Matters of the Heart
Copyright 2005 Peggy Porter
Seeking Balance
http://www.seekingbalance.ca

February is the month of love, the month to take time to share a
special moment with our sweetheart and to reflect on the matters
of the heart.

Our heart is the foundation of our lives, emotionally and
physically.  It is the pump house for our body's fuel and the
keeper of our spirit.  It energizes us through life's daily
demands and can maintain and console us through life's sorrows
and heartaches.  Our heart is constantly working to sustain and
guide us to the life we are meant to live.

This month along with celebrating your love for those around you,
celebrate and honor the sacred place that makes love possible.
Today, I want to share with you these self-care tips for the
heart.

Nourish it with great food - As you know, deep fried, fatty foods
can clog arteries that block the flow of blood to our major
organs.  This month pay special attention to your nutrition with
lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats and fish. Pass on the french
fries, fast food, high sugar and high fat foods.  Ask yourself,
"Is this food something that will help or hurt my heart?" Make
the connection with the fact that what you eat absolutely affects
your health.  Your heart deserves the best so make your food
choices with that in mind.

Do something you love - Our heart rejoices when we do.  Every
time we experience joy, it positively affects our health and
well-being.  It relaxes us and decreases stress, not to mention
adds joy to our lives.  Get out there and find something to do
that is fun and brings you pleasure. It may be participating in a
favorite activity or having lunch with your girlfriends. 
Whatever it is, schedule it in no matter how busy a month you
have.  Your heart will thank you for it.  If you want to learn
more about finding your passion, check out my book YumME MumME
Makeover at www.seekingbalance.ca 

Get moving - There is nothing the heart loves more than to get
that blood pumping.  Exercise is a must so that the heart can
sustain you in living a long, healthy life.  Grab a friend and go
for a lunch time walk or get the kids outside for a game of tag. 
Enjoy a morning run or a round of golf with your husband.  Be
creative and think, "How can I get some exercise in to my
schedule today?" Consistent exercise strengthens the heart so it
can function more efficiently.  The more efficient it is, the
more energized and efficient you will be.  If your energy levels
are low and you have the mid February blah's, exercise can
relieve and remedy both.

Share a piece of your heart - The saying, "it is better to give
than receive" are words of wisdom from the heart.  Making a
contribution, whether big or small, can increase our hearts
capacity for love. Contributions can be in the way of time,
money, kind words or thoughtful acts.  Letting someone know how
much you appreciate them can make your heart and theirs a little
stronger. 

Listen to your heart - Spend some time this month connecting with
your heart and all its wisdom.  As they say, "get out of your
head and into your heart".  Let your heart be your guide when you
have a decision to make or are faced with a particular challenge.
Don't try to figure it all out in your head, instead, get quiet
and allow the answer to come to you.  Have faith that your heart
knows what is best for you.  

This Valentines Day, let it be more than a celebration of love. 
Let it be a celebration of life. Your life.  A life that is like
no other.  A life that is fueled with love from the heart, your
heart and every other heart that passes through.  That is one
thing we all share, a heart that wants to be loved, accepted,
needed and wanted. When yours is strong, you have so much more to
share with others. What can you do today to make your heart sing?

Happy Valentine's Day. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

2005 Peggy Porter
Peggy Porter is a nurse, Wellness Coach, and author of YumME
MumME Makeover-How to Balance Womanhood and Motherhood by
Nurturing the Me in MumMe. If you are a Mom and want to
start creating a healthier balance in your life, go to
www.seekingbalance.ca and register for Peggy's free monthly
teleclass and Ecourse!  For more info you can also email
peggy@seekingbalance.ca or call 506-832-0117.

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