I confess: I am somewhat obsessed when it comes to my health.
But not so obsessed that I don’t eat things or do things which often call that into question.
At 61 it is a given I have pretty much set my course of health. But I also have a lot to live for (particularly a certain 7 year old grandson), so I have decided to make some changes to my diet. It has been a month now since I have had a Diet Dr Pepper. Not that I think drinking pop is wrong; it is just that I was drinking way too much of it. I have changed my snacking habits, especially after 5:00. (Yes, I still eat ice cream…just a smaller portion). 🙂
CHANGE. IS. HARD.
Researchers have conducted studies of patients who have undergone major heart surgeries and found that two years after surgery, 90% of those patients had not changed their lifestyle and found themselves in the very same health condition they were before surgery.
THAT’S. NOT. GOOD.
I have been able to cycle more since the weather has broken. I have been gradually adding mileage (allowing my surgically-repaired knee to get stronger) and rode for 18 this past Friday.
THAT. IS. GOOD. (for me anyway)
There is also a Good and Not Good spiritually. There are those who take their health with a blase’ attitude. That’s. not. good.
There are those who take it seriously. That. is. good. They will make the changes needed for continued good health.
Do you take care of yourself physically? How so? More importantly: do you take care of yourself spiritually? How so?
I have had a long history of health problems. For more than a decade I have exercised regularly and intensely to give myself my best chance to raise my daughter until she goes off on her own. I have also tried to eat as healthy as I can stand. Spiritually, I have not found a magic formula other than to keep at it. When I get bored with a certain approach, I try to mix things up.
Sounds to me like you are doing what you can Daniel to be around for your daughter. That is important. We have no control over how our bodies react or even betray us. As for the spiritual: changing approaches is good.
I’ve though a lot about your comments over the past few months-long before we met.
I chewed tobacco for over 20 years.
There are people who can chew now and then, and believe me, I AM NOT ONE OF THEM.
I quit about 40 days ago. If I have a chew it will be “Game On” and it’ll be non stop.
I don’t think I can illustrate enough just how addicted I was (and still am). It was my security. I would become anxious if the can got low on tobacco, or we were going somewhere and I didn’t have enough to sustain me. During combat operations in Iraq, I don’t think I ever DIDNT have a chew in, day or night.
I have a 4 year old boy. I knew I had to take care of myself physically. It weighed on me. But what also weighed on me was the conviction I felt from putting this idol before my personal relationship with God. I don’t judge those that use tobacco nor is it my place to judge anyone, but for me, I knew what I was doing and knew it wasn’t good.
So, a physical and a spiritual vice that I was not tending too, all wrapped up into one.
By the way, as I write this I am craving tobacco. But, rest assured, I wont cave:)
I applaud you on several levels here Andy. One, your desire to quit. Two, your sensitivity to your son. Three, your realization it was an idol. Fourth, you are on the right track. 🙂
I love to run, though it has been crowded out lately. I’ve got to get back at it.
It is easy to crowd exercise out. I know I have to make time.
Health wise I prefer unprocessed food and avoid sugar, bread and fast food joints. I also go to bed at 9 and get up at 5 7days a week. As for spirituality, which is a relatively new word coined for Americans, I don’t think much about it or place much value on it. If it means stopping and smelling the roses I do a fair amount of that. If it means thinking about some supernatural spirit world I leave that to Hollywood and the fiction writers.
You are certainly doing better than I am doing on what you are avoiding Jeff (although I do tend to avoid fast food joints). I go to bed at 9:30 and get up at 4 about 5 days a week. I was not talking about spirituality which can encompass a lot of stuff (TM ,crystals, palm reading, etc). I admit I was referring to a daily walk & growth with Jesus (which I know you are not interested in). 🙂
Yes, I take care of myself physically, though my body all too often doesn’t cooperate with that process. Yes, I take care of myself spiritually, though I get in my own way an awful lot here too. In general, the ways I take care of myself both spiritually & physically are the same: Small things done consistently over time that add up to make a big difference with my overall health. I could write a lot about this topic, but that’s the core behind it all.
“Small things done consistently over time” is a great way to put it Kari. So important. Well said.
Like most things in life I tend to over do it. I went over twenty years without any refined sugar, to dessert etc. I also had such a low fat diet during that time that it took it’s toll on my joints that I was over using.
It’s a hard thing for me; this moderation thing, but I’m working on it.
Spiritually my in depth weekly Bible study keeps me from coming completely off the rails!
I know I have not given up all I COULD give up Floyd, and honestly don’t see myself giving it all up. I still like ice cream. I still want at Diet DP or DP 10. I once gave up chips and fries for 7 years. Moderation is the key. Finding that place is tough. 🙂 Glad to hear about the spiritual study.
I’m not into diets or anything. The only method on how I choose food to eat is come to the store / cafe and see what they’ve got. Then I “listen” to my body’s desires and choose whatever feels good at the moment. It might not be a good thing for everyone and it seems like all my body would want is junk food – but actually, more often, it wants something healthy like a salad or a yogurt. (Usually it’s any kind of meat.)
But on a more serious, spiritual, note: I need to (re)start feeding my soul. With all these events in Ukraine, while I knew He’s in control, I kind of lost the feeding part.
I used to be able to eat whatever i wanted…then I got older. 🙂 I know you will take care of yourself sis. Sam needs that. No time like the present to restart.
What’s the phrase? “Now physical training is of some value, but…”
You can’t carry a message if you aren’t well – you only transmit a disease – and since Christianity is more often caught, not taught (though education *certainly* has its place), I want to be the best carrier I can be. Tobacco, alcohol, ups, downs, and sideways stuff have been gone for years.
I’m with many in that the word “spirituality” is often corrupted. If someone isn’t quite ready for God, as I understand Him, it *does* make it easier to be able to start them off with Good Orderly Direction first, with spiritual principles taught as the person is capable of understanding – an Emmaus road experience will feel more real (because it *is* more real).
Good post, Bill!
You’re talking about the “set an example” idea Rick. No problem with that. As I told Jeff, I see “spirituality” as being much more than a relationship to Jesus. It encompasses all leanings. I sure hope my thoughts were not construed that way. 🙂
We’re good 😀
Just went to the doctor today for some health issues. What ever comes my way now takes longer to get over. As for my spiritual health, right now I am doing great. I feed myself a lot…connect with others who feed themselves, teach a little which I love to do for what ever I give out God will most certainly use in my life and usually already has. Looking forward to the day when physical and spiritual takes on perfect.
Hope you are doing okay Betty. About that “takes longer.” I think that is one of the “curses” of aging. 🙂 So glad your spiritual health is doing okay.
This is something that is very difficult to balance. It’s much easier for us to stay fit and healthy in Ukraine than it is in America, too much fast food, too much riding in cars here.
My wife and I love to walk and we try to do that 4-5xs a week. I also like to workout, pull-ups, push-ups and any kind of heavy lifting is my thing.
I also try to track my food on http://fitbit.com
All that said, I realize that health could also become and idol very easily and try my best to make sure that I focus on my relationship with God first.
I have heard America is the land of the fat and fast food. Glad to see you and your wife stay active. And you are right: we do need to be careful not to make it an idol.