Choices

“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”  Buddha (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)

Last week I found myself unexpectedly spending long hours over several days at my mother’s bedside in the hospital.  As we waited for test results, and waited, and waited, I had a lot of time to think about the choices we are each confronted with every day that directly affect our health and well-being: what we eat; how we manage our stress; if we make time to exercise and to relax.  Our choices set us on a path that either invites health or threatens our health.  Even recent research indicates that our lifestyle choices have a greater impact on our health than our genetics!  Check out the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) website for data demonstrating that the chronic diseases that kill the most Americans every year are largely preventable with diet and lifestyle/behaviors.

A wise person once said that you can make time to take care of yourself, or you will find yourself making time for illness.  It’s not necessarily simple or easy.  It takes time and effort.  But aren’t you worth it? 

So, what will you do today for your well-being?  You have countless opportunities and choices.  Will you prepare a homemade meal?  Will you take a walk and breathe deeply?  Will you put a yoga class on your schedule?  Will you make an appointment for a massage?  Be good to yourself and choose wisely.

My “aha” moment last week was the realization that health is a gift and a blessing that we should appreciate, and fiercely protect.

“Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos – the trees, the clouds, everything.”  Thich Nhat Hanh

Be well!