Now that the holidays are over for many of us, it is vital we pick a day to relax. We have spent days and sometimes longer, shopping, cooking, cleaning and generally stressing out. Add to that our normal work and household obligations.
Now it is time to sit back and relax. Cooking is probably not necessary with all of the leftovers we have. Plenty to ponder and be grateful for. There are, of course, the gifts we received. There is also time we had with family and friends, or maybe that our family and friends have finally left. Not sure where you stand on that one. Either way, plenty to be grateful for!
The stress we go through during the holidays can drain our body, our mind and our spirit. This can put us in a dangerous position when it comes to our immune system. Have you ever noticed the ‘flu season’ seems to come right after the holidays? Take some time to take care of yourself before your body forces you to. We all deserve health and happiness going into the new year.
This could not be more true! When I am on my way to work in the dark of 4am, and the temperature is well below freezing, I think to myself, “This would be a lot worse if I were sick.” Our health is one of those things we not only take for granted, but seldom notice until it is gone or compromised. The irony of this is that our health gives us so much to be grateful for. This is true even when it is not perfect. For example, I have a bad heart and breathing issues that I will have the rest of my life. I could lament this daily. It would be true and reasonably justified. What would that get me? A life feeling like I was somehow a victim. It would put a dark cloud over every day. Instead, I am grateful that they do not always crop up and that there is still plenty I can do despite them.
In addition, the challenges that our health occasionally provide is a great reminder not to take it for granted. It is also a reminder that to a large extent we have control over our health. It is said that up to 90% of disease is lifestyle driven. Therefore, despite what big pharma may wish for you to believe, our health is not the result of proper pharmaceutical regimen, but one of a healthy lifestyle. The healthier we live, the less of their products we will need. It will not only help our health, it will help our wallets as well!
Another benefit to focusing on the health we do have and what we are able to do, is that it improves both our physical health and mental health as well. We see our health, and our lives, as one of possibilities instead of one of limitations. This will not only reduce our stress and increase our inner peace, but will provide us motivation to continue our journey of health both mental and physical. Gratitude is one of the best prescriptions for health you can take. By appreciating our health, we are less likely to take it for granted.
Next time you find yourself focused on one of the challenges of your life, remember to pause and appreciate the health that you do have. When you are feeling down because your health is not where you want it to be, remember to be grateful for the health you do have. This will not only lift your spirits, it will open your eyes to opportunities you may miss if you were only focused on illness and problems of life.
Here is another post about freedom. It is the freedom that is controlled by the power of our thoughts. Listening to some motivational content the other morning, I heard a good description of this freedom. The gym is a place a lot of people dread going or find like their are ‘forcing themselves’ to go to. The ironic aspect is that most of the people who feel this way are the people who are reasonably healthy and working to get better. If you find someone who has experienced a major health challenge such as a heart attack or a form of cancer and they realize that the gym offers them the freedom of a healthier lifestyle. It not only allows them the freedom of better mobility and energy, but quite often the freedom of being alive.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are people for which it is too late to attend the gym. Maybe they let their health slide to a point they are no longer able to be mobile, or even worse. If you would give them a chance to go back in time to go to the gym and reclaim their life, they would jump at the chance to do so. If you are constantly chasing pleasure, you have become its slave.
Quite often, the difference between prison and opportunity exists in our minds. Take your job, for example. Many people feel as if they are in prison when they are at work. Studies show that 87% of people dislike their jobs. A simple shift in mindset could great assist us in this matter. If we realize what our jobs afford us to do. With them we can pay our bills to have a roof over our heads, the lights on and food on the table. Another great way to turn our prison into opportunity is to attach a bigger meaning than a simple paycheck to what we do. When I worked more directly with the public at my day job, I focused on bringing as much joy and encouragement to everyone I came in contact with. Knowing I was doing more than earning a paycheck, I was blessing lives, made going to work a lot more enjoyable. This mentality is one that everyone who works with the public should adopt. Judging by some of the service I have received lately, it is one many choose not to. Viewed simply, you have to be there because you are getting paid. The customer has to be there because they need your good or service. Why not make it the most fun the interaction can be? It will be far more enjoyable for both of you.
Whether it is working out, or working, your mentality has a lot more to do with your situation than even the facts do. Look for the opportunity in every situation and your life will never be the same.
