Change is constant, but that doesn’t always make it easy.
We are all aware that change is a constant thing in life, yet many of us tend to resist it and whatever consequences it may bring. We should, however, keep in mind that without change… there would be no progress.
In writing this article, I was most inspired by this quotation from Esther Dyson, who as a journalist and author focused her career on health and technology.
“Change means that what was before wasn’t perfect. People want things to be better.”
Ergo, if we want things to be better, then we have to change. Perfection? Before we can even think about that, we have to know where to start.
Ask yourself --
What could make the quality of your life better? What is the single power we are born with, that could change everything?
We may call it free will, or the power to make a choice. Arguably, we cannot always control the events in our lives or sometimes even the outcome of the decisions we make. But we can take charge of changing the things we need to, and the steps to go about it.
What I am trying to point out is that, we cannot (for instance) stop the changing of the seasons. As we do not have control over the days turning into weeks, weeks into months, months into years, we simply find ourselves one day asking:
• How have I lived all these years?
• What decisions did I make that contributed to how I am living right now?• Do I have any regrets? What would I like to change about me?
Look into the mirror right now and see how the years have changed you. Do you like what you see? Are you physically, mentally, and emotionally fit?
There is no need to focus on the negative.
Sure, you may have put on some weight and have a bit of cellulite here and there, but this may be just consequences of having two or three beautiful babies for instance. Ironically, the decision to choose is easier when life gets tougher.
My life was not going the way I had hoped when I found myself a single mom of two young boys, but the one thing I realized through hard times was I could control how I took care of myself. I could make the choice to do that for me and that choice would make my life and my boy's lives better.
When you do choose to make changes in your life that will make you fit and the healthiest you can, keep in mind that a strong and fit body will slow the aging process and reduce the risk of disease. Staying fit helps to build and maintain strong bones and muscles, all while boosting your immune system. Choosing to have a healthy lifestyle will enable you to be more active to enjoy activities with your loved ones, plus you can be with them longer.
The choices we make will depend on each individual as we determine the goals we need to set. But for most of us who are starting to, or have been feeling the passing of time and the effects of aging, it comes down to these two choices:
Do I stay young or continue aging?
Every decision you make in your life will move you in one direction or the other. This includes what seem to be mundane decisions like:
• Should I go for a cheeseburger at McDonald's or grab one of the meals I prepared using only whole foods?
• Should I just sit on the couch and watch a flick or do I roll out my yoga mat and do some poses?
• Should I skip my weight training and just go hangout with friends over some drinks?
Aging has to do with several factors, your genes, your environment and your choices. You cannot choose the genes you are born with, but you can make choices that will make or keep you healthy. Being conscious about your decisions is also of the utmost important.
Ultimately --
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE!
That is the first secret.
If you make the right choice, you can look forward to a younger, more confident, and happier you
