6 minute read
SIMPLE ACTS CAN
Simple Acts Can Change the World
by Julie Peterson
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It’s easy to feel small and helpless in a world full of big problems, but there are simple, daily actions we can take to change it for the better. BE THE CHANGE. If the park needs more shade, ask permission to plant a tree. If there is trash on the sidewalk, pick it up. An eyesore building could be a community art project. The possibilities are endless. Sometimes the very things that we complain about can be turned into action items, improving conditions for everyone. Fix something. CHOOSE GRATITUDE. It’s difficult to miss the news as it pops up on phones, computers and TV. But media outlets can offer a repetitive loop of negativity and conflict. When exposed to this for hours, it can erode faith in humanity and hope for the future. To prevent feeling a sense of soul-crushing doom, we must tune out of the constant chatter. Select 30 minutes every other day to read news. We will become more positive if we spend the former news time listening to music or writing in a gratitude journal. Appreciate the good. FIND COMPASSION. When there is no shortage of road rage, angry customers and political divisiveness, don’t engage. We never know what another person has gone through in life or earlier that day. Don’t be a judge; be a vector to peace. Let the driver merge, let others be right, let our buttons get pushed without escalating the situation. Loving kindness for others involves wishing them health, happiness and safety. It doesn’t need to be outwardly expressed; it can be an internal thought. Respect everyone. BE KIND. Perhaps there is someone that would appreciate a meal or help with chores. Offer time without expectation of a reward. Random acts of kindness can be done anonymously: pay the toll for the next car, deliver a care package, donate supplies to a local nonprofit or simply smile at strangers. Give freely.
Every time we fix, appreciate, respect and give with a genuine heart, there is a ripple effect. Everyone we touch feels better. Moving forward, these people likely will be kinder to others. Envision each genuine act pouring forth like a wave of light, gathering momentum as others add their light. Imagine it can wash over the Earth, touching everyone. We can make a difference. Start now.
Julie Peterson is a Random Acts of Kindness activist (RAKtivist.com), an assistant to the Wisconsin Kindness Angel and an advisor for Kindness Bank, a nonprofit invested in improving community health and well-being.
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A Holistic Framework for Raising Healthy Kids
by Sheila Julson
No longer a new trend or just for hippies, holistic parenting is for anyone that wants to set their children on a lifelong path toward good health through natural lifestyle choices and sustainable living. While attitudes and approaches toward holistic parenting might vary slightly, being educated and cognitive of how our choices affect the health of people and the planet can instill lifelong healthy habits.
Christie Potter, an advanced practice registered nurse and a master’s-prepared primary care nurse practitioner, founded Natural Choice Pediatrics in 2019. She says that focusing on nutrition, healthy eating and immune-boosting supplements can go a long way in preventing chronic illness in children. “We advise parents to avoid processed foods, focus on whole food nutrition and eat organic foods whenever possible,” says Potter. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides growing kids with needed nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants.
For parents of fussy eaters, Potter recommends sneaking healthy greens into a fruit smoothie, which can mask the appearance and taste of foods like kale. Supplements such as zinc can help increase the appetite. Potter emphasizes that it’s important to stay physically active every day. Family walks, bike rides and outdoor games can provide exercise, fresh air and vitamin D from the sun. In addition, these activities allow for family engagement and interaction while providing a break from screens and electronics.
Sometimes daily exercise and games still aren’t enough to soothe hyperactive children. For natural, pharmaceutical-free ways to calm them, Potter suggests omega-3 fish oil. “Omega-3 fatty acids work well to help calm children, along with magnesium, minerals and certain vitamins.” Omega-3s can be found in cold-water varieties of fish such as salmon and mackerel, or in flaxseed, chia seed and walnuts.
In addition, parents can play soothing music. Consider genres such as classical, easy listening or even nature sounds. “There is a lot of research that supports how classical music has a soothing effect on kids,” Potter says.
Essential oils such as lavender can provide a sense of calm. In a world full of constant stimulation, learning to sit still and breathe can help kids relieve stress and anxiousness. Meditation, especially for older children, is becoming more common in schools, and can be effective to help children relax and calm racing thoughts.
Potter notes that many local resources for holistic parenting such as Facebook groups of parents are willing to exchange ideas and suggestions about natural lifestyles and allow like-minded moms and dads to bond. She also suggests local indoor play venues such as EQ Kids Playground, an indoor playground in Frisco that designs sensory and inventive play for kids; or KidsStrong, a child development center that incorporates gymnastics into brain, physical and character development for toddlers through pre-teens.
“Also, work with good health care providers that will support your lifestyle and the decisions you make for your children,” Potter encourages. “For the family to engage in a holistic lifestyle, it’s important to have a team approach to feel supported and heard.”
Natural Choice Pediatrics is located at 3535 Victory Group Way, Ste. 305, in Frisco. For more information, call 972-324-3480 or visit NaturalChoicePediatrics.com. See ad, page 11.
Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.
