I can't believe it's been over 4-months since I posted to this blog. Lots of things have happened since then, which distracted me and my ability to remain focused on my passion point: Health and Wellness.
It's easy to forget what fuels us — good food, good environment, good relationships and a good career/job that challenges us and gives us purpose. These are all things I learned during my Integrative Nutrition course, but if I'm honest with myself, it has been hard to practice these areas and keep focused on them when big change in life happens. What am I referring to? Well, a great career opportunity came knockin' and after careful consideration, I decided to take it. Of course, there was a lot of conversation at the family level on how, what, when and why. In the end, we embraced the changed and decided to take the opportunity as a family and relocate to a new town.
Truth is... I underestimated it. Everyone is outside their comfort zone. Kids in a new school. Temporary housing. Lack of familiarity with culture and people. Smaller town. New job, new people, new dynamics, new everything. Life feels a bit upside down at the moment. As I step back and assess these past 3 monts... my mind plays tricks on me. At times it questions, at times it reassures, other times it just sits there with no agenda. I remind myself that "change is good", that we all need to "embrace change", that being outside the "comfort" zone and peeking into the "burn out" zone (see previous post) is a good thing. I also remind myself that it is easier said than done. And that, “this too shall pass.”
From a taking care of myself standpoint, I've been keeping active with my exercise routine, perhaps not going as long (time/miles) as I would normally, but I'm out there nonetheless. Food wise, although we continue to cook at home and eat like we used to, I'm finding it hard to find some of the things that I'm used to at the local supermarket. I could be eating better. Spiritually, I've been practicing my meditation and because my mind is super busy I find myself constantly distracted during my sessions, so I need to work harder at this. But I'm trying. I really am. And in the area of friends/relationships, well family is always first and they're here, yet I do crave and yearn for the friendships left behind. Something to work through.
So my message today — and it is probably more of a self-awareness message to myself — is that we need to practice what we preach. And for me, it is really as simple as the purpose of this blog and site: Pay Your Health First. Life is NOT always a smooth ride, there's always going to be peaks and valleys. When we're whole, it is easier to navigate through the valleys, for sure. For me, being mindful of the things I need to focus on is already better than just ignoring them. And writing this blog has already provided me some release of pent up thoughts and energy.
Here's an image that keeps me focused. It is an image from the terrace of my cousin in Italy. Peaceful sunset. The sea. The breeze. And with that, memories of great food, great people, great lifestyle and great love.
Peace today and everyday... #payyourhealthfirst always,
-- Chris
