Dear Ms. Price, Last summer, I went to the beach for a family reunion. I debated for weeks whether or not to go because I had gained 30 pounds and felt awful. I wasn’t thin to begin with, so the weight makes me feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. My husband and my in-laws took loads of photos and posted them all over social media. I was unhappy about this. How do I approach this situation and retain some semblance of dignity? “Covid-15” Club Dear “Covid-15 Club,” Please know that you are not alone. However, if you feel uncomfortable in any way with something posted on social media, you have every right to ask them to please take these photos down. You can also untag yourself. You can ask that you all schedule another time for photos when you are “ready for your close-up.” -Ms. Price Dear Readers, With the New Year just around the corner, my inbox is filled with questions about weight loss and New Year’s resolutions. Let’s resolve to make 2022 the year to stop the cycle of not following through. After all, you’ve made these goals for a reason and your life will be healthier and infinitely better if you stick to making healthy changes. Here are five tips to get you started:
A Slice of Advice with Ms. Price To submit your questions, email advicemsprice@gmail.com.
1. Set realistic goals. Setting unattainable and unrealistic goals is the surest way to fall short. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, for example, Eating one donut a week instead of seven days a week. 2. Organize and outline your plan. Decide in advance how you will deal with the temptation to eat that donut or skip that exercise class because it will happen. Nobody is perfect and this is supposed to be a long-term plan, not a jail sentence. 3. Positive affirmations and rewards for progress. Treat yourself to something that supports your resolutions and commitment to healthy living, like a massage, sleek fitness clothing, gadgets or even a movie with a friend. 4. Be your own biggest cheerleader. Beating yourself up over not making a goal or for a small slip won’t help you achieve your overall goals. Your healthy mantra can be, “I am a work in progress and I’m getting healthier every day.” 5. Don’t give up. Experts say it takes 21 days for a new activity to become a habit, and six months for it to become a part of who you are. It won’t happen overnight, so patience and consistency are key.
CREATIVE CORNER
CREATIVE CORNER
“True Love” by John M. Alexander, aka “Sarasota John”
Are you an aspiring writer, poet or artist? Or maybe you want to try your hand at any of the above? We want to share your art! Read directions on how to submit your work below:
I like your jokes and silly stuff
For submissions:
Though at times I find them boring.
Send your short story or poem (150 words or less) or a photo of your artwork to Rebecca.Fending@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line, or through our Facebook at www.facebook.com/LifestylesAfter50. Please include which Florida city you currently live in and your name. Artwork must be before the 15th of every month, otherwise it will be held as potential news for the following issue’s publication. Artwork is published on a basis of what space is available.
And as you sleep I watch your face And even like your snoring.
For submissions: Send your poem (150 words or less) to editor@ lifestylesafter50.com with the words “Creative Corner” in the subject line.
Lifestyles After 50 • January 2022 • 12
