Sep 26

Sep 26 Episode #31: The Tenets of Happiness! Tenet Two: Physical Health

Welcome to the second of four episodes focusing on happiness. Last week, Grace and Alvina talked about the first tenet of happiness: spirituality. This week they dive into tenet number two: physical health. Since Grace prefers to exercise outside, they decided to record this unique episode while taking a nature walk together. It worked out perfectly since Alvina was visiting in Northampton and they could walk on a trail that Grace routinely exercises on.

Grace and Alvina walking and talking in Northampton, MA!

The walking and talking was inspired by Steve Sheinkin who conducted a series of interviews while walking and then created a graphic novel of the walk. He once walked and talked with Grace and you can find that interview here!

Grace and Alvina swap stories about how and when they like to exercise and what makes them feel physically the healthiest. Grace has decided that running is no longer going to be her main form of exercise as it hasn’t been too kind to her knees. She has discovered that a balance of yoga and long morning walks in nature make her feel the best. Alvina loves to get her run out of the way bright and early in the mornings so she feels her best throughout the day. They also shared stories about how sometimes when they were not healthily eating because of emotional distress at times in their life (like losing their husbands), people often commented how great they looked. “Great” meaning skinny, not necessarily healthy.

It is the anniversary of Robert’s death next week and Grace is often reminded of her health when she thinks of him. She focuses on longevity when it comes to her health because she wants to be around for such a long time for her daughter. “Life is short”, Grace believes and wants to make sure it’s a very full and and healthy one.

As usual, the book friends end with what they’re grateful for this week. Grace is grateful that she is alive and able to see all the little things and the big things that Robert has sadly missed out on. Alvina is grateful for all the wonderful urban planners who have created such amazing places in the city to walk in and be able to connect with nature.

2 Minute Book Reviews by Alison Morris!

“When You Are Brave”- by Pat Zietlow and Eliza Wheeler.

Morris is a nationally recognized children's book buyer with an infectious enthusiasm for reading and 20 years' experience matching books to readers. As the Senior Director of Title Selection for nonprofit First Book, she oversees the curation of children’s and young adult books on the First Book Marketplace, hand-selecting a diverse range of titles that speak to and address the needs of kids in underserved communities, with a keen eye to inclusion, authenticity, and kid-appeal. She previously served as Senior Editor at Scholastic Book Clubs, Children's Book Buyer for Wellesley Booksmith and The Dartmouth Bookstore, and was the founding blogger of the ShelfTalker children’s book blog for Publishers Weekly. She'll be joining us from her home near Washington, DC where she spends LOTS of time discussing books with her husband, illustrator and graphic novelist Gareth Hinds.