It’s the end of another year and I have to admit that I haven’t done a number of the things that I intended to do this year. Even though I know the value of having a somewhat balanced life I have not followed my own advice this past year. Some years work out better than others, especially when we pay attention to what we are doing.
I constantly tell the people that I work with that it’s important to have balance in life, to make sure that they take care of the their health, eat well, exercise, participate in life, have hobbies and interests, continued education, spirituality, enjoy family and friends, have fun, and take care of their finances.
Well, I did some of the things that I suggest above, however, if I were to give myself a score it would have to be 4 out of 10, that’s pretty poor. I spent so much time sitting in front of my computer working day after day for way to many hours that I neglected my own health and fitness. It’s so easy to do this and it doesn’t take long for it to become a habit. I’m by no means an exercise fanatic but I do know it’s important to keep moving. Even many of the usual everyday activities that seemed to have helped to keep me fit in the past came to a halt.
There was a time not too long ago when I would go dancing three times a week. I didn’t realize then how much difference that made to my fitness level. Then to become so inactive for most of the year it’s amazing how different it can make you feel, and not in a good way. Without activity it doesn’t take long to lose your muscle tone and find that your stamina is just about zero.Rather than set more New Year’s goals I have considered what has not worked for me during this past year and will find ways to improve these areas in the coming year. It is more important to look at life long term and not just over the course of one year or less. I am looking at what I want my life to be about in the coming years and not just for 2010. I realize that health and fitness has to come first and foremost.
Like so many things in life we do not appreciate what we have until we are in jeopardy of losing it. This definitely applies to our health. There is nothing better than feeling good within yourself and to know that you have taken care of yourself. After all no one else can do it for us. What could be more important and beneficial?
Without good health we cannot enjoy even the simplest things in the same way. Traveling becomes way more difficult and in some cases may become impossible. Enjoying everyday activities even going for walks maybe jeopardized, even taking care of our own family and homes. There is so much that depends on being healthy and able.
I like so many of you have put exercise too low on my list of priorities when actually it should be right at the top of my list. It’s so easy to get sidetracked with things that are nowhere near as important as our own health and wellness.
There are a number of goals that I wish to achieve during the coming year, at the top of my list is ME. I need to take care of me first in order to fulfill any of my other ambitions. I will still focus on my work and my projects which are important to me but even more important is feeling good. Often when we take on a new project it will consume most of our time – if we let it. By having more balance in life we will achieve way more and be able to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
So, when you look back over this past year and take stock of your life consider what has worked well and what hasn’t. What is it that you would like to continue to have in your life now and into the future? What is it that you wish to eliminate from your life? And rather than be looking for new resolutions and goals focus on what you already know works and see how you can get more of this. Then look at what isn’t working and figure out how you can change or eliminate these situations.
Don’t stress it – Enjoy it!