One of the interesting things in life is doing your best to watch something on YouTube, and being subjected with ad after ad. Most of the time these are geared towards something you might be interested in. Maybe something you had searched, or videos previously viewed. In my personal viewing adventures most of them have been political ads of late. Telling me how the world is about to end and if you do not vote for the candidate that sponsored the ad, the blood will be on your hands. Sometimes this is put forth metaphorically, sometimes literally.
Before the election came about, and I am sure once it is gone, my ads were a lot different. Some that always popped up were for dog food. More specifically, fresh dog food. This was either for the Farmer’s Dog or the company owned by actress Katherine Heigl called Badland’s Ranch. The fact that I had to look this up to get the name will assure these ads keep coming. Two of my favorites come from each of the companies just mentioned. One, from Badland’s Ranch, has Ms. Heigl asking the question why dogs lived longer in the 1970s then now. She goes on to explain it has to do with the quality of food they were given. The other, from the Farmer’s Dog, has starts dramatically with the sound of dry dog food being poured into a dog bowl. A booming voice informs us that “No living being should eat processed food for every meal of their lives.” This is a hard point to argue.
There are two other points that these ads brought to mind. First, I do not have a dog at present. I am being shown these ads at least 20 times a day and I do not even own a dog. This is much to Margie’s dismay. The second is what I find both ironic and amusing. These companies, and advertisers, have figured out how important it is to dogs to eat whole, natural food. How limiting the dogs exposure to processed food helps with a range of issues from digestion to problems with their joints and coat. They also recognize the fact that consuming all of this processed food has resulted in a reduction in lifespan.
Here is a crazy thought, how come we do not see ads for this in humans? They have proved that 90% of disease is lifestyle driven. We are currently consuming more processed food than ever before. Insurance companies would rather pay for ads selling you the latest medication, with a million side effects, than to tell you how important eating whole, unprocessed food is. In fact, very rarely are things that promote health covered by insurance. They would rather treat you once you are sick. Which to me sounds more like sick care than health care.
The two things that I want to bring to your attention here are as follows. First, if they have had all of this success with dogs by simply switching them to whole and healthy food, imagine what changes could await you by doing the same. If you can, try to eliminate, or at least limit, your consumption of processed food. Read labels. It should not take 35 ingredients to make meat loaf. Second, is pay attention to everything around you. Even a dog food ad can offer some inspiration.
This picture says a lot. In today’s world, everyone is looking for a quick fix. The latest trend is weight loss injections. No doubt there is some benefit for those whose weight is causing a health emergency, but that is not who seems to be the majority of who is taking it. As a society we are looking for a quick fix. Nobody wants to spend months adjusting their behavior and eating style. Why would you when there is a shot you can take that will do it for you? There are several very important reasons. Let us take a look at a few.
One of the main reasons is the complications these medications can create. There are now stories of individuals suing the makers of these drugs because they will no longer be able to eat regular food, as in the rest of their life. I am sure these cases of negative reactions are far and few between, but that is too much of a risk for me to take. Another reason is what you fail to gain by taking the ‘easy way out’. It takes discipline, control over our own urges and emotions to change our diet and lifestyle. Gaining control over our minds when it comes to eating healthy and being consistent in our workouts will transfer positively into the rest of our lives. You could be more disciplined at work. You could control your emotions in your relationship. These benefits would serve you well.
Lastly, there is the feeling of accomplishment. Engaging in the above discipline will give us something to be proud of. The inner health we accomplish through the discipline of fitness on a consistent level is something to be proud of. Where as taking an injection has both risks, and little in return of health and feelings of accomplishment.
In any endeavor, there is the easy way to get ahead and there is the right way. Very rarely are these two things the same. You could see some benefits when it comes to taking the easy way, but that is usually in the short term and at a cost. Doing things the right way may seem more difficult and take much longer, but what you gain and who you become is what makes all the difference.
Many people complain about the time or effort it takes to improve themselves. As Earl Nightingale said, “the time will pass anyway. ” we should look to find ourselves better at the end of each day. As for effort, it requires sacrifice both to improve and not. As you can see by the examples above. Quite often, the result for not improving is much harder in the long run!
Today, if the thought of improving yourself seems too difficult, remember that there will be sacrifice either way. Cleaning your house is difficult. Having a dirty house and dealing with roaches and rats is far more difficult. Exercising can feel difficult. Having sickness,disease and a broken down body is far more difficult.
