July 4th

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl

Celebrating the 4th of July with family and friends offers a humble reminder of just how precious life can be. This summer, I decided to take some time for me, slow down and enjoy life. Recently, I became painfully aware of all the business I was creating and all the doing of projects that I felt compelled to do. I was creating a boatload of unnecessary stress. Sound familiar?

Then, I got hit with yet, one more wake up call. I underwent some recent health challenges that knocked me off my seat. My body was filled with pain, and I had lost every ounce of energy within a short period of time. This jolted my attention to make an assessment of what I was doing. After ruling out anything serious with the doctors, I was able to take this experience and look at it as a sign. My body was reacting to something that wasn’t agreeing with me.

This demanded I change my perspective on how I was looking at my approach to life. Was I being honest with myself, and my needs? Obviously I was not, and therefore could not serve anyone else if I was not serving myself.

I decided to relax, go with the flow, and appreciate each day as it came, no matter what. That didn’t mean I gorged myself eating unhealthy foods, and partying all night long. It was quite the opposite. I challenged my body to 12-day cleanse, sat in a 150 degree sauna daily for 30 minutes, meditate while listening to the beauty of nature, got back to enjoying music, yoga and rest.

My pain is gone, my energy is back and I just finished a 3.5 mile hike with as much energy as my 19 year old son. I feel confident in my future. I took control of my health and did something. I refused the pill and the “quick fix, band-aid approach” that was offered by the doctors. That didn’t feel right. I listened to what my intuition was telling me. I was not practicing being mindful of my eating habits, not sleeping, creating all sorts of work needlessly, and creating stress. You can’t buy stress, you can’t see stress, you can only create stress.

Now I trust I have exactly what I need. I choose to stay in alignment with my own needs and happiness. As I take care of myself first, everyone benefits. I am embodying my health, vitality, and happiness and motivate others to do the same.

My wish is for you to have a wonderful 4th of July, slow down, relax, enjoy your family and friends, and nurture yourself any way you choose. You deserve it!