I rarely watch daytime television, but last week I found myself at home in the afternoon to meet a repair man. I turned the television on and I overheard a tagline that caught my attention. The Oprah show was featuring several guests who were making a national commitment on television in front of thousands of people to begin this day to begin living their “best” life.
The words “living your best life” struck me in a way that made me think for a minute. Why would anyone wait to make a conscious decision to “live” their own best life after being on the earth for some time?
I thought about this most of the day and it occurred to me, so many of us are caught up in the daily grind of making a dollar and keeping up with the many demands of family, career, social, church, school, etc., that more often than not, “we” get lost in the shuffle. In every case during the interviews, each person talked about how they neglected taking care of themselves to care for other priorities, and was now suffering the consequences. And, in the case of this particular program, the severe consequences were obesity and a deep personal issue of self care.
In every interview, man or woman, they admitted their challenge was due to the denial of scheduling of personal time. The rude awakening came as each person underwent a comprehensive physical where reality began to sink in. High blood pressure, excessive cholesterol counts and high blood sugar were just a few of the revelations of not taking care of self. Surely each of us have at one time or another has made this same mistake.
It became apparent the ONLY way to take true care of others is to begin by taking care of ourselves. If we can’t make time to exercise and practice healthy eating habits, we rob ourselves of a quality of life only we can provide. Starting this very minute, how would you rate your “taking care of self” factor on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best?
If you are like most of us, you would be lucky to pull a 5 or a 6. I’m sure there are critics saying it would be easier to say than to do. But with that fact, there is an underlying truth making personal care a “no cheating” zone.
You either take care of yourself well, or you don’t. At the end of the day, you are totally responsible for you. No one force feeds you doughnuts, or chains you to the sofa on weekends with a remote taped to your hand. The reality is no one will call you and champion you to take control of your life and live your best day except you.
Why is it women in particular give so much of themselves and their time, that they carve into their very core of health and often happiness? What makes us so willing to deny ourselves our best life so others might have theirs? It’s time for your best life to kick in beginning with your own health, mental, physical and spiritual and begin this moment to live your own best life.
This means setting boundaries to allow the time to take care of self with healthy food, a brisk walk, a fun lunch with an old friend, a few minutes of personal reading or just “sitting” time. You will be of little value if you can’t be around to help those that love you, or worse, having to have them take care of you. Say “no” more than you say “yes,” and change the way your day plays out and find the time for a healthier happier you. You will be much more attractive, much more fun to be around, and yes, happier.
Have a great week-end.
