It’s that cliche time of year when people have made declarations to change.  Starting something new or ending what isn’t working is relevant to those new beginnings you keep hearing about.  It doesn’t take a new year or even a Monday to get going on change.  Imagine how many diets have been started, how many exercise programs have begun, and how many baby carrots have been snatched off grocery shelves just because a calendar got tossed and replaced by a new one!

 Being healthy is more than monitoring endless calories and fat grams.  It’s a process that takes commitment, dedication and effort in all areas of life.  Take the subject of rest, for example.  If you don’t get enough of it the sags taking residence under your eyes could begin to head further south and you won’t be able to complete those marathon days that a lot of us suit up for.  It’s a grand scheme of cause and effect.  Sapped energy means you’re more likely to sit around when you finally get the chance, instead of maintaining movement.  After all, you’re tired, right?  Have you ever sabotaged your own efforts by saying things like, “Sit? I deserve to lie down!”  Be careful not to let the Lazy Boy consume you.  The chair is named that for a reason. 
Proper rest should give you enough energy to do what you need to do.  Getting caught up in a vicious cycle of sleep deprivation could set you on a course of constantly playing catch up while burning out at the same time.  It’s like trying to light a used matchstick.  We can only give light (and advice, and hugs, and checks for school lunches, and time) if we are rejuvenated daily. 

Now, back to the process.   Commit to change because once you know better, you should want to do better (and feel better!)  Plan to start, and then start your plan!  Take your quality time back from the TV and give serious thought to your desire to improve your health.  Some of us spend half the morning on any given weekday thinking about whose drive-thru we’ll grace at lunch time; screaming our high calorie, cholesterol laden, heart breaker meal orders into a metal box!  Doesn’t your overall health deserve some attention to preserve what’s right, and to conquer what’s wrong? 
Be dedicated to the change.  Find creative ways to deal with temptations as they come.  Ask others for advice, especially those who had success at achieving similar goals.  Don’t let little failures stop you.  Turn them around immediately and let them inspire you to try harder or tweak the method.  Put your best effort into it.  This is your life we’re talking about; your well-being.  Find the balance to good health and be good stewards over your temple. Every single day IS a new beginning.  Forgive yourself for old, damaging habits.  Adopt and apply new habits now.  It’s not going to be easy, but you can do it.  Speak life and conduct your ways towards truly living. You’re worth it!

Posted under Health