Small Actions = BIG CHANGE: My Top 5

It all starts with me taking my time to go for a walk in an abandoned farm yard. It's one of my favourite things to do. The stories untold when you look into an abandoned house takes your mind places. The quote small actions = BIG CHANGE can almost be said for anything and everything. You want to lose weight; small actions, such as making better food choices, or drinking more water, over time, leads to weight loss. You can apply this quote to your relationships, money, health, even world change. I live every one of my days, with this quote in mind. I've been know to live my life free-spirited and, somewhat, scattered, I'd be the first to admit it. I just can't settle for minimal change in my life. I want the BIG stuff. I want to see a world, that I'd be proud to raise my children in. It pains me to watch how we all walk through every day as if we aren't making an impact. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A GREAT GIFT, THE GIFT OF LIFE. We are here now. Why are we waiting for the impact of what we are doing to force us into change, or worse to leave it for our kids, and their kids to deal with. There is enough information out there to educate ourself to make small actions for the greater cause.  I don't rate my life's happiness on how much money I have, or how I compare to everyone else, or how society has taught us we should be.  Don't get me wrong I'm very proud to have been born in a time and place where technology and health care is a big part of our lives. I'm just saying we need to find our balance. A lot of what we are doing is unsustainable. Everything, including our planet, has a point of no return. Some people will argue we are there. I refuse to see it that way. I believe if we all made a choice to make SMALL TINY CHANGES, we could find that balance.  I challenge you all to look at your life and everyone you love in it. Choose something small to change for 21 days, to better you, the people you love, and this planet we call home. Start with something really small and build your way up. It takes 21 days to create a habit. It takes 21 days until something that feels hard, becomes the norm. Think about this for a moment. That is 17 changes a year. 86 in 5 years, 869 changes in 50 years. We all can make a difference, and it doesn't need to be hard or big. I created this blog for this soul reason. I hope I can inspire you guys, on a regular basis, to make little changes. I want you to be part of my change. They say the best accountability is to live your teachings. So thats what I'm doing and I hope you will all join me. Below are just a few examples of changes I have done in my life, and can maybe inspire you! 

1. Dedicate an hour a day to developing and nurturing you. That can be anything from running, yoga, reading, meditating, a nature walk, whatever that may be for you. I can't say how impactful this has been for me. It's unbelievable how much clearer life gets when you learn to fully love yourself and can actually pin point what makes you happy. 

2. Eat more fruits and veggies!!! Preferably from Local farmers. Your body will love you for it. There isn't anything your body wants more, listen to it, connect with the food your eating! 

3. Eat less meat! This is a touchy subject for many. I personally have chosen to go vegan its a personal choice and I have no judgment on those who choose to eat meat. My husband still does. I just feel there are many issues surrounding this topic and people should educate themselves.See the entire picture not just the package at your grocery store. I believe that simply cutting down on the amount of meat you eat, and how often you eat meat, is a big step in the right direction.

4. Live more sustainably! There are many little things  that you can do. Use reusable glass containers instead of plastic disposable ones. Reusable shopping bags. Compost. Shop at your local farmers markets. Eat more organic. Ride a bike to work. Find things that work for you and that you're passionate about.

5. Spend time with the people who love you the most! This one speaks for itself. Fully engage with each other and find true gratitude for the people in your life. Appreciate and love them fully. Acknowledge the presence they have in your life, one day you, or they, will be gone so cherish the moments you have together today...right now!!   

DRESS: Paper Crane

Eating on a Budget

Something I get told/asked a lot is; "Isn't it really expensive to eat healthy?" To be completely honest, I just never thought about it that way. I personally put food so high on my priority list. I always put my money there, before I put it anywhere else. Food is what nourishes me. My body is my home, it's the only place I have to live in for the rest of my life. I want to give it only the best, most nutrient dense foods I can. But in saying that, with everyone feeling the huge economic down turn, saving money anywhere and everywhere is more important than ever. This combined with the rise in produce prices can make it more difficult to afford all the food for a healthy diet. Here are 3 ways that has helped me keep the budget down.

EAT LOCAL. Eating closer to home can be part of the solution. Shopping locally cuts down enormously on fossil fuel consumption, tends to be cheaper, and supports our local farmers and the local economy. Shopping locally, also, brings with it a, strong, sense of community. I feel that, the sense of community, surrounding the food industry, has been lost, in our generation, to large corporations such as the McDonalds and Walmarts. Here in Calgary, we are fortunate enough to have some amazing farmer's markets which make it a lot easier to shop locally. The one I go to on a weekly basis is Calgary Farmers Market.

FOOD BUYING CLUBS. This could be the most convenient way to get a good abundance of food, for a really good price. The, one and only, downside of food-buying-clubs is that you don't get to choose your produce. I, personally, don't mind this at all. I love getting a big box of the freshest, most scrumptious, produce! Buying this way keeps me thinking outside of the box by incorporating new fruits and veggies when preparing food for my family. Every summer I try to find, at least, 12 people, who are interested, in committing to a food buying club with me. This way you're guaranteed a variety of fruits and veggies each, and every, week. Nom nom nom! For reasons above, I always buy from clubs that support our local farmers; two birds with one stone, I'd say thats a win win. 

GROW A GARDEN. This is, by far, my favourite, and the most fun way to keep the money in your wallet! Growing a garden is great for sustainability, and you can't get any more local than home. A home garden allows you to connect with your food,  and to spend quality time with your family. I don't know why, but when you grow it yourself, it tastes sooooo much better. In the spring, I will be sharing a post on gardening. Whether you live in a house, duplex, townhome, condo, apartment or cardboard box you can grow your own garden. If you're looking for help setting up your own garden my friend Landon owns a company which helps with the dirty work. Check out his website here. From the Ground Organic Gardens