Matters Of The Heart

February is the month of love, the month to take time to share a special moment with our sweetheart and to reflect on the matters of the heart. Our heart is the foundation of our lives, emotionally and physically. It is the pump house for our body's fuel and the keeper of our spirit. It energizes us through life's daily demands and can maintain and console us through life's sorrows and heartaches. Our heart is constantly working to sustain and guide us to the life we are meant to live. This month along with celebrating your love for those around you, celebrate and honor the sacred place that makes love possible. Today, I want to share with you these self-care tips for the heart. Nourish it with great food - As you know, deep fried, fatty foods can clog arteries that block the flow of blood to our major organs. This month pay special attention to your nutrition with lots of fruits, veggies, lean meats and fish. Pass on the french fries, fast food, high sugar and high fat foods. Ask yourself, "Is this food something that will help or hurt my heart?" Make the connection with the fact that what you eat absolutely affects your health. Your heart deserves the best so make your food choices with that in mind. Do something you love - Our heart rejoices when we do. Every time we experience joy, it positively affects our health and well-being. It relaxes us and decreases stress, not to mention adds joy to our lives. Get out there and find something to do that is fun and brings you pleasure. It may be participating in a favorite activity or having lunch with your girlfriends. Whatever it is, schedule it in no matter how busy a month you have. Your heart will thank you for it. If you want to learn more about finding your passion, check out my book YumME MumME Makeover at www.seekingbalance.ca Get moving - There is nothing the heart loves more than to get that blood pumping. Exercise is a must so that the heart can sustain you in living a long, healthy life. Grab a friend and go for a lunch time walk or get the kids outside for a game of tag. Enjoy a morning run or a round of golf with your husband. Be creative and think, "How can I get some exercise in to my schedule today?" Consistent exercise strengthens the heart so it can function more efficiently. The more efficient it is, the more energized and efficient you will be. If your energy levels are low and you have the mid February blah's, exercise can relieve and remedy both. Share a piece of your heart - The saying, "it is better to give than receive" are words of wisdom from the heart. Making a contribution, whether big or small, can increase our hearts capacity for love. Contributions can be in the way of time, money, kind words or thoughtful acts. Letting someone know how much you appreciate them can make your heart and theirs a little stronger. Listen to your heart - Spend some time this month connecting with your heart and all its wisdom. As they say, "get out of your head and into your heart". Let your heart be your guide when you have a decision to make or are faced with a particular challenge. Don't try to figure it all out in your head, instead, get quiet and allow the answer to come to you. Have faith that your heart knows what is best for you. This Valentines Day, let it be more than a celebration of love. Let it be a celebration of life. Your life. A life that is like no other. A life that is fueled with love from the heart, your heart and every other heart that passes through. That is one thing we all share, a heart that wants to be loved, accepted, needed and wanted. When yours is strong, you have so much more to share with others. What can you do today to make your heart sing? Happy Valentine's Day.