As a health coach I have often been asked, “What do you do to stay healthy?”
While teaching Nutrition at a local community college I was often asked, “What should I eat to lose weight and feel better?”
As an alternative healthcare provider I have heard this question often, “What should I do to relieve my pain?”
As a patient advocate I hear, “How do you stay motivated to manage chronic disease?”
And as a mature woman living with joint replacement I am asked, “How do you stay so fit at your age?”
To each of these questions I can certainly offer my experience and expertise. Though the most important question is…What hasn’t worked for you and what haven’t you tried? I know myself better than anyone - you know yourself better than I do. Advocacy, education, and coaching is about empowering another to find their own way. When I speak to someone about health and wellness I often hear them answer their own questions and happily point out that they already know the answer.
Practicing what I preach is an evolving process that has changed over time and has been modified based upon my age, abilities, lifestyle, culture, and community. The photo of Anderson Avenue shared with this post represents a personal journey…the road I have traveled that may or may not align with the road you travel along. In conversation, what we learn about one another can offer insights, guidance, and resources to either draw upon and incorporate into our own life or respect and disregard the choices of another, simply by realizing that what works for one person doesn’t always work for another.
Spring into Wellness this season by investing in the self-care that YOU enjoy AND offer the results you seek. A coach, a mentor, or a guide may be the one to help you find the way…however, I encourage you to look in the mirror first.
Do you already know the answer to your own health related question? If not, then by all means…consult an expert and consider their advice. Here is mine…
I enjoy exercising every morning - would you enjoy that practice? Maybe, maybe not. Daily fitness has been part of my life since childhood - this was called ‘play’. As I got older, I participated in many sports such as basketball, volleyball, track, rode a bicycle often, danced, and have always felt better when I move and move often. This works for me.
I enjoy meditating and reading every morning long before dawn - would you enjoy that practice? Maybe, maybe not. Reading and spending time in quiet meditation and pray every morning centers my mind and prepares me for the day - this works for me.
I enjoy going to bed early most nights, around 8:30 or 9:00pm - would that work for you? Maybe, maybe not. I tire easily in the evening at this stage in my life, and feel most energized early in the day - this works for me.
I have learned to embrace and enjoy eating a whole food plant-based oil free diet - would that type of meal plan interest you? Maybe, maybe not. Since discovering The Starch Solution and adopting this lifestyle the health benefits I have experienced astonish me and my medical team. My physician considers me to be a medical miracle and I am honored that my success story has been shared and recognized as a Star McDougaller.
I avoid alcohol, have never used tobacco, minimize my use of caffeine, and feel best when I avoid or at least minimize my intake of refined foods - would that work for you? I have tried many vices as an adult and came to the conclusion that alcohol is fattening, expensive, and leads many people to making an ass out of themselves - I haven’t drank alcohol since my 20’s and feel that I am missing out absolutely nothing. I have no problem enjoying life without alcohol. Tobacco stinks and led to childhood asthma since my parents are heavy smokers - that product was easy to avoid once I turned 18 and moved away from home. I am grateful that smoking has become restricted in most public places since I enjoy being able to breathe. Caffeine has been a tricky beast - I absolutely love the taste, smell, and ritual of coffee. I now choose to enjoy green and black tea in moderation and gave up soda long ago. Coffee has stained my teeth, led to high blood pressure, and certainly wasn’t good for my bone health. Saying goodbye to coffee has been a process and I feel best when I focus on my beverage of choice…water.
Each of us are unique - the lifestyle I lead today isn’t the lifestyle i practiced 10 years ago or 15 years ago or 20 years ago. I have modified my wellness routine to fit the life of a woman in her late 50’s who has artificial joints, is post menopausal, has asthma, Hashimoto’s disease, and currently on the third day of a shingle flare on my right leg. Managing my conditions is how I care for myself and improve my quality of life day by day. These acts aren’t work…nor do I consider them to be a chore…my healthy lifestyle is a demonstration of self-love and self-respect. Are you giving yourself the care, respect, and attention that you seek?
I love my life, adore my grown son and grand kitty, enjoy a wide variety of hobbies, care for many people, and am dedicated to the evolving process of better managing my own health and well being.
The 3 Key Concepts to Improved Health discussed at my website offer three broad topics that you can then narrow to fit your life, your needs, and your specific healthcare concerns. Visit Anderson Therapeutics - the resources I freely share have worked for me and they may work for you or someone you care for. Help is nearby - seek out the help you need, that is…if you don’t already know the answer.
Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES
Founder, Anderson Therapeutics