Today we’re reflecting on all matters of the heart and to embracing the passions and dreams that drive us. Because, in the grand symphony of life, unexpressed heartfelt matters might be a silent con- tributor to heart dis-ease.

In the realm of health and wellness, the heart often takes center stage, both metaphorically and literally. As a dietitian for 30 years, I have learned that heart health goes beyond just prescribing the right foods for a healthy heart. It transcends the physical aspect by delving into the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit. In essence, it’s about acknowledging that your heart matters not only in terms of what you eat but also in how you live your life.

Passion, Dreams, and Goals: The Heart- beat of Life

Nourish to Flourish or Flourish to Nour- ish either way, a well-nourished is about the emotional and spiritual fulfillment that comes from living a life true to your heart’s desires. When you live with in- tention, your heart beats with purpose, and your desire to flourish can lead to the desire to nourish. Like a domino ef- fect, putting your dreams and goals first can help the desire for healthier food fall into place.

Passion is the pulse that keeps life vibrant and meaningful that some might call the spirit of life. It’s the force that propels us towards our dreams, creating a life rich in purpose. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of our passions or put them on hold. This neglect can have implications for our overall well-being, potentially affecting the health of our hearts.

Take a moment to reconnect with your passions. What activities make your heart race with excitement? What dreams have you tucked away in the recesses of your mind? For many of you, it might be finishing that book. Setting and achieving goals, whether big or small, can reignite the flame of passion.

Expressing Your Life: A Buffer Against Heart Dis-ease

An unexpressed life may contribute to a sense of dis-ease, affecting not only mental health but also having physio- logical implications for the heart. Stress, anxiety can result from unfulfilled desires and can manifest as tangible health issues. Therefore, it’s essential to find outlets for expression.

So how do you do that? Well, I recom- mend starting your day with journaling or a short meditation. I also know that having hobbies can serve as powerful tools for emotional expression and stress relief for the spirit and mind. It is easy to think you don’t have time for hobbies because there is always work to do, but you are more clear-minded and productive when you step away from your work and focus on something completely different. When you create space for these activities, you provide your heart with the freedom to beat to its own rhythm, unburdened by the weight of unspoken emotions.

But let’s not forget that we also have to eat properly. After all, I am a dietician and I do pay attention to nutrition.

I have many tips that I recommend for proper eating and lifestyle that can not only help in your journey to maintain heart health (like eating more fish, nuts, fruits and veggies) but they can also help to boost your energy levels so that you can get through your workday with more focus.

To get a downloadable tips sheet plus some of my recommended recipes for starting your day for your heart to Nourish to Flourish, go to https://www.kariecassell. com/nourish-february-2024

I also have included a short medi- tation to listen to that will help you start your day.

About the Author

Karie Cassell Dietitian, Life Coach and Author of the #1Bestseller-The Domino Diet. “A dietitian on a mission, bringing back heal back in health and the true meaning of the word diet.”