(Re)introduction

At the outset of any work, the writer faces an essential decision: to write about something understood or something mysterious. The first path results in textbooks, guidebooks, remedies, and fictional embodiments of personal hopes and regrets. The latter path produces ramblings, essays, and other bohemian pursuits (the very definition of a romantic might be the obsession with the unknowable). The word essay itself originates from "assay" implying at best an attempt along with the very real possibility of failure. It's this risk of failure which keeps the dreamer honest and dynamic. Not that expertise is boring, but rather that growth occurs in the unchartered territories. The important bit about these untapped regions are the experts often living there, ready to help us on our journey (e.g. Perceval and the hermit).

With this re-introduction to HealthiestHome, I'm focusing on something I do not understand in the least: self-care. I'm as adept at the ritual of being genuinely good to myself as I am the mating patterns of Scottish perch. This series of postings is an invitation for anyone wanting to follow my journey and push towards growth. And, I invite the experts out there to point out what I could be doing better.

To begin, my situation is not dire. But, I know that left uncheck, it will trend towards abysmal. I'm almost 31, not overweight but a little soft; my muscle tone is near to non-existent. I eat fairly well, though I often fall victim to late night chinese food binges. Further, I live a sedentary lifestyle as a software engineer and artist (a working environment not exactly full to the brim with positive health influences). Last year I did go through a running kick, completing two half marathons (my personal record is 1:48, not bad). But, I haven't achieved the undeniable change I'm looking for. Additionally, I rarely come across as being put together (mismatched socks, too long between haircuts, oily skin, you get the idea).

On the positive side, San Francisco offers plenty of resources for growth - abundant yoga studios, raw food restaurants, organic grocery stores, and holistic healing centers. But, the abundance of options reveals its own difficulties - what is truly beneficial and what is mere hype (the result of some marketing ploy to cash in on the desperate grasping of the masses to find some hope)? Much of this journal will research what works and what does not, remembering that overall health should not sacrifice genuineness or financial stability. Paying twenty-two dollars a pound for raw flaxseed crackers is not an option.

During the course of our conversation, we'll cover physical fitness, emotional intelligence, personal appearance, skin care, fashion, nutrition, and rest. At each step, my goal is to try out new habits, record my progress, and refine my overall approach. Of course, perfectionism would lead to unattainable goals and burnout while setting my sights too low would simply be fooling myself. While it sounds trite, moderation will be key.

So, onwards and upwards! Read, follow, and enjoy.

Peace,
Atabet