The real reason to prioritize health

Everyone has their different reasons for starting on a health journey. It often depends on the season of life. This is great for a short term goal- maybe you are getting married and you want to look and feel your best for the wedding. What about after the wedding or other event is over? It’s important to have a bigger “why” when considering health as a long-term journey. Something that won’t change with your circumstances or seasons. When you truly prioritize your health, it’s not about looks.. it’s about WHO you are/your identity, your family, relationships and people around you. Living a healthy lifestyle changes you from the inside out. Daily healthy habits can help you become a better person overall. You will feel better physically and feel more confident in yourself. There will always be things outside of our control, but wouldn’t you want to do your best to be around and healthy for as long as you can for your family? Be able to look back no matter what happens and say yes I did absolutely everything I could. There are many reasons to get started, but you need to find the one reason to keep going! On the days you don’t “feel” like it, when the schedule gets “busy”, when the temptations are strong.. you will have to dig deep to continue when life gets tough.

I have talked about this before and I often encourage my clients to get very clear on their values and then live their life/make decisions that align with those values. If health and longevity are on your values list, then your habits should reflect that. Making changes that will last requires you to look deep within yourself. Find out what is working and what is not. Learn what makes you tick. Use your strengths to your advantage and start small. You can grow as you go, but if you haven’t worked out in years it might be helpful to start with a 10-15 minute walk a few days a week before you go out and buy a gym membership you’ll never use. Or sign up for a class or personal training, that way you’ll have people to hold you accountable. Each day, come back to your why. Remind yourself why you are making changes and prioritizing your health. People can often find more motivation when their reason includes someone other than themselves - like their family or children. Find your reason and don’t wait to get started. You are setting an example for those around you. Your habits will be passed on for generations to come. Life is precious and fleeting and your people need you at your best. -CS