The first post is probably the hardest. There's so much to say, so many stories to tell, so much information to share, so many directions to take this online journey. I want to be able to reach out and touch so many other people's lives in a positive way, but I'll be thrilled if I'm successful in even making a slight difference to just one person! That's what makes this first post so important, because it will be for many the first exposure to my writing style and the contents of my brain. Mind you, there's a lot of crazy inside this skull, and it doesn't always ooze out in a cohesive manner. So my hope is that if you're still reading at this point, you'll continue, and hopefully be entertained by the maniacally-structured cluster of thoughts and ideas, mingled with stories, research and hopefully a sprinkle of humor. Man, the first post is definitely the hardest. And so is the first step to making big life changes. At least it is for most people I know, including my family. And that's where this story begins...
First a word about who we are. I'm Diego, my wife is Mariela. We have 2 little boys, Bodhi and Taj. We're currently in the process of relocating back to where my wife grew up in west Los Angeles, California, and we're on a lifelong journey to becoming healthier every day. Now, we aren't really experts at this thing called Wellness (yet,) but we are advocates for healthy living. What do I mean? I mean we kind of like to eat good food, play outside, and stay away from things that harm our bodies and minds. No, we're not fanatics, crusaders or activists per se, just a normal little American family hoping to wake up every day feeling good, and doing our part to help others feel the same. That's where this blog comes into play.
The idea really gelled while we were literally on the highway for several days, driving across the country from Florida to California towing a U-Haul trailer overstuffed with our "necessities," excited about starting the next chapter in our lives. The conversation might have gone something like this:
Me: "Hey, what do you think about avoiding early, painful, disease-ridden death?"
My wife: "I'm a big fan, let's do that!"
Me: "Sweet! Do you think it might be achievable by making a few small, simple changes in our lifestyle?"
My wife: "Probably. Plus you should also keep your eyes on the road because there's a cow standing in the middle of the highway."
(Swerve)
Me: "Thanks."
My wife: "What if we blog about our journey so that other people can learn from our mistakes and victories?"
Me: "I like where your head's at. Just for clarification purposes, when you say 'we', you really mean 'me', right?"
My wife: "Right. So get started."
So... here it is, we are officially "On the Highway to Healthy," and telling our story as we go. I use the analogy of a highway not only because it was the birthplace of this blog, but also because it illustrates that healthy living and wellness is a journey, not a destination. There are many on-ramps and off-ramps, multiple directions to travel, and lots of interesting things and people to encounter. We can chose where to get on, how fast to go, and which exits to take. Don't worry, there are also plenty of rest stops, scenic overlooks and filling stations along the way, because we're going to be on this highway for the rest of our lives! So why did we choose to document our journey for others to read anyway? A couple of reasons actually. 1.) So that others may be inspired by our experiences, and start making decisions that will lead them to a healthier, happier and longer life. 2.) So that we can look back and evaluate our own progress. And 3.) To create a source of accountability, responsibility and motivation for us to keep making those good decisions every day.
And so we say "Welcome" and "Thank you" for choosing to be a passenger along our journey to health and wellness. I'm sorry if you got stuck between the two carseats, but I'm sure if you dig around a little you can find some Cheerios to snack on :)
