Take Care of Your Body

“Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live.”

~Jim Rohn

Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash

“As we nurture the body, mind, and soul as a whole, peace is experienced. When we allow it to reflect outward, the World changes.” ~Terry Pottinger

The body is a fascinating phenomenon. When we stop to explore its values, the realization clarifies its purpose.

It has an innate alarm clock that reminds us of when it needs food and when it doesn't, when sleep is a must, and antsy legs point out the importance of stretching.

They heal us when we over-expand ourselves and nurture us in times of difficulty.

When we begin to feel sluggish, the body leads us to rest so our cells can be refreshed and our minds and hearts can be renewed.

Our bodies are precious conduits for our existence and continually hold us up even when we are unaware.

I don't think we purposely take the body for granted, but there is a lot to occupy our minds and responsibilities to tend to until we fall sick or feel discomfort; we don't stop.

There is always a message, a signal, a wake-up call from this valuable structure that we are doing too much or not enough, and it lets us know that self-care is essential to move forward with ease as we experience all that life has to offer. It is we who choose to heed this gift or ignore it.

When I was a single parent, working two jobs and taking care of my mom with two pre-teen kids in tow, my body was the last thing I thought about. I'd come home late, and even though my stomach was grumbling from not feeding it enough during the day, I went to bed. I'd get up early, get the kids going, send them out the door, grab a PB&J, and eat it as I hurried out for my busy day. I had lost 15 pounds. And being 5'7", I resembled a thin slice of bread. Oh, but I ensured the boys had good meals, even if I wasn't there to prepare them, and would check in on my mom to see if she needed anything before the weekends.  

Where was my self-care? If it wasn't on my calendar, it was not going to happen.

But I was in my thirties then, and the body was resilient…it held me up beautifully, even after a bout with cancer in my late twenties. It became a whole different story when I reached my fifties. As I slowed down, so did the body. I had always walked and did some exercise, but nothing crazy. During menopause, I was 25 pounds over my ideal weight. Being tall, no one noticed except me. I felt it in the sluggishness of my energy and the pants that didn't zip up without breathing deeply in first. My family history was smothered with disease, and if I continued like this, what would my future hold?

It was time for an overhaul. 

Focusing one day at a time gave me the desire to get out of bed earlier, walk three miles four days a week, start to use bands to strengthen my muscles, and do yoga. I began to eat simpler and healthier. I would cut my food plate in half and pay attention to what was on it. I didn't deny myself, though; if I wanted some ice cream, it was a scoop, not a bowl. Cookies were three instead of eating them until the glass of milk was gone. Moderation was key. When I did splurge, my feeling of personal accomplishment kicked in, and I enjoyed myself instead of feeling guilty. It took almost a year, but those 25 pounds dissolved, and the routine continued.

The body breaks down as we age; this transition will occur slowly or faster depending on how we take care of it. We know this; it's not rocket science, although sometimes I wish it was because then, I could use the excuse that I didn't understand it. 😅

My feet rest under the desk as I write now, and they would be very content to stay there all day long and have courageously held me up throughout life. I was born with fallen arches, which gave way to pigeon-toed feet from walking inwardly. Going barefoot during pre-adolescence and then wearing high heels as a teen and young adult brought debilitating bunions later in life.

I had surgery in my late forties to remove the bunions, and it was a Godsend.

There are areas of my body that I've overused and abused when I was young and are now showing up like beacons of painful light, but finding ways to embrace them instead of fighting and being negative lightens the discomfort and brings ease to those uncomfortable moments.

Oh, I have had my moments many times—the frustration and annoyance at the aging process has stepped in to remind me of this more times than I can count. And, yes, aging can be extremely challenging at times, but that is when I pull the humor out and share my stories, and when people laugh and add their stories, I walk away feeling connected and not alone. 

I have learned that laughter is an essential release for expanding the body and giving room for freshness and clarity. When I've done this, I feel every bit of these healthy energies throughout my body, which is exhilarating.

Where I am now ~

   Photo by the author

Living in an area where Nature sets the scene daily, it is easy to get outside and walk. I still use bands to strengthen those upper arms that would prefer to rest by my side. Am I consistent with them? Off and on, but with walking and yoga, I am. The more I do and feel the difference in my breathing, joints, and energy, the more it is a no-brainer to continue.

My feet are far from perfect, but the constant practice of yoga, walking, and having a reflexologist come twice a month has made a tremendous difference in the longevity of these precious feet. Staying consistent is vital in keeping the bones and tendons somewhat flexible as I age.

We all have our stories and our bruises. But the things we learn and the wisdom we receive from those stories and bruises are life-changing.

My body and feet have carried me for 60+ years, so how can I not give them the honor and love they deserve? And our dance continues respectfully while I live my best life now.

So, I will do my body a huge favor and walk on this beautiful, crisp morning. The fog rests between the crooked branches of the trees as they sway, where the birds joyfully sing to proclaim a new day.

I will breathe deeply into Mother Nature's energy and be present in how my feet connect with the earth. If I stay focused, I may hear and feel the two fall into place with the joy of being together. I will honor and respect their valuable place with me on this journey, and I'll even take the thought of all of you with me…as we begin again.

Thought to ponder:

As you reflect on this story, where could there be a blockage within your body, mind, and soul that asks for clearing and space for healing?

Thank you for stopping by and reading. If you feel someone would benefit from this story, please pass it along. It is always a gift to me, and if there is a thought or experience you'd like to share, the comment space below is a welcoming place to do so. 🦋