Austin and the "Healthy Living Revolution"

Hey, I helped start this Healthy Living Revolution.

I moved to Austin in the 1970s. The population back then pushed 300,000 souls. Now we are pushing a cool 1,000,000. And I do mean a cool million! Austin wreaks with coolness, hipsters everywhere you look. Went to see a film yesterday at the Alamo Drafthouse, a movie theater so hip, while you watch the film, a beer you can sip. Just don't talk or look at your cellphone during the movie! Tattoos, beards, and youthful energy flew freely.  The Law of Attraction at work....

Austin had an early reputation as an open-minded outlook, deep in the heart of Texas. Texas seemed a  "loose-limbed" place, as stated by songwriter Michelle Shocked. Texas offered more space and psychological freedom than my crowded Long Island, New York, my point of origin.

Austin proved to be fertile ground for progressive thinking and a relaxed lifestyle. Willie Nelson helped the hippies and rednecks get along on speaking terms. Relaxed lifestyle for me meant working 20 hours a week as a waiter. I had serious free time-- for  enjoying my own thoughts and sharing vegetarian meals with friends.

Those hippie roots helped turn Austin into an "Idea City," a phrased used to describe Austin  GSD&M, a  homegrown advertising agency. One of Austin big ideas-- Living a Healthy Lifestyle-- means we learned how to eat well, from mustard greens to lentil beans, and to exercise.  And, yes, we got too self-absorbed, extreme and overly precious about our beliefs.

Portland, Oregon is our sister city, the northwestern version of Idea City.

I am amazed at how other places took so long to catch the wave. But they do catch up. Word has gotten out. Information travels quickly these days.  A few big ideas:

1) Healthy living could help solve the diabetes crisis.
2) Healthy living could remedy the obesity crisis in a hurry.
3) Healthy living is more cost-effective than doctor visits and hospital visits.
(Though doctors and hospitals are great when they are most needed.)

It ain't rocket science... but 1/2 hour or more of exercise per day and eating a plant-based diet and you've punched the ticket to a more enjoyable life.

I'm glad I live here!