For the most part (with noted exceptions), Cherokee people are incredibly positive. I find this elsewhere around Indian country as well. Communities full of people that for many generations, have every reason to get down on life, but they still focus on the positive and enjoy a deep belly laugh regularly.

Resiliency is a good word, but it doesn’t quite capture exactly what I’m talking about. Resilensy envisions survival, recovery, getting back to the original. I’m looking for a word that includes all of that, but that also communciate an uncanny ability to spring forward with a better tomorrow in mind.

I’ve only known Dora Smith-Patzkowski for a couple of years. She’s a first-term Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for District 12 which is the northwest portion of the Cherokee Nation, including Bartlesville and Nowata.

I always pay close attention to our leaders, even if they don’t represent me or my district. I do enjoy law and politics, but I’m most interested in community leaders as people: What makes them tick? What can we learn from simply observing each other in our professional and personal lives? I presume there is something I can learn from everyone.

Dora and I seem to be kindred spirits in many things, but one in particular: We know that when we look back at the happiest times in our lives, it also corresponds with times we were consistently exercising. Call it endorphin addiction. Call it being healthy. Call it what you want. It’s true of many of us and that common thread weaves in and out of almost every health story posted to this blog.

I asked Dora to share some thoughts on being healthy, particularly for those at the very beginning of their health journey. Here’s Dora’s thoughts on going from baby steps to long term commitment and the snowball effect of healthy routines:

“When a person feels ready to commit to exercising, start on a small scale. There are many exercises you can work into your everyday routine, lunges to and from the bathroom, squats, do some arm workout while you are looking at a screen…once you are doing these things on a regular basis, then decide if going to a gym is what you are ready to do.

If you choose to go to a gym you will notice people that are in good shape. Watch what they do and how they do it, most of them do not mind if you ask them questions.

When you exercise, the endorphins in your brain are happy and that makes you feel happy. Everyone is different so take the time to try walking, running, yoga, weight lifting to see what interests you.

Many times, life has diverted me from my exercise routine and then I would begin to remember that I truly was happier in life from my dedication to exercise.

Your routine should start small to keep your interest going. The biggest part of toning up is better eating habits. Cut out the pop for just one week along with some good long walks and you will start to feel it.

Get busy, for yourself!!”