I can’t tell you how much I appreciate being healthy until I’m not! It’s been a tough Winter for me. This is the 3rd time I’ve come down with something and twice that I’ve lost my voice – not so good in an industry that requires one! I suppose the fact that I FINALLY took a destination vacation (first one in 3 years) this is my penance. If that’s the case, and I really doubt that it is, but IF it is, it was worth it! And that’s what I want to focus on here – being good to yourself…treating yourself…and appreciating your health and wellness when you have it!

That said, let’s begin with being good to yourself. Whether you’ve been wildly successful at this whole “New Year – New You” thing, it’s so very important to be good and kind to yourself. We struggle enough, every day, with so many other things/issues, that it’s important to take time for YOU, even if you’ve tried and aren’t doing so well. I’ll first tell you, that I’m right there with ya sister! Since returning home from Mexico, I’ve gained a few pounds back that I had lost. So rather than beat myself up, a typical pattern I had become accustomed to…I’m just jumping right back on and not looking back. The past is the past. Today is today and quite frankly, that’s all we have. So let’s do the best we can do TODAY.

Something I’ve decided to do is change my self talk. Instead of beating myself up for “slipping”, I’ve changed my “tone” so to speak, my internal thoughts. When I first tried it, it felt a bit awkward, so I started incorporating it into prayer. When I tuck in at night, I “talk” to God and then I “talk” to myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still my worst critic, but I’m learning to be more gentle and forgiving of myself.

Something else I’m doing, and have referenced before, and that’s setting up “rewards” for myself. We ALL need to do that. Far too often women put their needs on the back burner…putting our jobs first, our husband, children, aging parents, volunteerism, etc. So if you’re guilty of this, you really have to learn to carve out time for YOU! And once you do, you’ll find you’ll be a better Mother, Wife, Employee/Employer, Volunteer, Friend, Daughter, etc. I love manicures and pedicures. I also found that a deep tissue massage is not only a treat, but medicinal as it works out the stress that builds up in my neck and shoulders. Ask your partner to plan a special date night. Buy yourself something that makes you feel pretty, that could be shoes, lingerie, a scarf, whatever! Please be kind to yourself. You SO deserve it! Just like my sister, Wendy, deserved to have this picture posted. Apparently LARGE hair ornaments make her feel,…sexy!

Wendy feeling REALLY good about herself!

Which leads me to “health”. The above examples are certainly ways to keep yourself spiritually and mentally healthy. As for the physical…your already doing SOMETHING about it simply by following this blog – even IF you HAVEN’T found success yet. Don’t give up! The desire is obviously there. Even if it’s walking up and down your stairs and add’l 3 times a day, or setting out an add’l 3 glasses of water a day so it’s there whenever you return to your desk or your kitchen. Maybe commit to eating 2 add’l fruits a day, or cutting your butter/salt in half.  It’s SOMETHING! And everything can only begin with the first step. Pretty soon you’ll find those steps increasing and before you know it, it becomes a game – and whether you take it fast or slow, the good news is, in THIS game…you’re ALWAYS the winner!

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