THE DILEMMA
Do you find yourself emulating other people and trying to be like them? Do you find it helpful?
I do, as well, but only to a point. I learn just as much by watching what other people do that is harmful and trying to avoid those mistakes. And especially in regards to health issues. But that’s just me. I’ve written about his before. The posts always seem to be prompted by encounters with people who are ignoring their health or playing the victim of their bad habits when they are the perpetrators of their bad habits.
Dave Ramsey is a financial guru who has a radio show where he dispenses financial advice. He’s very practical and while wealthy now, he didn’t start out that way. He often makes the statement that we “should live like no one else now so that when we are older we can live like no one else.” He’s referring to financial security but I’ve also heard him use this logic in regards to other areas as well.
For example, in regards to health, “live like no one else now so when you are older you can live like no one else”.
This isn’t anything I didn’t already know but I liked how he said it.
THE EXAMPLES
Taking care of our health is just like anything else. There is a best time of our life to develop good health habits although certainly we can’t develop better habits no matter what our age. The longer we’ve been exercising and eating right, the longer time we’ve had to make it a lifestyle, not something we have to continually remind ourselves of.
But I must add an exception, even the best health habits don’t guarantee we’ll escape serious illnesses or conditions. But for me, knowing I’m doing everything I can do to maintain and improve my health, means that when and if I encounter a serious illness, I will at least have peace of mind that I did all I could.
THE VICTIM
I think there are two kinds of people, those who see themselves as victims and those that don’t. And this applies to just about every situation I can think of.
In psychology, there is a foundational truth that is called “locus of control”. It refers to who controls us. There is “inner” locus of control in which we take personal responsibility for our lives. And there is “outer” locus of control where we allow other people and circumstances to control us. The “outer” locus of control people are the ones who see themselves as victims.
The healthiest people are those, of course, whose control is within themselves. (This is totally consistent with our Christian faith as well. While God equips us and empowers us to live our lives, we’re still the ones that have to actually do it. God never forces obedience in any are.)
THE SOLUTION
I went to my doctor several years ago about my back. He said something I’ve never forgotten. “If we don’t stay active, we go from a cane, to a walker, to a wheelchair.” I’ve seen this happen again and again with people I know. Another way to say it?
If we don’t walk, we won’t walk. It’s as simple as that.
And for all of you who might be saying, “Well, that’s just her. She likes to exercise.”
To recount, I’ve had six foot surgeries, and spinal stenosis resulting in sciatica pain and I’m no more motivated than anyone else. There are days I don’t walk to walk either. I just do because I know it’s right. I want to keep walking for as long as I can. 
Look around you. Are there people you know whose lack of good health habits have stopped them from living the life they want? Use them as an example of what you don’t want to happen to you.
Get moving so you can keep moving.
God bless and keep moving!
