Do You Believe You Are Thriving or Declining?
We become what we believe. So, we must start understanding what we think and feel before changing our bodies. Our attitude plays a big part in our thriving and declining. We tackle the emotional and mental health topic first because it is crucial to being healthy.
I had to decide that my health was a priority in my life. And I had to determine I would do what I needed to get healthy. Otherwise, it wasn’t going to happen. It all started in my head. And this was the hardest of all the steps for me.
By reaching our 50s and 60s, we have experienced enough life to understand the changes we must make. But most of us are so busy managing our life situation (job, career, caretaking, family, etc.), that we don’t or haven’t stopped focusing on our lives to ensure everything is working for us. And this kind of understanding doesn’t happen without taking the time to reflect. I know this first-hand.
We are more than our life situation. Whatever you are dealing with, you must believe it will improve. While focusing your time and efforts and continuing to become a better version of yourself, your life situation will improve, says Hal Elrod, author of Morning Miracle.
“If the present state of affairs is no longer working for you, dare to listen to yourself, to learn why you’ve made the lifestyle choices you have up to now, and then let go of those patterns,” explains Dean Ornish, MD. Ornish is the founder and president of the nonprofit Preventative Medicine Research Institute and a clinical professor of medicine at the University of California in San Francisco. He is also co-author of the book Undo It!
Shaming and blaming aren’t motivators. “Whatever your circumstances, research shows that long-term healthy habits aren’t likely to result from fear, guilt, or shame. The motivation to do things that are good for your body and brain – and to make those good things into habits – comes from a positive place,” shares Stephen Kopecky, M.D., cardiologist and cancer survivor.
So, what do you tell yourself on an ongoing basis? Are you thriving or declining?
DISCLAIMER
Please be aware, that all the materials and content on this website are for general information only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users of this website should not rely on the information provided for their health needs. All specific questions should be presented to your healthcare provider(s).
- Dean Ornish, MD & Anne Ornish, Undo It! 2019, p. 226
- Stephen Kopecky, MD, Live Longer Younger, 2021, p. 58