2024: A Year of Growth and Change

 

2024: A Year of Growth and Change

This year was all about transformation, inside and out. I gave up alcohol, dove deeper into my spirituality, and took a much-needed sabbatical to reset. I poured my heart into giving back—sent out over 20,000 pounds of medical supplies to developing countries and built 26 clean water wells in Bangladesh, Nepal, and India.

I learned to meditate(daily), read 158 books, and stayed at my first monastery retreat. My time at Quan Am Nam Hai Monastery - Mindfulness Meditation Practice Center in Panama City, Florida, and an 11-day silent Vipassana retreat in Jesup, Georgia at Dhamma Patāpa was absolutely life-changing. I went vegan, cut my hair off, taught yoga and meditation in Mexico (twice!), built a zen garden, and fell in love with ice baths and saunas.

Even with an ongoing knee injury, I stayed active—hiking, biking, walking, and camping in our new RV. I finished my third doctorate, earned my fifth board certification, and found my true passion for integrative oncology research.

One of the best parts of the year was spending so much time with our Vita and Eddie The Cane Corsos. Sunrise and sunset walks with them became some of my favorite moments.

This year felt so different for us as a couple. We traveled less but appreciated the little things—stopping to smell the flowers, nourishing friendships, and leaning into self-love. It’s been a year of resetting, reflecting, and falling in love with life again.

Here’s to the growth, the challenges, and all the magic this year brought.

I’m looking forward to 2025 with so much excitement—ready to keep growing, deepen the love in my marriage, and make a difference through cancer research. I’m eager to create an even bigger impact through acts of service and continue working toward a better, brighter world.

#newyearsresolutions #growthmindset #reflection #HappyNewYear #reading #meditation #integrativeoncology #drcindyross #alcoholfree #gratitude #yoga #camping #travel

Week 2 & 3- Work Outs

Eight Tips for Running with Diabetes

As promised by the Fat To Fit Radio Show...

Tips for Running with Diabetes

"Walk like you have three men behind you." -Oscar de la Renta

1. Check with your Doctor first. People with diabetes should always check with their healthcare providers before deciding to become more physically active beyond walking. Good health is primary and you want to make sure that you are not at risk for cardiovascular, orthopedic, or other problems.


2. Walk First Then Run. Start by walking and build into running. Walk purposely for about a half an hour then combine walking and jogging, and steadily increase the jogging.


3. Footwear is important. Buy shoes that fit well and are appropriate for running. Talk with an expert and do your research before buying a good pair of shoes.


4. Dress Accordingly. Always wear a reflective vest if you are walking or running at night. The best way to dress while walking or running is in layers. A good way to help with perspiration is to wear absorbent materials close to the skin and wear an outer layer to help protect you from the wind and other elements.


5. Find a good Support Person/Workout Partner. Join a community running group to meet people with the same interest. Invite a friend, neighbor, or colleague and go for walks or jogs during your lunch break. If running a marathon is something that interests you plan to do it with someone who has the experience and has done it before.

6. Set a Goal. Plan a head and set goals for yourself. No matter how big or small for example a five-kilometer road race for charity.


7. Managing your Diabetes. Stay on top of measuring your blood sugar before and after the activity (and during it, if needed). Pack a head a juice, a sports drink, a piece of fruit, or glucose tablets. Keep up with a training log that records your miles and your glucose readings.


8. Listening to your body's needs. Starting slow, being consistent, and managing your diabetes are the best way to see progress with your health and fitness.