joyful2beeblogs

During this time of stress and change it is easy to neglect ourselves. Our minds are so obsessed with all that is going on on the television, which is showing the disasters all around us. We can get really depressed quickly if we focus too much on the sad disasters happening.

But sometimes, these continuous distractions call us away from something that is very important. We may stop listening to our bodies and their needs. We may be eating more sweets, more greasy foods, not exercising because we want to continue what we are doing and so we sit, read, watch and do things that pull our minds away from our bodies’ voices.

Have you ever read longer than you should even when your eyes were burning, (sometimes I just really want to finish what I am reading but my eyes are dry.) Or have you been tired but kept beating your brain into submission to continue. Or needed a break from what you had been focusing on for two hours and knew you were getting sleepy but kept going and losing focus when some rest was needed (or just a break)?

I have degenerative disc disease and several moderately herniated discs; so I can’t overdo lifting, walking, or sitting longer than my back likes. If I do overdo, I have pain, which is like my body telling me, “I tried to tell you to stop! But NO-O-O! You had to overdo it! So now you pay for it!” If I stop soon enough and lie down and rest my back or stretch it out, it feels better.

As we get older we all push ourselves harder to keep up with how our bodies used to move when we were younger. But as we get older we need to realize and accept that if we have injuries or some diseases that slow us down or decrease our abilities, we need to listen to our bodies and adapt to its needs.

In fact, the truth is, we often don’t have virile, strong, beautiful, or masculine bodies when we get older. We just start and gradually wind down (probably from pushing ourselves too hard to be successful, motivated, hard-working workers) with messed-up bodies. When you push your body too hard it is easier to make some exercises into something of a punishment, particularly if you are very hard on yourself and criticize what your body has become; or “hate yourself” because of how much you ate when you shouldn’t criticize the body you have used for so many decades of life. Sometimes, our bodies crave some food because our bodies may be trying to tell us that it needs some vitamin or sugar, or even fat if you are skinny

An example of this is when my husband and I moved from New Orleans to Mississippi, where he taught at a junior college for a year, we didn’t know anyone there. Soon we found an apartment and began the process of moving in. My husband had help loading the washing machine on the back of his pick up truck. But in our new home, there was no one to help us. (Let me tell you from experience, washing machines back then were heavy! They still may be, but thankfully I haven’t had to help lift one since that day!)

I don’t think I hurt my back then. But that was over 40 years ago, so I am not sure. But I fear it may have stressed both of our backs to lift the washing machine out of the truck bed. But it had to be done. We have all pushed ourselves so hard at some point points in our lives that strained our bodies, stressed our brains, and hurt our hearts and minds. But we did what we have to do. Then we paid for it.

The message here is, think long and hard before you do something dangerous, damaging, stressful, punishing or ignorant (about the effects of the decision on your body, mind and spirit), before you risk your future. Try not to do things impulsively, to prove something, or to get something done without asking for help, especially when help is needed. Treasure your body. It has to live as long as your heart lives. Listen to your heart and mind and let them guide you away from the “no-nos” you shouldn’t be doing.

Love your body. Be thankful for your youthful bodies and keep them healthy. They may have to last you a long, long, time. Cherish your body and mind by feeding both good, uplifting foods and thoughts. If you hate your body, then do something about it. Get help!! There’s no need to hate on yourself. Get help. Don’t be too proud to ask for help. There are doctors, nutritionists, counselors, ministers, guidance counselors, and trained people who can help you get over something that is holding you back. Be kind to yourself and love yourself. You never know how long or short a life you will have. Treasure what you can. Use the bad or hard times as learning experiences.