A Reality Check-Up for the New Year
Life goes on for us day to day. We get caught up in work, family, friends and another year flows by like water. As time passes we assume our health will be there until one day – an emergency. At iBeamforLife we know the vast majority of chronic health issues are due to lifestyle choices – not genetics. A fair portion of our clients confront health that breaks down after years of neglect.
This is a complex form of self abuse that’s sadly synonymous with American culture and no-one is to blame, yet as adults we are all responsible for making choices about self care each day. If we don’t make the choices that embrace prevention in an effective way – someone else will, often at a hospital during a stressful emergency situation and at a cost much higher than simpler preventive methods. That’s why a periodic reality check-up is so important. The private client stories we regularly hear are poignant, frightening, filled with drama and sadly – preventable.
Can you see yourself or someone you love in what follows?
I don’t have a health issue! – Would you be truly shocked by a personal health crisis? Often in retrospect, you’ll see that it’s been looming with clues for some time. Symptoms involved include weight gain, obesity, headaches, digestion or sleep issues, depression and more. When your body is out of balance in chronic ways, it leaves clues. Some can be likened to a subtle tap on the shoulder at first but if ignored over time can hit you and those you love like a painful ton of bricks. Listening to your body requires quiet time for reflection, self assessment and regular check-ups with your doctor.
I’m too busy for this! - Do you put your own needs off because you’re “too busy” with other people, places, things? It’s easy to ignore your health in the blur of busy days. This surface behavior can be rooted in fear of facing health issues, doctors or your own mortality.
I already know all this! – Do you think: “I’m educated. I can do this alone. I can look up studies and I already know what to eat and how to move my body, so I’ve got it covered.” An “I know it all” approach can be extremely dangerous because it ignores the fact that there’s a deeper behavioral piece at work in your life. Those closest to you may see it, but may only go so far to point it out, since it’s stressful and at some point they want to keep-the-peace out of love for you. If you find yourself in conflict with loved ones over health issues it may be a sign that something’s not working. You could benefit from a professional perspective from someone outside your circle of influence.
I can’t believe this is happening to me! – There’s hope amidst a health issue. Why? Because your body has an amazing ability to heal and balance itself with consistent choices that support your long term health. Humbling health related physical, mental, emotional and accompanying financial burdens require change – and the afflicted person is often highly motivated. It always amazes me how people on one end of the continuum get moved to the other end – to humility by life changing events.
Dr. Oz said it best during his recent health scare – prevention and the fields that provide it are not highly regarded in our culture. We would rather pay a surgeon big bucks to come in and save-the-day when self awareness and a consistently effective prevention plan could have done the job for thousands (and thousands) less. Behavior change isn’t easy. It requires professionally trained people who can see the best approaches when you can’t – providing realistic, thoughtful alternatives that you can use daily for life. And that’s why we started iBeamforlife. So you don’t have to go it alone now, or in the new year.
Add A Comment