#changesforlife

     There comes a time in our lives when we start thinking about things like savings, retirement, mutual funds or stock portfolios. In looking ahead we realize that we need to invest in our future – so we do. While financial security is important, we don’t seem to give the same attention and focus to our bodies and health – as long term investments that will also sustain us in the future. Sure, it would be convenient if we could just run down to the “personal health bank” every so often and replenish ourselves – fill out a slip of paper, talk to the nice lady, and walk out perfectly groomed and manicured with a wallet full of good health. But it doesn’t work that way. Investing in yourself takes time, effort and intention. Maybe that’s why we are so reluctant to do it. Yet we will continue to invest in others, at our own expense, until we are overdrawn.  Why does self-care always seem to take a back seat?

     Practicing self-care means being intentional about taking time for yourself. On your terms. Doing for yourself, as you do for others. Self-care leads to good health – yet we continually push ourselves to the bottom of our own to-do list. Investing in good health doesn’t mean you have to diet and exercise – two of my least favorite words. Healthy living is just that – living healthy. This looks different for everyone, and is probably easier than you think. We just have to be willing to tune in and listen to our bodies a little more. Our bodies are amazing at communicating with us, and can tell us everything we need to know about our health. The problem is we either haven’t learned to listen, or we are just flat-out ignoring the message. At first the message comes as a little voice in your head – light, gentle and informative. Like a flight attendant, the first time they announce that it’s time to put your seats and trays back where you found them. The expectation is compliance. But compliance isn’t always convenient, or easy. So when we continue to ignore the message, or resist it, our bodies get more forceful with the message. This is when the message changes from “hey, maybe you should slow down and take some time for yourself” to more physical signs. Your current situation isn’t sustainable, and if you don’t make changes you will crash.

     For some of you, this feels like a strained muscle in your neck or a kink in your back; maybe your sleep cycle starts getting interrupted. Sometimes a feisty visit in the bathroom is more about your body getting your attention than what you ate the night before. Just saying;) When we experience this level of disturbance in our body and daily functioning, we really have to try hard to ignore it, or rationalize it. Wouldn’t it be great if you could channel your avoidance and denial energy into something more productive? A new routine that will actually benefit you, and help to empty your cup when it’s spilling over. Because if we don’t – if we continue to ignore every message our body sends us – then our bodies will surrender, and start to shut down. All that will be left is the flashing error message:  You are overdrawn, the checks are bouncing, and your body is about to foreclose on you. In short, it’s probably time to reinvest. Maybe even refinance;)