Taking Care of the Simple Things
When you think of the "simple" things in life, what do you think of? I think of family time, friends and feeling good. Yet my life feels like anything but simple.
Do you have a "should do" list that would enable you to live at a peak level? It is unfortunate that most of us wait for the crisis of disease (cancer, heart attack) or broken relationships (divorce, alienation of a child) before we give ourselves permission to care for ourselves.
While interviewing a client recently, I commented on her solid commitment and action in living a balanced, healthy life. She shook me when she said, "Last summer, I had surgery and chemo to treat my cancer. I realized that my internal emotional stress was reflected in my cancer. If I don’t take care of me no one else will." How right she is!
Men also have a hard time caring for themselves without a wake up call.
We take better care of our cars than we do ourselves. Just as cars need oil changes, new filters, quality fuel and air in the tires, we need tune-ups and maintenance. (I consider myself top of the line, so I’m high maintenance.)
Do you think about how well you're fueling your body and mind? When was the last time you considered whether your relationships are growing or dying? Are you finding or creating fulfillment in your career?
In your upcoming issued of Winning Lifestyles, I will explore four attitudes that can help you construct a life that is more balanced and energizing.
I’ll challenge you to think differently about each attitude and offer suggestions for developing them or deepening your conviction to them.
Here’s a sample of the attitudes that change lives:
#1 My health and happiness is up to me. I am not a victim of other people’s choices—my choices either reflect my values or sabotage them.
#2 Priority setting is a daily process. Most people rearrange their furniture more often than their priorities.
#3 The attitude of commitment is critical to building the life of your dreams. The glue to holding it all together is getting your head (I should) and heart (I will) to work together. The greatest distance in the world is the 18 inches between the head and the heart.
#4 This is probably the most critical attitude to develop and maintain. You deserve better health, deep satisfying relationships, and free times. (Yes, especially if you have children!) You not only deserve it, you can find it.
Many of us suffer from the stresses of excess. The goal of Winning Lifestyles is to help you make lifestyle choices that enable you toe enjoy the simple things—like the enhancing benefits of good health, love an fulfillment found in strong relationships and personal growth.
I am reminded of an appeal made by the character portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie "Awakenings." He said, "The human spirit is more powerful than any drug. And that is what needs to be nourished. Work, play, friendship, family; these are the things that matter. This is what we had forgotten. The simplest things."