Years ago, I received a precious gift from a dear friend. Sea glass — tiny remnants of glass smoothed and refined by the elements — collected in a tiny bottle and made into a beautiful necklace. Along with this elegantly-wrapped gift was a note that reads in part: “Tossed around … broken … tumbled … carried to places where it didn’t want to go. This is the life of sea glass. And this is the story of life … and the things that shape us into treasures.”
These tiny stones remind me of other treasures you and I get to enjoy as we look forward to a new year:
New knowledge. Each year, we learn more about the science of food and nutrition and how substances in food sustain our minds and bodies. And as we begin to translate these findings into daily habits, we can start to grasp the achievement of renewed energy and health.
Chocolate. Hallelujah! Cocoa — the fat-free part of the cocoa bean — is rich in antioxidant substances that absorb scary-sounding free radical molecules. This process helps guard the cells in our bodies from the damage inflicted by daily living. Look for a higher level of cocoa in a product and you’ll reap a higher level of these beneficial antioxidants.
Moderation in all things. As my grandfather taught me, “too much of anything (including chocolate) is not good for you.”
Sharing. Food is an important part of holiday celebrations. And even though our household has had less family around this holiday season, it has given us an opportunity to share more with close friends.
Gratitude. What a great surprise to receive small yet meaningful gifts from friends afar! Scientists tell us the practice of thankfulness not only brightens our day, it boosts our health.
Making old new. My daughter-in-law passed on some yummy-sounding old recipes from her side of the family. Let us never get too old or stuck in past expectations that we fail to move into new ways of cooking, thinking or relating with others.
Importance of time. These days and years are a precious few. In this new year, let me not get so bogged down with trying to make everything perfect that I don’t take time for a cup of tea with a friend.
New beginnings. Here’s a great resolution. Learn to forgive. And that includes ourselves. There is much comfort in knowing we can start anew each day.
Hope. As we finish the hustle and bustle of this season and approach the new year, may we find peace in the days ahead. Where we find ourselves now may not be what we had anticipated or planned. But it may very well be the place where treasures are found. Here’s to your health and happiness in the New Year!
Barbara Quinn-Intermill is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator affiliated with Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. She is the author of “Quinn-Essential Nutrition” (Westbow Press, 2015). Email her at to [email protected].
