Don’t worry, I’m NOT getting into politics. As a child of the 70’s, I learned from the great philosopher Linus in It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown that there “are three things…never to discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.” (Who says you can’t find continued wisdom in a 1966 animated special?!)
In a week or so, we should have some resolution to the fierce insanity of this election cycle. The incessant calls, texts, emails, commercials, mailers, yard signs, and billboards over the last several months have consumed our time and attention. Can you even remember what it was like to watch the news or check your email before every other commercial or incoming message was angled towards a political theme? How much of our time have we lost?
I’m looking forward to the interference of this election cycle going away and getting back to some normalcy, if that is possible. So, here's my challenge to each of you (and it's likely the first of a few similar challenges I'll make over the next few months): let's redirect the time that we’ve given to politics—intentionally or unintentionally—back into pursuing our own health.
Much will be said over the next few months about resolutions for the new year, but often the decadent temptations of the last few months of the year sets us up for harder work in January. This period often contributes significantly to annual weight gain, as the added pounds are frequently not lost afterward, leading to cumulative weight increases over time.
Building healthy habits now can prevent this trend and implementing strategies such as regular physical activity, mindful eating, and portion control during the holiday months can help prevent weight gain and establish a foundation for sustained health improvements in the new year.
The Y is working to help you be successful now and going forward. With programs like FastForward Fitness and our upcoming Healthy Seniors Day later this month, launching into or recommitting to a healthy lifestyle is easier now than ever before.
Ok... I’m off my soapbox now. Let’s all plan to reclaim and repurpose the time we’ve lost and pour it into ourselves, finish the year strong and healthy, and prepare for a fantastic 2025.
Until next time…
Kevin Bolding, President & CEO
YMCA of Central Florida
The Y. For a better us.®
First Friday messages offer a monthly peak behind the veil of leading through change from the Y’s President & CEO.