Wake Up Calls

You know that feeling when you feel fantastic. For me it means my back doesn't hurt (knock on wood), my face is clearing up, I have had some good visits with friends, I don't feel 'fat' and I am generally happy with my life. I find when this feeling goes on for too long, a week and then two, I stop doing the things that made me feel fantastic. I stop exercising, stop being strict on my skin care regime, start eating worse and then I find myself not feeling so great. And the cycle starts again. But for the most part, with the exception of my back, these are superficial issues. Is it the end of the world if my hair isn't great? Will the world come to a crashing halt if my face breaks out? All of the answers are no, I just feel self conscious for a bit and move on. 

Last week a huge wake up call came. One of my  friends is sick, not dying sick but still sick. She has been sick for a while but now there is finally a correct diagnosis. And its scary. Scary for her because she has to deal with these issues, what it could mean for her and her future. Scary for me because she is not here with me, where my family could shelter and help her, where it is easy to give her hugs and see that it will be alright. 

This friend listens to her body and fights for it. That is how she ended up with the correct diagnosis, because she fought until someone finally got it correct. This friend does all the things I say I will do, but never do. She researches, see' s specialists, she gets bi-weekly massages,  see's a naturalpath, she knows what works for her body and what doesn't. While she doesn't always follow what she knows is best, at least she knows. She has a healthy appreciation for the superficial. She is after all a her. However for the past year her focus has been on being HEALTHY. Not skinny, or pretty for others but healthy for her.  I admire that about her. I am adding this to the list because for years I have admired a lot of things about her.  

I have been sick for the last year as well. Not like her, but I have an issue that I complain a lot about but really have done very little to try and correct. I am waiting for the specialist to diagnose. What I should be doing is paying attention to my body and taking a cue from my friend - pay attention to my body and fight for it.

I believe that how you look on the outside has a direct impact on how you feel on the inside. That a new hairstyle, lipstick or piece of clothing can change your outlook. What I need to start remembering is that how you feel on the inside, physically and psychologically, can have a huge impact on your life as a whole. Best to take care of yourself while things are still able to be corrected.