I just got off the phone with my sister. We had a sad conversation about a woman we know who is the mother of 5 kids and has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. She has Lung Cancer and Bone Cancer. You know those stories that just hit you like a ton of bricks? For me, this is that kind of story.
My sister went on to tell me that this woman, despite being very ill and feeling awful from both intense chemotherapy and the illness itself, has done nothing but devote every waking moment to attending all of her children's extra-curricular events. In that moment I thought, "What would I do? What would I really do if I knew my days with my children and family were numbered?" It's a sobering question, but one that immediately made me list in my mind what my priorities are and what really matters to me. My son has a football party that we are attending today; I had been looking at it as something on my to-do list. In that moment I felt instead, "Wow. What a blessing that I am able to actively participate in my son's life, and I am healthy enough to truly enjoy this precious moment with him!" I constantly preach (and practice) being grateful for everything we have, but somehow this story made me feel a deeper sense of gratitude for those things I list in my mind each day.
So what is it that I am truly grateful for? And do my priorities and actions reflect that? My children are such a blessing and precious gift in my life; I am grateful every day to be their mommy; their hugs and kisses feed my soul and strengthen my intention. Do my priorities reflect my children--do my actions? Yes and no. I have designed my work schedule around their life and their needs, which I think most every mom can attest is not always easily done. I have also taught and instructed my children about WHY I do the work I do; if you ask my sons the purpose of my job, they have a very clear answer and that is very important to me. On the other hand, do I always fully engage during our time together? I've been working on this and I'm getting better, but I'll be honest, there are times that the boys and I are together and I am checked out! If I could keep in my mind the feeling that I had when I thought of the cancer suffering mother, I think these 'checked out' moments would lessen greatly. Something I will continue to work on.
I am also incredibly grateful for Bill. Much of what I have in my life would not have been possible without Bill, and I am grateful for the love and support he has given me in order to make these things possible. But moreover, I am grateful for his partnership; time spent with him is priceless to me. Does my life reflect that? Again, I've built my work schedule around his (thank goodness I have a career that allows me to do this!), but do I make the most of our time together? Maybe we should ask Bill. ;) For the most part, I think so; perhaps it's easier to be "checked in" with an adult than with a child--I'm not sure why this scenario is easier for me. But do I do something each and every day to show Bill how grateful I am? I think I could do better!
There other things and people I am grateful for of course, but number one is my family: Bill and the boys. But going back to how this thought process started...the mom with stage 4 cancer...I know her body doesn't feel good. And the ONE thing I am grateful for even above my children and my partner is MY HEALTH. If I don't feel good, if I'm sick, if I'm suffering, if I'm tired, nothing else matters. I am completely unable to focus on anyone or anything but myself when I don't feel well! Not 100% anyway. Now, don't quit reading here. This isn't preacher time where you end up walking away feeling guilty for all the unhealthy choices you've made...not at all! But my goal, my mission, my calling if you will, is really and truly to help make fitness and nutrition easy and accessible for others so that they can focus on their priorities and express gratitude for the wonderful things in their lives! And what's cool is that what I do repeats itself! When I help someone change their life, their significant other, kids and friends see that change and now they can pay it forward! It is truly a beautiful thing to watch people's lives change and become abundant...and I am so incredibly grateful for that.
You've heard this message before and you've heard it in many different ways, but it's an important message worth repeating. If you don't take care of yourself, it is IMPOSSIBLE to take care of anyone else! Make yourself a priority! Do at least one healthy activity a day. Eat at least one healthy food each day. Read at least 15 minutes of a personal development book every day. Show those people in your life how important they are to you by giving them the best YOU you can be! What a wonderful way to express your gratitude for the LIFE you've been given. The heart-breaking reminder I got from my sister today hit me. I've got one life, one chance, and I don't know when it will end. I am grateful for the life I have, I work hard everyday to ensure my priorities and my actions reflect that, and I make myself and my health my number one priority. And I feel good about that.
