Living in pain should not be the default state for you and your body, though many seem to believe that’s the case – especially as we age. I’m here to tell you though, and this is based on personal experience, that does NOT have to be true for you. When you focus on health and wellness for yourself, it really is possible to be joyful in your body.
Our bodies are a gift to enjoy, to move in, to grow in, to strengthen, to love, and to protect. Not to feel trapped in or burdened by. If you don’t take charge and control of your own body and appetites, no one else will, because no one else can. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, it knows what it needs to be healthy. If you treat your body well, it will treat you well.
The Mind/Spirit/Body Connection
I’m sure much of what I write about seems obvious. It’s just commons sense, right? Yet, there are more obese adults in the US than those who are simply overweight. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, in 2013-2014 the obesity rate among adult Americans was estimated at 35% for men and just over 40% among women. (CNBC.com)
These are startling numbers, for which there could be a myriad of reasons. Of course, being in truly good health is about more than just having a healthy physical body. It is also having a healthy mind and spirit. If our minds and spirits are weighed down with worry, guilt, bitterness, and blame, either towards ourselves or others, it’s difficult to see and feel all the joy in and around us. Because of this, many will “self-medicate” with food, binge eating, alcohol, and drugs.
But, when we are of a healthy and strong mind and spirit we have a proper perspective and attitude toward things, people, and situations. We are better able to determine what and who is truly important in life. We are able to see ourselves as joy and not our circumstances. Thus, when life seems dark, dim and despairing – if we have a healthy body, mind, and spirit – we are able to rise above and see things as they truly are… Bright, hopeful, and full of joy.
Physical Side of Joyfulness
The health of your body, mind, and spirit depends on getting proper sleep, water, exercise, and self-care. This can show through in many aspects of your life. It is revealed in your values and beliefs. It reflects on your relationships and manifests in your use of personal time, and even financial management.
When you are healthy in body, mind, and spirit and allow your joy within to strengthen, supply, and nourish you, there is truly no limit to the amazing and wonderful things you can do and be.
Are you impressed by how important your health and wellness are to your ability to regularly experience joy? If you’d like to learn more about how and why this is true, grab a copy of my book, The ABCs of Joyful Living, and let me know how the steps I outline in it have helped you have more joy.
