"The future depends on what you do today."
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Today I'm trying something new - video. I'd love for you to watch the video and then let me know what you think. Do you like this form of communication? Would you like to see more video or do you prefer reading blog posts?
Where Does Health and Wellness Fall on Your Priority List?
I'd also love to get your thoughts about where you place your health and wellness on your priority list. Is it in the top 5? Or are you always letting things you perceive as "more important" take precedence over taking care of yourself?
This is a hard one for many of us. Most of us were raised to believe that taking care of ourselves is selfish. We place anything and everything ahead of our own needs. And we end up paying the consequences.
I was raised by a dad who sacrificed his health and wellness to provide for his family. He wore himself out and died too soon. I'm grateful for all he did for me. But, I wonder how his life and mine might have been different had he been able to value himself - body, mind and soul - more.
So, I'm making it my mission to teach as many people as I can how to take better care of themselves so they can live happier, healthier lives. They say we teach what we need to learn 🙂 While I'm a lot better at taking care of myself now than I was a couple of decades ago I'm still a work in progress. I keep trying.
I want the same for you. I want you to place your health and wellness in the Top 5 of your priorities. (If it's not in the top 5 it's not going to happen.)
I believe one of the main reasons we are facing a healthcare crisis in this country is that we don't value our health and wellness enough. We value most everything - money, work, success, popularity, fame, friends, family, social status, even stuff - more than we value ourselves. Think about it - Do you take better care of your stuff than you do yourself? Pretty crazy, huh?
I think it's one of the main reasons we struggle with our weight too. Losing weight and keeping it off takes a priority shift. If you don't make taking care of yourself a Top 5 priority it's going to be virtually impossible to meet your weight loss goals.
I'm here to tell you that YOU ARE WORTH IT. To give you permission to juggle your priorities. I know it's not easy. But YOU CAN DO IT. Start small. Begin where you are right now with what you have. Don't wait till someday when everything is perfect.
Just Do One Thing Today to Take Better Care of Yourself.
“The future depends on what you do today.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
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Kris
Hi!
I prefer to read a blog because I often like to go back to them and don't want to have to re-watch a video if I'm looking for a small piece of info.
Health & Wellness is number one on my list. I get up an hour before I have to shower to get in my workout each day, and make sure my husband and I exercise (and talk) together on the weekends. It's a great time to connect. I have also helped to create a wellness program at my work so that I have the support (and support others) in that environment as well. We only plan vacations where we can be active and incorporate at least a daily walk or hike and make sure our kids are included in our adventures. I meal plan and shop for WW meals each week and that really helps us to stay on track. It feels like I have two full time jobs at times, but it's worth it. I especially think it's important as I am raising a teenage daughter. She has already had a couple friends with Anorexia and one even ended up in the hospital for half the school year. I want her to learn how to stay healthy, not just skinny.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Kris,
Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job taking care of yourself and your family! My hats off to you. I know what you mean about feeling like you have 2 full time jobs. Taking care of yourself and others takes work. But you are right - It's so worth it. Disordered eating is a challenge for so many of us, but especially teenage girls. Focusing on health and wellness and not just weight is key I think.
Patsie Clark
I really enjoyed the video but I do prefer the posts or blogs so I can take my time and go back and reread over and over until some things sink in more. I absolutely do put my health first for me and my family. I exercise every morning usually 7 days a week. Most of the time I am either exercising or have exercised before everyone else gets up to start their day. It's just me and my husband but we have rescued 2 very precious fur kids that are like our kids. We treat them just like family and I even try to plan healthy meals for them also. It is a struggle sometimes to do all that we have to do each day and planning meals that are healthy and good can be a challenge but I do love doing it. I also keep a log book on what I eat for the day and I also keep up with my water intake. I am 62 years old and am very blessed but have a few health issues but I have great doctors who help me and they encourage me to keep moving and not just lay down when something is achy. I do take care of my body aches and pains but I always try to keep moving. Actually when I do I start feeling better. It was nice seeing a face with your name since I read your blogs lots. Now I feel like we have really met. Thank you for posting all that you do to try and help us that are trying to help ourselves.
Martha McKinnon
Hi Patsie,
Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know that you prefer the posts. I feel like I will focus mostly on writing but want to begin adding the occasional video because I feel like some things are easier to "say" then to "write" 🙂 I love that you are committed to taking care of yourself and your family including your furry kids! You are right that it's not easy, but I think it's worth it, don't you?