LET’S HEAR IT FOR PERSONAL GROWTH AND HAPPINESS!

 

A series of essays….

OUR FIRST SUNRISE IN WALES.
WE HAVE CAPTURED THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS US 
AND REVEL IN ITS WONDER!

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Healthy challenges can inspire us to grow. 

I like this sentence. I find it appealing because it takes me in so many exciting directions: past, present, and future.

First of all, I believe we never stop growing in one way or another each day of our lives, no matter our age.

Before I go any further, I would just like to mention why I believe the eclipse this week was deemed extra exciting by so many of us. I mean, besides the fact that a solar eclipse is scientifically pretty phenomenal all on its own! We all required something this exciting to focus on, take our thoughts away from the Big Lies and, ultimately, how much time drumpf must spend behind bars to compensate for them…

Here’s where I give some examples of healthy challenges. Being physically challenged reaps its own benefits and rewards. Keeping the body in motion, we all know, contributes towards proper weight balance, muscle strength, circulation, and so much more. 

Let’s say that this physical challenge is combined with others as in a team sport which may couple physical dexterity with the sharp mental awareness needed to make quick decisions (individually) and blend these decisions with everyone else in the group. The objective is not necessarily to win, but rather to work well within a group of others whether it be sports related, office or work relationships, or being human and relating to the rest of our fellow human beings on a daily basis. 

This latter example, comprised of love, kindness, and understanding, can be linked to our own spirituality. How do we perceive the world to function after incorporating these specific acts into our daily routines? Will we become better people because we have? Yes, of course, we would no longer place ourselves first, rather our goal, if we choose to accept this spiritual lifestyle, is to accept everyone as equals, allowing us to grow exponentially (utilizing our untapped potential) by helping to make the world a better, happier place to live.

Doing something nice for someone doesn't require spending money on them. You can cook someone a meal, let them borrow a favorite book, help them out with something, or do anything else that makes them feel good!

Food. Our eating habits. Forfeiting an unhealthy diet for one that, potentially, makes you grow stronger by providing the body with what it needs rather than pacifying the mind with what society has taught us to crave as addicts of sugar, salt, and white flour. 

Trust me, I have challenged myself for a lifetime to disengage from bad eating habits by incorporating healthy foods into my diet. I blamed the first third of my poor eating lifestyle and habits on my parents. The second third of my life was all on me. Now that I’m in the final third — my aim is to stretch this life out as healthy and meaningfully as possible.

I have always been a yo-yo dieter as I’d work hard to drop the weight, succeed to a certain degree, only to have something, major or minor, trigger the inevitable lapse in mental stamina that was guaranteed to follow.

Now that I am older and getting the hang of minimizing my intake of cane sugar, salt (never truly liked too much salt in the first place), and craving a slice or two of crusty artisan bread slathered in good butter, I feel I can control my weight and combine a better diet plan with more movement and approve of the results.

Inspiration comes in many different forms. Even Monday’s eclipse had a pronounced lesson for us in that there will always be something much larger than ourselves and our solar system certainly proved its point this week! Something small can appear big enough to block something larger. There is power in distance and perspective. Things—just like experiences—are not always as big as they seem. We must give ourselves time. Take a step back. Look not at the shadow, but at the light.

Routines. Enjoying a daily routine can ground us in a way that nothing else can. It keeps us on a personal track that contributes to stability and staying focussed; living each day to the fullest. Each day brings an opportunity for us to experience amazing things, even challenge those things that might trouble and overwhelm us on a day-to-day basis.

Practice mindfulness when doing daily tasks and embrace being in the present moment. Practice gratitude and remind yourself of the amazing things you have to be thankful for. Take time to disconnect from social media and intentionally connect with yourself, friends, family, or your community. Make small steps or a plan to reach a goal — whether it's to cook at home more, journal each day, or publish that novel you’ve been working on for years.

Healthy challenges can inspire us to grow as individuals whether we achieve results on our own or become a part of a larger group. 

Happiness, personal joy and growth, respect for others, can be found in so many areas — from exploring our immediate priorities to helping others. May your own healthy challenges inspire you to grow each and every day.

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

WHY DO BUTTERFLIES STAND ON THEIR FOOD?

 

A series of essays….