Let us take the advice of Earl Nightingale. The time will pass anyway. The question is, where will you be at the end of it?
Here is an example why choosing the right partner in life is so important. Recently, Margie and I had a text exchange the revealed an interesting truth that many of us might be struggling with. Margie has been doing an amazing job of living a healthier lifestyle. I am beyond proud of the amazing job she is doing. In doing so, she discovered one of the greatest obstacles to her success. The irony of this obstacle is it was the very thing that enabled her to persevere in many other areas of life. It was, indeed, a double-edged sword.
What was this double-edged sword that my lady both fought with and could also slay any chance she had at being successful with adopting a lifestyle that would allow her to reduce her stress, live longer with her children and grandchildren and have more energy? Her independent mindset. As she so eloquently stated, she never had anyone in her life telling her, “No you should not do that.” This served her in many ways. It helped her to develop the belief in herself she needed to start her own DJ and cake business. When people told her that she might not be able to learn the skills necessary her inner response (and often outer response because that is how my lady works) was, “Nobody can tell me what to do.” This works great for many situations, such as starting your own business. Without it, she might have fell victim to other people’s doubts, limitations and superstitions. It also helped her develop a belief in herself and a sense of independence.
Like many things in life, this independent spirit can be a double-edged sword. If used improperly, it can close our minds to considering and learning anything outside of what we believe to be true. I will also prevent us from changing behaviors that we know deep down are not serving us for fear we will look wrong. Not only to others, but more importantly, to ourselves. Telling ourselves and others, “Nobody is going to tell me what to eat.” or “Nobody is going to make me exercise!” may make us feel powerful. We may even resist doing something we know would be healthier. Why on earth would we do that? If you are using the independent spirit improperly you may worry about doing something they told you to. You may also fear something bigger. The fact that the way you chose to live your life was not the best way. This can be hard for any of us.
To admit our personal identity is flawed, may seem like a failure. I disagree. In my humble opinion, I view as “I am awesome and I just found a way to level up!” As great as any of us are, we cannot know everything about everything. Being stubborn and inflexible may seem powerful, like a mountain. What can wear away a mountain? The most flexible material on earth – water. We must grow and develop. Many times that means accepting the fact that we did not make the best choices in the past. Does that mean you are a failure? No. It means you are getting better.
In many cases of self-improvement, our own worst enemy can be between our own two ears. It can be difficult to overcome a certain mindset. Especially if that same mindset has allowed us to achieve many of our accomplishments. It is a struggle, as my lady will attest to. It involves developing a great deal of self-discipline. This is true freedom. Not letting others master us may seem like the ultimate power. Mastering ourselves, growing and evolving, that is the ultimate power. My lady is doing it. You can too!
I always enjoyed the beginning of a boxing match when the Master of Ceremonies introduces the fighters. “And in this corner….” It has such a feel of pomp and circumstance. Wouldn’t it be fun to be introduced like that everywhere you go?Imagine walking into work and you hear over the intercom, “Now entering the office…number one in sales…it is Jane!” This example only works if your name is Jane, but I think you can get the idea. This sounds great until you hear the next line, “Weighing in at….” Not many of us would want our weight broadcast to every room we enter.
Today marks the end of a four-week journey of health and fitness that Margie and I were on. It came from a local gym called Peak Physique. The owner was named ‘Trainer of the Year’ in our city. He is also a good friend. It included a meal plan and fitness classes. This will be our second time we took part. The difference between the two experiences was night and day. The first time, we followed everything by the book. We were focused on the result. We wanted to lose some weight and win the challenge. It felt like we were constantly in the kitchen or grocery store shopping for ingredients. In short, it felt like a sacrafice.
Fast forward to four weeks ago. We came into this challenge better prepared and informed. We also brought something more important with us – a better attitude. We gave ourselves a little more freedom with the menu. We stuck to the dishes recommended, but did the ones we learned that we liked from the previous time. Our focus was not on ‘winning a challenge’ or even so much on ‘losing a certain amount of weight, but more so on becoming more healthy. Instead of sacrifice, it felt like an adventure. Were there times it was a challenge to bring our sore bodies to workout? Sure. When that happened, we focused not on winning a challenge, but on how much healthier our bodies were becoming. We were falling in love with the process.
