I am a very, very, lucky man.

I got to ride my Harley today and it was good...  Such a beautiful day, and I live in such a beautiful place...  Woke up early and sat outside enjoying the sunrise.  Ate a wonderful breakfast, including some peppered bacon.  Probably a good thing I ate that this morning, because this evening I got down to business reading the book my doctor gave me regarding prostate health.

The book is "Promoting Wellness for Prostate Cancer Patients" by Dr. Mark A. Moyad.  I read the first chapter, and the emphasis is clearly on the 'Wellness' part of the title right off the bat.  I now know why my doctor has encouraged me to lose weight - even though I failed to see the connection initially regarding prostate cancer specifically...

I see it now.  Overall health is part of the recipe for success in dealing with illness.  In my case, decisions made regarding diet and exercise can translate not only into prostate health, but promote my overall well-being, too.  I'd been saying for years that I needed to change my eating habits. Ironically, it took cancer to help me make that leap...

The book also talks about heart-healthy foods and eating, recommending the Mediterranean diet - essentially lots of meat substitutes and little red meat, plenty of fish and other lean meats.  I've not really focused too much on what foods I'm eating as much as I'm trying to follow some simple guidelines:

1. Minimal processed foods
2. Juicing regularly
3. Avoid caffeine
4. Reduced alcohol consumption
5. Avoid junk food and fast food.
6. Try to eat organic as much as possible.
7. Maintain portion control
8. Savor each bite of what I do eat.


These are in no special order, but I'd place number 8 high on the importance scale.  I find that going slow and really enjoying my food is the best way for me to treat food as delicious and healthy fuel - as opposed to something you shove in your pie-hole anytime you're hungry and craving something.  One of my old Weight Watcher tips stays with me...  Much of the time, when we think our body is telling us it's hungry, it is simply telling us it's are thirsty.  So, start by having a glass of water and then see if it satisfies the urge.  Good advice.

Speaking of advice, I've got to give a shout out to my 'team' - all my friends who have given me such excellent and heartfelt help, advice, and encouragement.  I couldn't begin to tell you how much it helps.

Now I'm off to enjoy an exceptional night's sleep...  (I hope)

Tonight's closing quote comes from Walt Whitman...  I enjoy the Whitman quotes from "Dead Poets Society" and this one showed up in an unlikely place, but it really spoke to me:

"To its own impulse
every creature stirs.
Live by thy light,
and Earth will live by hers."

I really love this quote.  It's own impulse...  Live by thy light...

I have to remember this.  Follow your own muse; live life in a way that is fulfilling to me.

I'm trying.  I really am.

Be well all.

Carpe Diem...