““Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
-Leo Tolstoy”
As we enter the new year of 2021, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost a loved one, friend or family member during this tumultuous period in history. I again want to say thank you to all frontline workers including educators that contributes to serving the betterment of our children, the country and all humankind. Much love….
If you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s you most likely remember the rap song by Ice Cube, Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself. If you don’t, you may want to check yo-self. Not that the lyrics have any form of sense or insight, however, the beat is still one of the best. However, the title is profound on so many levels of our lives. It means; Consider the consequences of your actions before you end up in trouble. Hmm….How I wish I would have heeded the wise words of Ice Cube throughout my life.
Like most people 2020 challenged me in ways I could have never imagined, exhausting every part of my overall holistic health. The restrictions to Covid19, along with the social and political strains, unveiled and exacerbated areas of my conscience that had not been exercised, in some cases ever. I felt like a mental and emotional wreck at times. Over the past year I dug deep into my metacognitive skills in order to better understand my own thought process, and how this impacted my life and those around me. Simply put, I spent more time closely thinking about my thoughts. Here are a few things I discovered and put into action.
I started journaling my present thoughts and feelings more consistently. Maybe not everyday, but frequently. I also started food journaling in order to become more aware of what I eat. We are what we eat. I know I want to feel better about myself than what I currently do. Nothing wrong with that.
I wanted to change my physical health so rather than thinking about it, I actually got outside and started mountain biking and trail running more than I ever have in my life. I even reached out to buddies I’ve thought about contacting forever, inviting them to safely join me in these outdoor activities. I was able to reconnect with a couple friends I hadn’t seen in years.
My wife and I are always trying to think of ways to fine tune our relationship, so my wife and I committed 30 straight days of marriage related information to read or watch together. Actually this was my wife’s brilliant idea. Although I didn’t think it would be as enjoyable as it was, I was wrong, and it did bring new insight and growth to our marriage.
Part of my health goals was losing 20lbs in 2020. I actually gained 10lbs….Like I said above, I have tweaked my approach and attitude towards eating, just a bit. I am going to lose 21 in 2021. Don’t give up just because you don’t succeed at first. That’s what I have to keep telling myself.
Up until this year, I’ve been “healthy enough” to avoid taking vitamins regularly or visiting the doctor consistently. Since Covid struck I’ve never been more consistent with my vitamin intake, and finally made it in for a physical with the doc. In getting “checked” my labs indicated that I was extremely deficient in vitamin D and B. Who knew? Evidently not me. Now I am on prescription strength vitamins.
These are just a few areas in my life that I had to give a closer look at. Each of these areas gone unchecked, could have wrecked my life in one way or another. Another way of stating what Ice Cube so eloquently put it, check yourself in order to repair and build yourself while you are still alive. Of course it’s not as cool as Ice Cube puts it, and I don’t have a sweet beat either…..
What are the areas of your life or lifestyle that needs to be checked? If you or someone you know could benefit from doing this difficult work, find a professional that is willing to join you in your Epic Discoveries.
““Truth is the ultimate power. When the truth comes around, all the lies have to run and hide.”
Ice Cube”
