One Simple Change

Health isn't easy. It's too hard to do "everything right."  It's just easier and cheaper to do things the fast way...to stick to the status quo. I'll change eventually. I know it's good for me, but I can't change overnight.

These are the excuses I made every day. I kept myself from feeling better. I doubted myself every moment. I figured that everything was ok now, so why bother risking failure if I tried to change? It wasn't good, but it was OK. I'd tried to change my life plenty of times before, but always "failed." If I couldn't stay healthy after my chemo, and 2 years of great physical health, what made me think I could do it again?

Then I made one simple decision. The motivation was cosmetic (I looked bad in my clothes) and financial (I couldn't afford to buy more clothes), but it was a decision nonetheless. I chose to lose weight. And after 5 months, I had lost weight and started to gain health.

I haven't made too many changes since a year ago when I started Nutrisystem. Physically, anyway. But I have some amazing friends who inspire thought and introspection about weight issues, health issues, and body image. Through conversations with them, I have really started to see myself and my body in a different light.

One of these awesome friends was telling me about her personal journey to better health, and our conversation went deeper than physical health. Part of healthy living is taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. Keeping one healthy can help the others, but you can't ignore them.

How can you change your physical, mental, and emotional health? (and even spiritual, if you like) Isn't that a huge shift? That's a lot to tackle!

Sure it is. But it's so much easier if you do it one step at a time. My friends and I have taken our springtime determination to decide to make one simple change every month. Studies show it takes approximately 21 days to turn something into a habit. Or to break one. So by making one simple change per month, and keeping it up, by the end of the year, you've developed 12 new healthy habits to help you on your journey.

For this month, we've decided to work on our emotional and spiritual health, and create a gratitude journal. In that spirit, every day, I will be writing down something/someone I am grateful for. And why. And if I miss a day? No big deal. Just try again. The decision to change your life isn't about right or wrong. No matter what you do in the process, nothing is a "failure." Just by trying, you are already helping yourself and those around you. Each day is a new start.

Today, I'm gonna start big. I'm thankful for my loved ones. My family (by blood and by choice) who sticks with me, even when I get all crazy and feel either hot (inspired and determined) or cold (depressed and unmotivated). Who helps me keep those cold and dark feelings at bay, by supporting me and reminding me of the good stuff. I love you guys.