I was in the best shape of my life in 2010. I felt physically (and mentally) strong, was athletic and energetic, and worked very hard to get there. I had overcome hurdles such as an autoimmune disease that limited my mobility on some days, and two brain surgeries that came with their own set of challenges. I was a mom, nurse, teacher, strength competitor and amateur bodybuilder.
I also loved travel and food. Food served both as a fuel and entertainment for me. And the following year when I needed a third brain surgery I slowly let go of all the healthy habits I created and started living unconsciously. I went on autopilot. I don’t blame myself for that, but it set me up to long for those healthier, fitter days.
Recently I’ve been taking a coaching course, and have been focused on ‘what it is I REALLY want’. Getting to the core of my wants - in relationships, health, wealth, and purpose, has been key to my growth and lifelong learning. I’ve come to realize I REALLY want to be the healthiest, fittest version of myself. Not my 2010 self, but my current self as healthy and fit. I’m excited to coach clients on this same journey; getting clear on what you want and making small steps to achieve it.
Since 2010 I’ve had two more brain surgeries, major foot surgery, gave birth to another child (as an older mom), and had major abdominal surgery. Hurdles of life for sure, but nevertheless I want to seize the day and create healthy habits to get me to my ‘want’, today.
I began in April with a 10 day water-fast followed by introducing the AutoImmune Protocol Diet (AIP) to assist in healing leaky-gut and Psoriatic Arthritis without medication. I met with a Registered Holistic Nutritionist to assist me on my journey, and added healthy habits of body scans, food journaling, and mindful eating. I began a nightly stretching routine, and weekly goals for activity including hill walking, rowing, and working out with weights. I started reading daily as well as continuing my ‘5 Things I’m Grateful for’ gratitude practice. Researchers state it takes 8 weeks of doing this to show changed brain patterns that lead to greater empathy & happiness.
Most importantly, I stopped comparing myself to my past self. My mantra has always been to be a better version of myself today than I was yesterday. But within that I needed to be self-aware and focus more on today and tomorrow, rather than the past.
Whether or not you’ve had physical or mental setbacks like I have, we ALL have a journey and a story. We all have ‘wants’. And we all have excuses and barriers that stand in our way. Creating healthy habits for yourself empowers you to make small steps towards what lights you up, what you long for, what you REALLY want.
What do YOU want? And what healthy habits can you create to help you get it?
Tracey Purvis