You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. — Buddha
I recently had a conversation with someone I know, I asked, “If someone asked you what would you say if someone asked you what you would do to save your child’s life or keep them from disease?” Almost everyone would answer that they would do anything to save their child. For those of you who don’t have kids, you can change the question to anyone that you care deeply about. If you were told you could give up M&Ms (as a very simplistic example) and your child would have ten additional years of a quality life, you would never eat another M&M again. I doubt that there would even be the temptation to do so.
So, I’ll ask the question a different way. What would you do to save your own life? We know that bad eating habits and lack of physical activity almost guarantee us, expect maybe a few very lucky exceptions, years taken off of our life, a poor quality of life in which we feel run down, in pain, depressed and suffer low self-esteem. So, why is it so hard to love ourselves enough to decide that we deserve to feel good, look good, and most importantly be healthy and live a good quality of life? My friend answered that it is because death does not seem imminent to any of us. Eating that donut doesn’t have the instant effects that cyanide does but it certainly does have the same effects long-term, when consumed as part of your regular diet.
Lack of activity is certain to bring muscle atrophy and a lack of mobility, pain, and a lack of muscle definition. Do you really want to have to push yourself out of a chair or walk with assistance as you grow older? I realize in some cases disease and disability are not something that we have control over, but in many, many cases, we do.
First, make sure you are asking the right questions when you are thinking about health and wellness. Maybe the question isn’t “how many calories should I consume?” or “what exercises should I do to get lean?” but “what needs to happen for me to feel worthy to dedicate the time and effort to myself to feel good?” Really think about who you are responsible to in your life and what you being healthy for yourself and for them means in the long run.
Next, make yourself a priority. Your workout is as important as brushing your teeth, showering, and the work that you do every day. Buying healthy food really is as easy and affordable as buying junk food (non-food like soda especially). We can all find a lot of excuses to why we can’t (but really why we won’t) take the steps we need to in order to be healthier.
Start with small steps. It’s hard to make big lifestyle changes all at once, but it is really easy to add one little good habit at a time. Start with waking up at the same time each day, or carrying a gallon jug of water (it really does help to carry the jug, both logistically and psychologically), or even going for a 15 minute walk after your dinner each night. Once that becomes a habit, add a little more. You can do it!
Liz Jones is the Wellness Coordinator for the City of Mesquite and a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].