A New Plan for 2024

Sitting quietly in my cozy little home, I am astonished that the year is once again on its end. It would seem like it happened in the blink of an eye. Soon it will be Christmas and New Year. Our long holidays are ahead and time with friends and family will once again fill my cup and my heart.

This is also the time of year that I take time for myself to reflect on what I have achieved in the year that has passed, and what I will be facing and taking on in the new year. Not really resolutions, or maybe they are and I just do not like the association of the word. Either way, I do things my way and it works for me.

Reflecting on 2023 - Heart failure runs in my family

This was the year that I took my heart health the most seriously. I have spent time and made an effort to sort it out. Heart failure is something that runs in my family, through generations of men and women. I want to live a long and full life, so heading closer to 40 has been my wake-up call.

Walking into 2024

In 2023 I started walking for my heart health and increased my steps per day. This ensures that I get enough walking, and I challenge myself to meet the goal of 10k steps every day. In the new year, I will be raising this to either 12,000 or 15,000 steps a day. There has been a distinct improvement in my health, and I find that walking is easier since I have been doing it more regularly. My breath lasts longer, and my heart rate certainly stays level for longer. Which I take as a win.

Scheduling check ups

Getting check ups is one of those things that I thought I was good at, however, reflecting back on 2023, I have not been as good at this as I should have been. I am nursing a hurt ego and feelings of guilt toward myself for this. A part of dealing with this is making a plan to move forward with better care for myself in 2024. 

I have booked and scheduled my monthly tests for sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This will enable me to create a data sheet, track progress, and most importantly keep a good eye on my health. This, along with extra bi-monthly testing when I donate blood, should help me manage my health more effectively.

Healthy food

I made some great improvements in 2023, including eating a lot less sugar and getting less take-out meals. These healthier choices have helped me feel better, and I find that my body does not feel as sluggish as it used to.

There is, however, still a lot of room for improvement moving into the new year. I will be sure to be making use of some more heart healthy recipes, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Finding the balance, as always, is important.

Here's to good heart health in 2024

In conclusion I think that I have made some great changes for my heart health and I am really proud of the progress that I have made. There is a lot to be proud of and still a lot to do. I know that these things take time and I have learned to be patient and make small changes. I learned I really just have to keep on chipping away at it and making things a lifestyle. There is not a quick fix for anything.

May 2024 be kind to all of us, and full of good heart health.