The truth is that we already feel like winners before we even get on the scale. Taking control of your health and what you put in your body can be a challenge, but like we discussed with emotions, if you eat solely for pleasure, you are constantly chasing that ‘high’. Not only will it take more of the food, but sweeter and more decadent food to achiever the same amount of pleasure. Then, the food controls you. In your head you know that it is making you unhealthy, but you are at the mercy of your emotions and your cravings, you become a slave. When you learn to eat to fuel your body, your strength, your health and your immune system, you take back control. You use food and not the other way around.
This is a very difficult struggle for many. It is okay to indulge on occasion. Just make that the exception and not the rule. Once you begin to turn it around, you will be amazed at the positive changes taking place in your life. Tony Robbins once said, “Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.” Eating that sugar and deep-fried food may sound fun and pleasurable, but at what cost? A body full of inflammation and sickness? Is that worth it? Becoming healthy is a process. You must be patient with yourself and your body. Those cravings will stick with you. After all, they have had their way for years. Everyday you get a little bit stronger. Everyday you get a little healthier. Be proud of yourself for every accomplishment you experience on your journey toward a healthier you. If you want guaranteed success, do what Margie and I did – fall in love with the process.
Here we are, mid-week. Your energy might be starting to slip. I know that happens to me. It is time to ask ourselves some tough questions. Are we relying too much on stimulants to keep us going? Are we using a 5 hour energy for our salad dressing? Are we even having salad? Maybe we are choosing convenience over quality for our food choices? Who has time to make a meal at home when you can just swing by and pick up a burger? Are the foods we are eating robbing us of energy and more importantly, our health?
Our diet is one of the things that can affect every area of our life. The wrong foods can make us feel sluggish and bloated. They can cause inflammation in the body and give us aches and pains. The wrong food can lower our immune system and make us more vulnerable to a whole host of different illnesses. I understand that choosing healthy options can be more expensive, both on the wallet and on the clock. Ask yourself what they alternative is. Are we trading our time and money for health and true energy?
It is not all doom and gloom. Food can be some of the most helpful tools to live an amazing life. You do not have to be on a strict diet, or even the latest fad diet. If you find your energy starting to slip mind week, or you are starting to feel run down, it might be what you are feeding yourself. An important question to ask yourself when choosing what to eat is, “Am I eating this for fuel or for entertainment?” In other words, are you eating something because you love the texture, the taste or even the fun packaging and the little cartoon characters that do the commercials? Perhaps thinking what would fuel your body and provide the nutrition it needs to run the best it can would be better? Being healthy make take some thought, and some prep, but it pays off in the long run.
Like all of the areas in life you are trying to improve, it is better to start by adding something healthy than sacrificing something bad. From a psychological standpoint, you feel less like you are depriving yourself, or having to ‘give something up’. From a scientific standpoint, your stomach is only so big. This means, the more you fill it with healthier meals, the less room you will have for the entertaining foods. Soon, you will find yourself making the entertaining foods the exception and not the rule.
Look up some healthy recipes today. Start with one meal. Replace the junk you are putting in your body, with something that will nourish it and help it serve you the best. Make sure you are getting enough fiber and water. Try to pick some foods that are gently detoxifying. That way you will help your body help itself. When you are pouring stimulants in a body that is full of a terrible diet, it is like putting premium gas in a car that has no oil. Eventually, you are going to break down. Remember to ask yourself if you are eating for pleasure or for health and fuel. It is ok to eat some things for pleasure. Just make sure they are the exception and not the rule. Feel free to share any healthy dishes you enjoy. Especially ones that give you a little boost of energy.
Coming up on the first full weekend of the new year. How are those resolutions going? Hopefully you made it a full 2 weeks. One of the reasons resolutions, or goals, fail is that we rely too much on motivation. Once motivation starts to fade, we are often unable to stay committed to our end result.
A great way to make sure that we stay on the path to our goals is to set up habits that serve us. Think of your goal for the new year. Is there a small habit you could set up to keep you moving in the right direction? Simple examples are swapping your coffee for green tea if you want to cut down on caffeine. Parking future away at stores if your goal is to increase your steps. Pick a time to tell your spouse one thing you are grateful for if your goal is to increase the appreciation in your relationship.
What is your goal? Is there a simple habit you can start before the motivation begins to fade? Let’s make the new year a success!
SECRET 2 AN AMAZING LIFE 