Project Athena - Day 350 (Selfie Care)

A Nature Walk

Today's Self Care: A Nature Walk

A walk in nature is, for me, the most healing activity I know. The rain let up for a short while today and the sun made a rare appearance here in Northern Colorado. Luckily, I was already out on the trail, determined to connect with the earth today. I think I walked about 2 miles with all the little diversions i took to look at the fast flowing Poudre River which is running out of its banks in places. Can I just say again, even though I have said it many times over the course of this blog, "we have a beautiful Mother" (planet).

Trekking on a Trail by the River
Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 93.2mm • F/11 • 1/500s • ISO 640

Project Athena - Day 349 (Selfie Care)

Recovery Foods!

Today's Self Care: Whole foods with healthy nutrients for speedy healing.

Did you know that injury recovery follows a highly organized and predictable pattern? This is something I have recently learned from my physical therapists who continue to encourage me when I am wanting things to move heal quicker. In both soft tissue and bone recovery, inflammation is the first step in the process of clearing away damaged cells.  After that, recovery is all about building up new, functionally equivalent connective tissue and/or bone.

Nutrition plays a huge role in how quickly these healing processes can take place! Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, zinc, and protein all aid in the bodies recovery from both chronic and acute injuries. The last few days I have had a wide variety of yummy, yet wholesome foods and I have to confess, I can feel a difference in my body.

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Berries!
Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 93.2mm • F/9 • 1/180s • ISO 3200

Project Athena - Day 348 (Selfie-Care)

A Walk in the Garden

Today's self care: A walk, by myself, in one of the most beautiful gardens I know, the Denver Botanical Gardens. I walked at a leisurely pace, I sat and rested when I needed to, I photographed when inspired, I even stretched for awhile in the Japanese Garden. The fresh scent of lilacs hung in the air at every twist and turn in the paths. It was like bathing in a fragrant, warm flower bath. The overcast, cool weather was perfect for shooting although it must have discouraged some folks from coming out because it seemed like I was the only one there today.

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Denver Botanical Gardens

Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 43.9mm • F/22 • .4s • ISO 640

Project Athena - Day 347 (Selfie Care)

Sometimes Action. Sometimes Pills.

I never thought I would see the day when I would take more than 1 pill a month. Now I have 15 pills I take everyday of the week. Granted, most are nutraceutical versus pharmaceutical, but it's still hard for me to swallow these precious gems some days. I have to remind myself  that I love the way they support my body, especially right now!

The Golden Pills

Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 135mm • F/11 • 1/20s • ISO 400