of this girl…. It is a blessing and a curse – ha-ha. Well, upon reflection, this has truly been a year of growth for me in mind, body, and spirit. I wish I could say financially as well, but I leaned heavy into self-transformation. Obviously, I need to pull back in 2025 and join the real working world again to fund this excursion – anyways… It is not cheap to be on a spiritual journey… but that is topic for another time and place. So, let us just say I am rich in experience in 2024 and actually feel I needed it (time well spent).
I really jumped in headfirst, learning and implementing actions to improve my wellness such as gaining a better relationship with food and not just stuffing my mouth with mindless eating and sweet addiction. I schooled myself in nutrition and thinking of food as fuel and medicine opposed to comfort. This reframe has helped me immensely and I have officially broken up with sugar, salt, oil and processed food. Good-bye bread, pizza, cheese, fake meat, and seafood, we are over! HELLO romaine, broccoli, beans, nuts, tofu, cauliflower, cabbage and berries. My new favorite friends who make me feel a hell of a lot better and have alleviated cravings and adopt satiation (who knew?). People ask me, how can I do it and honestly, the first few weeks were a little rough, now my taste buds have changed the other stuff is not even appealing. Food in packaging, boxes, plastic, cans – scare me – I am definitely a produce girl now 😊.
Another topic, my digestion…. It was a big oy when I started this blog. I was bloated, my stomach hurt, things just did not seem right (will try not to be graphic – but it was gross – my body was sending out a SOS – save our stomach). These are times I do not miss. Now things are just in flow and balanced. Gut health is real and so is the connection to brain functionality. I feel like I am performing at a higher level intellectually and it is showing up in all aspects of my life – including work $$$$. Moral to this story, do not let your brain go to shit (literally 😊). You are what you eat… and you can get higher billable rates when you are sharper. Thank you natural fiber and all you do.
A shout out to Cely, Shannon, Vanessa (others too) and her studio CelyFit (now accepting new members for 2025 – so fun!!!) Being in a community setting and dancing, lifting weights and yoga has been a game changer. Experiencing joy and happiness by pushing yourself is rewarding. Learning choreography, gaining some new moves for that one moment when you hit the dance floor at a wedding, bat mitzvah or random bar situation could be invaluable. One of my goals this year was strength training which was, may I say something I dreaded, has actually turned into an activity I look forward to. Continuing to feel stronger, see muscles define and improve balance is completely motivating and also makes you feel like a bad ass. I mean, I could probably chase down criminals and hold my own. Well, that may be a bit dramatic but I like the results both inside and out. 2025 – is going to be about the six pack, as I have an undefined 2 -3 pack”ish”. My arms, shoulders, legs are looking somewhat good for my age but always opportunities to tighten.
I took on the goal of improving my sleep and that is still a work in progress. I have definitely adopted better sleep habits and hygiene. I invested in great bedding, eye mask and a bedtime routine. The area that helped me the most was my Oura ring which kept me honest (damn it – you cannot outsmart technology) and the biggest thing was stopping eating at least 5 hours before I went to bed. When you are still digesting your food… it makes for some terrifying dreams and sleepless nights (at least for me – and I am sure you too). I discovered day naps, and I find them to be a great pick-me up which refreshes me. Although, I have been taking them less as I continue to eat better… go figure!
I have never been a deeply religious person however, I have found a sense of purpose, depth, and stability with spirituality. When I say that, it is understood that we are all connected, we are light, part of source and there is a bigger universe out there. We are here on earth to gain human experiences otherwise known as life lessons. This construct works for me and helps me stay grounded and content with my life. I am less stressed, try not to sweat the small stuff and try to do better and be better. I have found a community of like-minded people who have been a great support system as we learn and grow together. I have tapped into my gifts in energy work and using my intuition to guide myself and others on this life journey. I suppose whatever faith, religion, or belief system you have, serves the same purpose. Having an institution to anchor yourself into is a powerful way to gain your footing to move forward and grow.
My relationships are “everything” to me and I am really grateful for all the people in my life. I feel very blessed to have an amazing extended family (those that I am really related to and others that I feel aligned with). Being a mother to my beautiful Isabelle is a gift and it is my calling to be here for her. However, I never thought I would learn as much from her too. I cherish our time together and thankfully we have had a lot this year. I also loved my time with Ella (my sweet pug). There is something so magical about the bond with your pet, especially a dog who served me well and needed to be supported as she aged. Our walks and quiet time on the couch were some of the deepest moments that I take away from our relationship. I miss her immensely but know she was tired, and it is my moment to get out and explore the world.
Last but not least, being the measurement gal I am, seeing the positive results on the scale, in my bloodwork, energy level and yes hair growth, I am really reinvigorated. I feel younger, vibrant, and more ambitious. As I reflect about this year, I am enormously proud that I achieved my goals, especially overcoming the power of food over me. I have exceeded what I set out to do. I know the journey never ends as I enter into maintaining weight while growing muscle mass. This one was a toughie for me and I DID IT!!! There were definitely highs and lows this year, it has been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster but overall, I am really happy and satisfied as I close out 2024. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year. I look forward to continuing to blog and keep you updated on my boring life. I want to travel, expand my horizons, continue the health journey, and even help others to realize their goals too…. That is a wrap for this year. Thank you for reading and supporting me as I overly share to friends and strangers around the world. 😊
Seeking Wellness 