Healthy Living

“Taking Care of Me – Best Gift”

On April 6th, I turned 46 years old. On most birthdays, I reflect on my life where I am, what have I achieved, was there something more I can do and what else I can do. This birthday was no different. I wondered how time could fly so quickly. It seems like only yesterday I was 23 years old, dating and working in the bank…being a beach bum on weekends. Life was so good back then because I was carefree and young. LOL

Suddenly out of nowhere, I lay on the bed and thought about my own mother. I wonder if she would be proud of me. What type of life would she have lived? My mother was married at 18 years and was the mother of six children – four boys and two girls. Her life was her children and her husband, to the point where my mother ignored her health. My mother was morbidly overweight and suffered from complications ranging from hypertension and diabetes. Although she took care of everyone, she simply could not find the time or the courage to take care of herself. At age 48, my mother died from a diabetic coma.

Unexpectedly, I was filled with a sense of remorse and sadness. Not only for my mother but because I realize then if I did not take stock of my life, history could repeat itself. I just turned 46 years old and during my whole life I am taking care of someone. I wondered when will be the time to take care of me? Women how many times, have we gone down this road?. We do everything possible to ensure that our loved ones are happy. But when are we going to take time to make ourselves happy? Why do we put everyone first when the person who really matters is ourselves!! I looked at my boys now 12 and 8 years old…my husband reading the papers and I knew what I had to do for them but more importantly for me. The best gift I can give my loved ones is to take care of me.

As faith would have it, my friend introduced me to a personal trainer and he does his training at 5.00 am three times a week. My personal trainer, Sean did an assessment of my weight and health concerns. He guided me to write down my goals and stated in no uncertain term that this journey is all mine’s. He is there to support and guide me in my training but the will power and determination has to come from me. I decided to write down my goals and give it a shot. My main goal is first and foremost to develop a journey for healthy living.

If there is anything I learnt is that you need to find the will power inside of you…to be the best you can be. Then you need to write down what your best is going to be. Last but more importantly, you need to take action. For the first time in my life, I have exercised religiously for one month. It is a challenge…but I am holding on.

Would you join me in my journey being the best we can be?

Would you make a commitment to take some time for yourself….

I will keep you posted and would love to hear your comments!!