The Garden

“Growing” your health can be a hard concept to grasp. For most of us, when we think of changing to a healthier lifestyle, we want the changes to be easy, and to start seeing results fast.  That’s why quick fix diets and products are easy to sell.  We want it now!  The reality is that it takes time for results to show, and that can often be frustrating.  Growing our health can seem like standing there watching, waiting for the garden to grow.  It takes so long to actually harvest something you can see.  The good news is that you can harvest feeling better very quickly!  Improvements in energy, attitude, sleep patterns, and alertness are right around the corner, and well within reach.  The visual and physical harvest will follow if you tend the garden well.

The transformation into a healthy lifestyle needs to be thought of as a progressive process, making sure to embrace even the small details that go into the mixture.  I am known for asking my clients to “Dream Big, and Work Small.”  Having a vision of where you want to be; change goals that encourage you to reach; that’s the Dream Big.  Taking small steps each day to implement changes; that’s the Work Small.  As you emerge into a new way of thinking about your health, it takes time to understand the significance of each part of the process. One of the best things you can do for yourself is make a plan as to how you’re going to attain a healthy lifestyle. What mini goals must you achieve in order to accomplish your big goal?  How will you get there within the constraints that you have?  These are questions that I help folks with every day.  Transformation doesn’t have to be a lonely process!

Mapping out your goals can not only help you stay organized, but it can make you appreciate the small accomplishments that you have made in order to reach your end destination. Think about a plant. You don’t usually see a flower with a dead stem and blossoming petals. Every part of the plant; roots, steam, leaves needs to be healthy in order for the flower to be full of color and life. The same idea goes for your healthier lifestyle. Instead of rushing the process of building a healthy lifestyle, take the time to make sure every part of your plan is strong and will actually lead you to your end goal. Takes those small steps every day to nurture your garden of good health.

Plan your journey, and celebrate the small victories. Nurture and grow your health and fitness. Not only will you achieve your goals, but you’ll build a strong foundation and feel great along the way!