COLORFUL PEPPERS DRIPPING LIKE
PHLOX OVER AN ANCIENT STONE WALL

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Welcome to PFC Markets: Connecting customers and market businesses through honest relationships and supporting community and local economies through a thriving market culture.  —  Michigan Farmers Market Association

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market, a PFC (People’s Food Co-op) market, was quite an unexpected surprise when good friends asked if we’d like to join them at the market after moving up to Michigan. We were thrilled to do so considering that one of our greatest adventures while in Europe, especially France, is spending hours at village markets. Not only is this a great way to explore what the area has to offer in fresh produce, spices, local cheeses, sausage and other high quality meats but, these open markets introduce you to the area, small businesses, the local people, and so much more! 

The title open market denotes an unrestricted competitive market in which any buyer and seller is free to participate. It is generally conducted out-of-doors with connecting stalls occupied by the sellers in order to be exposed to the buyers who are eager to see the presented wares. With such a great market strategy employing a double entendre in its title, this concept has connected with us for hundreds of years.

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market will reopen on Saturdays from May 4 through October 26…night markets, once a month, from June through September offer live music, a hundred vendors including artisans selling handmade goods, and a selection of local beer and wine. Also, an indoor Kalamazoo Winter Market is open to the public during the winter months each Saturday.

We were excited to take this special opportunity to meet and rub elbows (literally) with the locals and carry-on conversations about the town and surrounding area. Immersing oneself into the community truly requires getting to know the local farmers, bakers, florists, honey suppliers, and artisans of many beautiful and practical items for yourself and your home.

IN ADDITION TO LOCAL PRODUCE 
THERE IS A VARIETY OF FRESH CHEESE
AND BAKED GOODS

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market did not disappoint us. The day began cloudy and overcast. Then, the sun showered us with its light and Floridian-like heat as we parked our car and walked into the bustling crowd of shoppers. People were clutching their market baskets filled with a delightful conglomeration of locally grown produce with carrot tops, fresh lettuces, and vividly colored peppers dripping over the sides like dense clusters of colorful phlox over the rim of an ancient stone wall.

One does not proceed meekly as you make your way forward among your fellow shoppers within the large aisle separating the vendors on the left and vendors to the right. You must employ a calm, positive demeanor as you find yourself bobbing this way and that, head turned towards the left and body aiming to the right in ‘pretzel’ position, never missing a deal or an opportunity. And, politeness being a virtue as you excuse yourself for the hundredth time after, unfortunately, stabbing someone with your elbow. Farmers markets can be considered a contact sport in many ways!

And, that’s always good because the genuine enthusiasm for the chance to mingle with your neighbors while shopping in a healthy, sustainable manner with the benefit of being a part of the greater community....is never to be turned away. 

MY HUMBLE ATTEMPT AT
CAPTURING THESE COLORFUL BEAUTIES

Our friend, a local artist and talented photographer, spent time that morning taking amazing shots of the many bouquets of flowers offered by several of the vendors. The magnificent and vibrant colors flourished wildly within his camera lens as his close-ups captured the natural beauty of each perfect bloom.

When you shop at the farmers market you support your neighbors; you give true meaning to the phrase ‘know your farmer, know your food’ because you have the opportunity to speak directly with them, ask questions, and learn their stories and practices first hand. At the same time, a large portion of your dollar will stay in the community as you are directly helping local families survive economically. 

After walking along the stalls of over one hundred vendors, some supplying the people of Kalamazoo with their particular wares for many decades, and weaving through the crowd of determined yet smiling faces for over an hour, I was quite satisfied with the items chosen to fill my wicker market basket. Unlike shopping at the market in Bédoin, France, as we do each time we visit Provence, we are not disguising ourselves as locals for the week....now, we are the locals and we could not be more proud! 

I’ve been reading extensively about the rich history of The City of Kalamazoo’s Farmers Market which extends back into the mid 1800’s. Incredible for so many reasons, the market has woven its way through major wars, relocations, economic upheaval, local politics, and has grown stronger and stronger as the years progress.

Gone is the belief that similar European markets hold the exclusive keys to the four categories requested by every market business in order to self-identify their role in a Farmers Market as a retailer, grower, producer, and artisan. And, we should all be fairly impressed by the longevity and constant growth that the Kalamazoo Farmers Market has enjoyed and delightedly shared with the people of this community. 

Dan and I have definitely become a part of this incredible place with the help of good neighbors and friends. We’re looking forward to many, many years of giving, sharing, and participating in local places and events. Our formal introduction to the local Farmers Market has been one huge building block helping to form a foundation of unity and belonging to something far greater and, often, wiser than ourselves.

Answer: Why do butterflies stand on their food? Because they taste with their feet. All living creatures have one thing in common....they must eat!

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

Photos copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All photo rights reserved