Category Archives: Wellness

Living Through Change

August 1, 2011 – 11:35 pm

A friend and I recently met for dinner and chatted about what was going on in our lives.  The topic that dominated our conversation was how much change we both have experienced during the last few years.  Whether we like it or not, change occurs.  Some change we welcome with open arms.  Other change we avoid at all costs until we realize that we have no choice in the matter.  Regardless of whether we view a change as good or bad, living through it can be stressful.  If we are not careful we can lose our sense of stability and well-being.

I shared in an earlier post that a few changes recently took place in my life.  The changes were good, and I readily embraced them.  But even good change is change, and at times I felt off balance.  How did I survive the changes?  To the extent possible, I continued to do the things that I normally do that keep me calm and grounded.  When I stepped back and looked at my daily routine, I realized that there are seven simple but powerful habits that I do that help to keep my sense of peace and well being intact.

Habit #1  Pray
Each day is a gift, and I start it with a prayer.  I thank God for the day, and I ask Him to direct my steps.

Habit #2  Feed My Body
I figured out early in life that I cannot focus when I am hungry.  I feed my body “good for me” food throughout the day.  For me this usually means three meals and two or three snacks.

Habit #3  Be Quiet And Still 
Constant noise and movement can frazzle the most relaxed person.  I step away from the noise of the day and take a deep breath.  Even five minutes away from all of the buzz can stop or slow down the frenzy that we often find ourselves in.

Habit #4  Feed My Spirit And Mind
It is not just our bodies that need to be fed.  I want to maintain a positive attitude and state of mind, so I need to take in nourishment for my spirit and mind.  One of the ways that I do this is by reading something uplifting and inspiring everyday.

Habit #5  Tap Into The Power of Love
There is no greater power or support than love.  It is important to give and receive love.  Whether in-person or by phone or internet, I communicate with loved ones everyday.

Habit #6  Laugh
Laughing is good for the body, spirit and mind.  It decreases stress, and that helps to strengthen the body’s immune system.  I find a reason to laugh everyday whether it is by reading a funny story, watching a sitcom, or hanging out with people who love to have fun.

Habit #7  Pray Again
I end the day the way that I start it.  I pray.  I thank God for carrying me through the day, and I talk to Him about the events of the day.  Ending my day with prayer helps me to release my concerns and prepares me for a good night’s sleep.

This is what I do to help me stay calm.  What are the things that you do on a regular basis to keep your balance?  These are the things that can help you maintain a sense of peace and security during the uncertainty that sometimes accompanies change.

“Change brings opportunity.” – Nido Qubein

Blessings!

See.  Live.  Enjoy.

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When The Living Is Easy

July 23, 2010 – 11:41 am

I’m in my Nike workout clothes, but I’m not in the “Just Do It” state of mind.  I’m dreading today’s workout.  I think it’s going to be a bit challenging.  You see it’s time for me to increase the incline and resistance on my elliptical walker.  After weeks of doing the same routine and working out at the same intensity level, I hit a plateau in my fitness quest.

I work out three to four days a week, and I put in at least 30 minutes on my elliptical walker each workout.  The time, energy and effort paid off.  I’m much more toned and physically fit.  When I started my workout program three and a half months ago I was twelve pounds heavier and could only do 15 minutes on my elliptical walker at the lowest settings.  I’m pleased with my progress, but I still have a few more pounds and inches to lose.

Sometimes in life as in a workout routine we hit a place where everything seems to flow without much effort or energy on our part.  The living is easy and we get comfortable.  If we are not careful we get too comfortable and it becomes difficult to move beyond where we are even when we know that our current routine will not get us where we want to be.  Unfortunately for me, I don’t enjoy working out, so I would be content to stay in my present workout comfort zone.  But the reality is that I to have move beyond what has become somewhat of a leisurely stroll on my elliptical walker if I want to reach my fitness goals.  I may not enjoy the additional challenge of kicking up my workout, but I know that I will be pleased with the results that show on my body and in my health.

What comfort zone are you in?  Are you delaying a goal or saying no to a new opportunity just to stay with what you know?  Whether it’s a career change, a new relationship, or a different workout routine, many of us opt to continue with the status quo because it’s easy even if what we’re doing will not get us to where we want to be.  We can come up with plenty of reasons for staying where we are.  “Now is not the right time.  I don’t have enough money, education, experience…” The list of why we cannot or should not do something is endless.

But rather than focusing on the ‘why nots’ lets look at the ‘what ifs’.  What if we step out and do something new?  We may find that the living is easier in our new place and that staying in our comfort zone may be doing us more harm than good.  Not all change is easy or right for us, but sometimes change is necessary if we want to do something that we’ve never done before.  Life is about growth and growth brings change.  So lets venture outside of our comfort zone and change it up!

“Insanity:  Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein

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