HEALTHY LIVING FOR THE SOUL by Cheryl Floyd
Wouldn’t we all love a magic formula for living with zest for the rest of our lives? I was fortunate to befriend a woman who had that magic formula and used it wisely. She shared these four ingredients for living a long and healthy life: nutrition, hobbies, education and mentors. Jayme Green celebrated her 103rd birthday on December 6, 2015; the following day she wowed an audience as she told stories, played her ukulele, and led a sing-a-long. Two months later she fell; as the EMT’s rolled her out she called back to the Activities Director, “With this broken leg, I won’t be able to perform on March 15th.” She kept her calendar full of planned events that acted as carrots dangling to motivate and keep her mind engaged. Jamye acknowledged her mother’s emphasis on fresh foods and cleansing that sparked her interest in healthy living. She recalled sitting in a homemade Turkish bath and drinking lemon water in the early 1900’s. Her father introduced her to performing magic. She said, “If every child had a hobby there would be fewer problems in adulthood. Hobbies encourage curiosity and continuing education.” She believed if the mind is actively learning it remains healthy and engaged. Also, having a mentor is important, especially one who speaks the truth that resonates with your soul. Then later in life we become the mentor, sharing with a younger generation.
I asked Jamye once,
“If you can visit me after life, how will you appear?” She giggled,
“As a Monarch butterfly.”
hobby. Research indicates many benefits to gardening: having our hands in the soil boosts the immune system, bare feet on the earth aides in being grounded, breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide connects us to the elemental function of our planet and improves our lung capacity, spending time in the garden connects us to the life cycle of plants and the insects that pollinate our earth. Most importantly gardening for fun relieves stress and anxiety which could lead to a longer, healthier life. I welcome you to put your heart into gardening and your hands in the soil. It’s good for the soul. Do you have a hobby? If gardening is not your thing, become an appreciator, an observer of nature. Focus on green when taking a walk. Remove your shoes and feel the dirt or sand. Allow yourself to connect while engaging your senses. Rediscover a forgotten interest: photography, a musical instrument, a game, a craft. Allow yourself to play for the fun of it. A positive outlook serves us well in our pursuit of living for the soul and having hobbies enhances our joy. Find your magic formula for healthy living and claim each moment. Experience joy in the little things; the magic is in the moment. Cheryl Floyd, Speaker/Storyteller and Heal your Life® Coach. Cheryl Floyd is a graduate of East Tennessee State University’s Master Storytelling program. Her career includes over thirty years in education, publishing, life coaching, public speaking, and storytelling. www.cherylfloyd.com
At that time, I knew nothing about growing larval and nectar plants for butterflies. Today my garden is a Monarch Sanctuary and gardening has become my Aging Times Magazine | April 2021
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