I committed myself to intentional living over 30 years ago
and what have I accomplished? First I say the actions I
took where only part of the equation. The results I have
experienced were only influenced partly by what I did and
partly by what I believe. The trick here is if you truly
believe you will act according to what you believe. So
here comes what may seem to be double talk so read
carefully. Believing alone makes nothing happen and acting
when you don't believe accomplishes nothing as well. It is
putting action behind what you know to be true that brings
results.
So what am I really talking about? Thirty years ago I was
twenty-three years old; I wanted to be healthy and
prosperous when I reached 50. Today in 2008 I am fifty
three years old; living comfortably in my body and my
external life brings me joy as well. My goal is probably
the goal of every twenty-three year old if thy were asked.
The other options to health and prosperity are not
something you plan on.
Am I healthy and how do I define health; should be the
questions you are asking. Let's start with The World
Health Organizations definition of health, they say "Health
is a state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of the disease or
infirmity". I would agree with this definition and want to
add just for clarity this definition includes the absence
of disease as a given.
I am a very healthy fifty-three year old woman and I have
done my part to arrive here. I now plan to be healthy at
70 and am very certain I will arrive at that goal as well.
What do I see as my part? I want to list some basic
minimal areas of life where you must be intentional as well
as enjoy committing your self.
Generally your diet is critical; an alkaline diet in right
proportions is a must. Begin to educate yourself on the
benefits of vegetables, fruits, grains and how to cook them
in interesting ways. If you are making excuses as to why
you cannot cook or get these foods prepared for your
consumption I would have to say you are not committed to
your personal wellness at any age. This may sound strong
but I have seen that only straight talk to those who will
hear is gong to motivate you before the diseases set in.
Disease is a strong motivator but I have been committed to
learning from others mistakes and avoiding them for myself.
That would be the second must in you quest for wellness.
You must listen and learn; commit to lifetime learning.
Information is all around us and easy to obtain. Personal
practice will let you know what is right for you. Practice
without a coach is no where as effective as coaching. A
coach who has personal experience in the area you are
planing to master is important. That may be hard to find in
the area of wellness. I did not listen to anyone who was
not healthy and that often sent me to books and tapes by
people who were not close to me. With the technology today
it is easy to communicate with a coach on line or by
telephone. Your coach will not do the work for you but
give you feed back and exercises in action to take. In the
beginning the coaching may need to happen weekly but as you
get acquainted with the goal you will need the coach less
often.
Third is an exercise program that you enjoy is a must.
This can be a little as three time a week for an hour when
that is all the time you have. If you have more time of
course that would be great. Any good program includes
aerobic and anaerobic parts. Aerobic exercise strengthens
the cardiovascular system and anaerobic exercise builds the
muscles and bones. There are fitness clubs and YMCA's all
across the country with exercise and fitness trainers
available to their members as well. Exercise has to be
scheduled into you week and committed to like any other
appointment. I call it an appointment with health.
Prayer, rest and meditation are as important as exercise.
Meditation does not have to be a formal technique it simply
involves being quiet and away from the pressures of your
life. It could be a walk in a park at lunch or a quiet cup
of tea on the porch but it is an intentional stop of
activity with a deep breath and a long exhale. Rest comes
with the meditation and is a must at night. If you do not
sleep well make it a priority to investigate the things
that interfere with sleep and overcome any issues necessary
to get restful sleep. Prayer is knowing there is a power
greater than yourself and deciding what you are going to
believe your relatedness to that power is; then living out
what you believe.
Diet, exercise, learning, rest and positive attitude is the
last commitment I will discuss here. What you focus on in
life becomes larger. If you have expectations of others
they will usually fall short. Plan to appreciate the
benefits you receive from the relationships you have with
other individuals but not expect them to provide you with
any thing. Even in a marriage if you are grateful to your
spouse for the things they bring into the relationship you
will have a peaceful rewarding relationship. Focus on the
benefits at work even if it is only the pay there is a
benefit. You will become a better employee, spouse, or
friend and you will see other ways to grow yourself through
these lasting relationships.
I am fifty three an free of any physical,emotional or
spiritual burden. I have had issues and my issues have
shown me my excess baggage. As I unloaded my bags and only
kept what would benefit my future and the future of my
children and friends my load became lighter and my
journey's potential became greater.
I encourage you to get intentional, enjoy the journey and
let the joy and love of this lifetime bring you peace. The
above areas of action can and must bring you joy. A great
coach will help you understand the power of being what you
need to bring what you want into your life.
----------------------------------------------------
Kathy Wright Nutrition coach and owner of Anti-aging
skincare line can be reached at http://www.frownies.com
Free Newsletter at http://frownies.com/tips
Coaching information at http://bkathywright.com
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