I think many of us can agree that sugar and salt are delicious; water is an option but not a necessity; and vegetables should remain buried in the ground. Who brings kale chips to a movie theater when the mouth-watering scent of buttered popcorn engulfs them? How many of us prefer the gym over the living room couch? It’s important to sleep deeply, but for some, it is a chore to get out of bed.
Sometimes I wake up in a low mood, my toes reluctant to touch the floor. If I have plans for the day, I often cancel them. Several excuses form behind my eyelids, reasons to skip the gym. My dad is my workout buddy. He keeps me on track, and sees through my lies.
When I have finished, my day looks brighter and my lips curve into a smile. Serotonin floods my system, and all of my troubles melt away. I feel this way each time, though my first instinct every day is to reschedule for never.
Vegetables are a healthy substitute for junk. They are brain food. Walking into a grocery store, I look around and see people in every direction. In their carts I find bread, cereal, crackers, cookies, pasta, potato chips, canned foods, preserves, soft drinks; everything that tastes delectable. My cart looks no different. Often, I have thought, “Pick your poison.”
Water is essential to life. The clear, tasteless, vital source controls all of our bodily functions. It generates glowing skin, shiny hair, and strong nails. Water induces regularity. It feeds our organs. Yet, some of us prefer the taste of more exciting beverages, slowly killing ourselves with each sip. We need to drink half our body weight in ounces of water every day. Easy, right? So, why not?
Why do we deprive ourselves of our basic needs? Food, water, sleep, sunshine and exercise maintain our bodies and minds. Fuel your body; care for your body; feel the difference in your life. These are not outstanding requests, yet we do not meet them. The tasks seem daunting, like a massive puzzle. Build your life one piece at a time. Why not?
-SJB