What I Could Do If...

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Well, now we’re grown up.

And what are you doing? Who are you being?

Is it what you want to be doing?

If not, why not?

There are lots of reasons why we aren’t living the lives we want to be living.
Maybe someday I’ll explore more of them, but today I’m going to talk about just one. And it’s a big one — poor health.

As a kid, it never occurred to us that our health might end up being what would stop us from living our dreams. But unfortunately, that’s the reality for many of us. And truthfully, it’s not just the big dreams. Health issues often interfere with the simple, day-to-day pleasures we used to take for granted.

Are there any ways your health or weight are limiting you now?

These limitations usually come on gradually and we adapt to them without noticing how much they’re limiting us. So jump back 20 years and think about the difference between now and then. Maybe even go back 30 or 40 years. What are some things you used to be able to do easily and comfortably that you can’t do now, or that you now do with pain or struggle?

Now think about what you could do if those health and weight problems were no longer an issue.

I invite you to be specific here. What could YOU do if your weight and health were not an issue?
(Write some things down. It’s okay . . . I’ll wait.)

Sometimes (well, usually) we need a wake-up call before we decide to make significant changes in our lives. Maybe this post will be that for you.

The sorry truth is that most Americans can’t live up to our potential because of preventable and REVERSIBLE health problems.

I’m not talking about just treating our health problems — taking multiple medications and having surgeries and being caught in the medical loop forever — I’m talking about REVERSING the problems. There is a HUGE difference.

The truly great news is that reversing most of our health problems is possible. Our bodies are amazingly resilient and forgiving. Thank goodness! But they can’t do it without us. We need to do our part so they can get on with their healing.

The secret of good health is a healthy lifestyle. It’s not good luck, good genes, or good doctors.

The basis of a healthy lifestyle is a healthy diet. And research shows us that the healthiest diet for humans is based on a variety of whole, unprocessed plant foods: vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and a few nuts and seeds.

Add some healthy exercise (this means moving your body), a positive attitude, enough sleep, and some good friends and you have a recipe for health.

In our high tech world, we find it hard to trust such a simple prescription. We think we need to consult with highly specialized professionals who will each treat one problem or part of our bodies with the latest and greatest drugs or procedures.

But let me ask you, if that worked, wouldn’t Americans all be healthy? We’re taking those expensive drugs. We’re having those procedures. And just look at us.

So I want to encourage you to do something radical: make a decision to choose health.

When you sincerely decide to choose health, this will affect your daily decisions of what you put into your body and how you spend your time. Changing your lifestyle may seem harder than taking pills for the rest of your life, but truthfully, it’s the only thing that will work. The pills can treat symptoms, but they can never return you to health.

So just imagine . . . what could you do that you’re not doing now if your weight and health were no longer a problem? How much more enjoyable would your life be? How would it affect your relationships? Your finances? Your ability to make a difference in the world?

Changing your life means changing your habits. And don’t worry — a habit is just a habit — it can be changed! You’ve already changed many habits, and you can change the ones that have created the health problems you have now.

I know this is true because I’ve changed my own health by changing my habits, and my life is so much better than it used to be. I also help others make these shifts, and just like magic, transformation happens. If you’d like to talk with me about getting help, apply for a free "Spirit of Wellness" strategy call.
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Your childhood dream of what you wanted to be when you grew up may not be what you want for yourself now. But please don’t let your health be what stops you from living your dreams.

It’s never too late to say YES to your life. It starts with making a bold decision, and the rest is details.

A great way to choose health is learn how to eat a health promoting diet in one of my nutrition and cooking courses.

For information on my local classes Click Here.

For information about my online course Click Here.