by Anna Marie Trotman
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Joshua Rosenthal, founder and director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, states; “Health is not only about diet and exercise. You can eat a perfect diet and work out daily, but if you have a stressful job, financial struggles, or you’re in a relationship that is not working, you won’t reach your potential for health and wellness.”
I can attest to what Joshua is saying from personal experience and the challenges of reaching my health and wellness goals. It’s often an uphill battle to live a balanced life, a healthy lifestyle and be at peace with my body, mind and spirit. What I’ve learned throughout the years is that those times when I’m in touch with what I’m passionate about, I’m in harmony with my total being. I have a creative side that I wouldn’t acknowledge when I was younger, but now my passions fuel me, and when I don’t pay attention, I feel off.
I find that some people are clear about their vision, mission and purpose and most haven’t got a clue. Wouldn’t it make sense to get really clear about what you love to do, what you want to be, and how you want to feel each day? If you could take a couple of baby steps to transform your life this week what would they be? Taking even one step can release that feeling of being stuck. It takes commitment to effect real change. Take a 7 day challenge and step into real change. Below are some suggestions.
Go to a Green Zone
Environmental sustainability: Green spaces support health by providing opportunities for exercise and social interactions. It’s remarkable how being in nature can have a profound effect on your well-being. Go for a walk in a nearby park after work, stroll through a flower garden (Longwood Gardens is a great space), have an outdoor picnic, or step outside for a few minutes to take a breather if you’re strapped for time.
Eat Right
This is huge! If you want to lose a few pounds and the thing that your friend is doing is not working for you but it works for her, know that the Keto Diet or Cabbage Soup Diet might not be right for your body. This is called bio–individuality, meaning what works for one person may not work for another. There may be other factors to consider, so get support if you just keep going around in circles.
Take five and Stretch
Especially on days when you don’t know how to make sense with how you’re feeling, carve out five minutes from your day to check in with yourself. Then do some stretches. You can stretch at your desk, and/or stand up and stretch. No excuses, do a few and see how you feel.
Be Here Now
Sit quietly for a few minutes and light your inner pilot light, then reflect on that thing you’ve always wanted to do, write down your desires and keep them in focus. Your purpose and passion are your own and don’t let anyone tell you differently. You are unique and nobody can do exactly what you do in the way that you do it. No one can impose themselves into your definition of happiness and success and no one can take away your passion. You can bury it under lots of excuses but it’s yours, therefore own it!
Do one or all of these things for 7 days and see if you can begin moving forward.
Anna Marie is a Certified Integrative Health Coach with Integrative Care at The Birth Center
For a free consultation call 302-658-2229 x115