What's Your Excuse?

Welcome back to The Care. Here in New England we are in the thick of summer which is pretty nice. The forecast is for a few days to reach low 90's. We've had some good rain to keep drought conditions down and compared to many other parts of the country, we are doing just fine. Wherever you are, I hope it's pleasant.

I remember, many years ago, when a certain teacher asked me a question about why I didn't do something. After I answered her, she asked, "Is that a reason or an excuse?". It took me a while to sort that out and it's stayed with me ever since. I find myself often asking, Is this a reason or an excuse? So, what's the difference?

A reason is based on facts that will either prevent or allow me to proceed and there's usually not much I can do about it. Let's say I want to go for a run, but I've broken my leg. Until it heals, I won't be running. However, if I say I can't run because I have nobody to run with or my favorite shorts are in the wash, that's just an excuse and neither of those hold up as legitimate reasons.

When it comes to taking care of ourselves, we can often come up with a lot of excuses. One of them is that "it's too hard". My experience is that almost anything is hard at first and then, it gets easier. Learning to walk as a toddler was hard, but we kept falling down and getting up again until we could keep going. If you play a musical instrument, you can identify with not knowing how to produce pleasant sounds at first and probably wondering how others did it. After time and with practice, it's possible to play tunes and sound good.

You might have a job where you knew nothing before you started or went to school or trained. I know, as an RN, I can program a pump and deliver IV fluids and medications to patients smoothly and with little effort. When I was first confronted with the pump and tubing and IV access, I didn't have a clue and the first few times I had to set up the system, I asked for help. Eventually I started teaching others how to use the equipment,

Sometimes, it feels like we "can't" learn how to do something new. That's just our ego or faulty thoughts getting in our way. If we listen to and follow the voice that says, "It's too hard. You can't do this. You're not smart enough. You don't have what it takes.", we will definitely get nowhere and we'll stay stuck. The worst excuse I know of lately is, "I'm too old.". If you believe that, then that's how it will be. I'm here to tell you it's most likely not true.

When you aren't feeling good and you have a hunch that it's because you need to eat better or move more or become more social, drop the excuses. Don't blame anyone else or make them responsible for your well-being. As one of my guides, Abraham, says, "My happiness depends on me, so you're off the hook.". Figure out the first, small step and go forward. As always, be care-full.

I have helped others let go of excuses and feel better. I know how to help you think differently and adopt new tools for better daily living. Contact me and see what's possible.

Happy Healthy Habit Hump Day,