Saturday, April 29, 2017

A Note from our MLA: Leela Sharon Aheer



The Newsy Neighbour Magazine
April Issue 114
Article Provided By: Leela Sharon Aheer, MLA


Hello Newsy Neighbour readers! This month’s issue on health and fitness is such an excellent idea as we head into spring. We will take off the hockey skates, skis and snowshoes, put away the parkas (and hopefully the snow shovels!) and pull out our sweats and runners and spend a few more hours outside enjoying slightly warmer days.

Wellness and health are terms that are used in combination quite often, and we all know we need it, we crave good heath, we aim for wellness, and we try to exercise in a busy world that does not always accommodate these very important things. Being healthy does not only mean not being sick. I know for me, sleep is a major problem, and for those of you who know me, I have a lot of energy and really fail at shutting things down. That is a huge part of wellness and personally where I need the most work. I used to wear the fact that I didn’t sleep as a badge of honour, but as I age, and wisdom prevails, I know not sleeping enough is a real problem, and will require a little work on my part.

Good sleep, eating well, and some good old fashioned exercise is not only the mantra we should aim for, but all of these things in some combination promote good relationships, emotional stability, spirituality, strong intuition, the ability to adapt on the fly, to love, and to think with more clarity. These things, in my opinion, lead to a beautiful existence even in the most trying of times. Pain, whether physical or mental, is a constant challenge so we need to use these tools to change our lifestyles. Sounds easy huh? Nope! It takes practice, patience, and prioritizing. This is way easier said than done, but I try not to beat myself up when I am unable to fulfill my own goals in this respect.

My number 1 priority is my family. I am completely in love with my husband and my kids, and that love empowers every decision I make, and especially my reasons for staying healthy in both mind and body. Our health is not just a way of life, in my opinion it is an attitude. One that seeks joy even in the most mundane things, and even through the tears of pain and devastation, we know that we will come through because we are worthy of happiness and health. Our intellectual brains are telling us this, but our emotional brains do not always make the connection and that is ok. Or it will be.

In my life, like many of you, have experienced extreme joy, and huge loss. Both extremes have always brought me to a place where I may not be able to ever truly recover from the losses, but I can allow myself to feel it, acknowledge it and move through the pain. Some pain will never completely heal, but we have to find reasons to take good care of ourselves. I do this by walking, by eating beautiful fresh vegetables, and my chocolate: Kraft dinner! I write songs and play music, hug everyone I meet, and kiss my nieces and nephews until they beg me to stop.

Life is precious and goes by in the blink of an eye! I absolutely love to walk. It is easy, and goal oriented. In Edmonton during a session, I walk everywhere. It clears my head, and provides me with perspective and a few moments away from the rigors of session. I look for any reason to walk, and I breathe deep, I take in my surroundings, and then I jump back into life. It is part of my way of thanking my body and mind for another day of over use. Be kind to yourself, and know that you are worth the time and commitment to yourself to do these things. As always we love to hear from you.

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