For the entire month of February I posted health tips on Facebook. Unfortunately, I’m not sure many people read them. It is the craziest thing! If I talk about the beauty of the blue sky, 45 people will “like” it. If I talk about how much water we should drink, a mere 3 people will respond.
Why is it we have so much fascination with the things we can’t control, and so little interest in the things we can? It’s like we live our whole lives on autopilot, just waiting to receive whatever heads our way. When instead we can take the controls and be proactive – especially regarding our health.
I’m right in the boat with you. In January I received my mammogram reminder card. Everyday I say to myself, I need to call and schedule my appointment. At the end of the day, I mentally move it to the next day. I’m not avoiding it. I just haven’t prioritized it. Now, before I get deluged with emails – I am going to call. I promise. I’m also going to call and schedule my eye exam, my dental appointment and my annual physical.
Yeah, I’m a bit behind. Which lets you know I’m not chastising, I’m commiserating. It seems in my 40’s I could have a doctor visit of some kind nearly every month. But you know what? I’m grateful to be going to the doctor’s office versus them coming to see me in the hospital. I’m also grateful for health insurance and access to good medical care, something I haven’t always had and will never take for granted.
So I’m bad on scheduling doctor’s visits but doing great exercising again. Zumba is such fun!! And now I’m into yoga. I wish I could say I’ve reached that Zen-like state where the world just drops away as I happily contort into unnatural positions, but no. My mind empties because I can’t think about anything but staying upright while I reach my hand toward the ceiling, lean forward and precariously balance on one leg. Trust me, it’s not pretty — yet!
You see? We’re all a work in progress. I just want to make sure we’re all progressing in the right direction. And I guess I’m concerned that we’re taking our health for granted rather than treasuring it for what it is – a precious gift.
Still, I am hopeful. I continue to believe that when we band together in passionate purpose there is nothing we can’t do. With that in mind, I’m asking you to join me in doing just one thing to make a difference in your health each day. It doesn’t have to be much, just a baby step forward to a healthier you.
I know we’re sick unto death with someone preaching to us about what we should and shouldn’t do, what’s good for you and what’s not, and what we can and cannot eat. Many of us have tried a trillion times to change our habits, and each time slid back to our old ways. It is okay. We are going to fail our way to success! I don’t care how many times we forget, fall down, make bad choices, or sit on the couch instead of going for a walk. We are going to keep getting back up. Because this is the long game, and we’re in this for life. We’ve got to do what we can, while we can, to take care of us.
Because really, what’s the alternative? Who wants to live to be a hundred and not have the strength to enjoy it? No way! We want to live the abundant life until God calls us home.
I know there are many things in this life we can’t control. Illnesses come out of nowhere and lay us low. Cancer strikes with a randomness that is terrifying, and all too often our babies are born with burdens that seem too much to bear. For those situations, we can only pray and provide support for the important research that may one-day lead to cures.
But let’s not push aside the things we can control. I can pick up the phone and make my appointments. We can change our food choices. And most of us can walk around the block a time or two. Loving ourselves enough to take care of us doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming or difficult. Just start small with something that makes sense for you.
Will you join me in doing just one thing to make a difference in your health? We can do it! I’ll encourage you, you can encourage me, and together we can start a wave of change across our world. Let’s get healthy together, one step at a time.
Loving on Me as I Love You! ❤
PS – Connect with us on Twitter @iamlovingonme with your tips on small choices that equal big changes! Wishing you beautiful moments daily of peace, love and serenity.
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