Typically as the new year begins our thoughts turn to our health. We resolve to eat right, exercise, read, and who knows what else? And for some of us, we actually follow through. Here we are at the beginning of the second quarter of 2025. How are we doing with our health goals?
Mary Ann mentioned once that her social life is attending doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and wellness visits. I am now experiencing the same. Physical therapy twice a week and then every day at home. Blood tests for triglycerides and cholesterol and all the vitamins that should be floating through our bodies. Riding the stationary bike and taking walks. Meeting with a dietician. Things we should have been doing all along now seem to be higher priority.
Younger people get it. The Gen X-ers and younger are almost obsessed with exercise. Eating properly is important too, but doing so means driving by, not through, the fast-food restaurants.
I pondered the approach. Is it because we are getting older? Possibly. Yet I believe it is partially because now I have time to focus on me. Being a professional and then a caregiver for so many years, I failed to take time to listen to my own body. All of the sudden I found myself somewhat alone and my body called out to me.
My philosophy includes the belief that our bodies will tell us exactly what they need. We simply need to listen. Much as we need to listen actively when others speak, we need to hear what our body has to tell us. It is wise.
Honestly, I feel better – energized – when I work out. Granted my workouts are not very strenuous, yet simply running through my lower back and upper body exercises takes about an hour out of my morning. Then, a twenty-minute walk around the neighborhood and I am set for the day. Once I developed a little routine, it became second nature. Knowing I would feel so good upon completion, encourages me to keep moving.
Exercise is good not only for the physical body but also for the mind and spirit. Body, mind, and spirit are connected, without a doubt. Our intricate system is an integration of seemingly disparate components. Yet all together, it embodies our presence. Thus, we need to take care of ourselves.
Someone once told me, to take care of others, we need to – no we must – take care of ourselves first. I have always known that intellectually. In fact, I have even suggested this to friends and co-workers. Only now am I internalizing this reality for myself. Now it is time to take care of me.
Silver Sage Sisters 