My Resolutions (Inspired by 1912)

"We need to live like people used to live 100 years ago."

Last week I went to see a Doctor for a few health issues. She introduced herself to me and we hit it off pretty quickly. During my appointment, I learned that she was incredibly passionate about her work, was well read and had a fantastic perspective on natural health. Of course, I enjoyed picking her brain.

Among other things, our talk included topics like soil depletion, genetically modified seed and the "food" it produces, the quality of the water we drink, the use and effects of chemical drugs in attempt to cure an illness. After some discussion, she said the above quote: "We need to live like people used to live 100 years ago." I wholeheartedly agreed with her, but that thought has been sinking in to increasing depths ever since I heard it. I wasn't alive 100 years ago, but it isn't too hard to assume that (nutritionally speaking) a Big Mac and 32 oz. Coke weren't on our ancestor's menus. I've been doing some research, and here's a snippet of what I've learned.

100 years ago:

-Roughly half of the of the United States population lived on a farm.

-Genetically modified seed (or "food") was non-existent. (GMOs weren't introduced until the 1980's.)

-Refrigerators were not yet on the market, no less used in homes.

-Automobiles were not around until the 1920's, so if you didn't have a horse or bicycle, you walked. Some sources indicate that people walked an average of 3-5 miles per day.

-Air conditioners weren't around, nor didn't make their appearance (in office and department stores) until the 1920's.

-The US didn't begin regulating the quality of water (or ways of treating it) until 1914. Water sources still contained natural (and essential) minerals.

So, to sum things up in plain terms, my research tells me that in 1912, the majority of the U.S. population grew their own food, and either ate it fresh or found ways of naturally keeping it preserved. They were necessarily active and when it got hot...they likely sweat, and drank water that wasn't processed with numerous chemicals.

Putting on my 1912 glasses has encouraged me to come up with a few new resolutions and maintain some already in place. This is a growing list, but not one I intend to use as any form of new 10 Commandments. I'm human, and would be legalistic to think I can make my own rules to perfectly keep up with all the time. These are simply things God has convicted me over to put into practice for me and my family.

My resolutions:

~ Drink more water. I know it sounds like a lame excuse, but I simply forget to drink enough ole H20. Recommended water consumption is to drink half your body weight in ounces per day. I figure if I fill up one of my glass pitchers and leave it on the counter, then I'll remember to chug-a-lug. If I can have it as fresh and un-touched as possible, great! If that isn't possible, I'm not going to clutch my stomach in agony at any whiff of chlorine. AND, as my husband always says...this water is better than Houston's! ;)

~ Continue gardening. This provides my family with food from our own backyard as well as the enjoyment, exercise and sunshine accompanied with tending it.

~ Continue keeping chickens. Their eggs are delicious and the hens are hysterical company. If laughter is good medicine, then I suggest you all get a hen for comic relief...and your better health.

~ Move more. I may not make the 3 mile/day norm of 1912, but getting out to move is healthy. My husband has always said that I return from a run happier than when I left...and he's right. Whether it be a run or a walk, or just strolling...I need to MOVE. I was so convicted when writing the draft of this post a couple days ago, that I left it to go on a jog with my girl. Along our way home, I ended up meeting a neighbor up the street who shared with me that she walks 5 miles a day and has lost 100 lbs due to her change in diet and exercising! How inspirational!

~ Breathe. To intentionally take in air, fill up my lungs, and breathe it out. It's healthy and not to mention relaxing...especially for a Mom who's kid has learned to say "No".

~ Sweat more. With skin being my largest organ, what toxins I do consume can be naturally swept out of my system through the process of sweating. *On this note, as gross as it may sound, I am moved more in my conviction against the use of antiperspirant deodorant. Future post on that to come...

~ When affordable, buy organic food. When it's not, find what is next best. And don't freak out.

~ As much as possible, eliminate processed and genetically modified food from my kitchen. I've been practicing this for a good while now, and it's not as hard to do as it may seem.

~ Take vitamins and minerals. We stopped using table salt about 6 months ago and have replaced it with mineral-rich sea salt. Grinding it up using our mortar and pestle gives me a weird sense of fun.

~ When I am able, and so long as it's not a burden to me or my family, use the principles of culturing or fermenting our food. Thanks to some dear friends, I've been making my own kombucha since last December and absolutely love it. I'm trying my hand at some sauerkraut as we speak, but we'll see how it turns out. I can't do everything, but I am trying new things and having fun in the process.

~ To not obsess over any of the above, and to be gracious with those who aren't convicted as I have been.