Monday, August 23, 2010

Change Is an Inside Job

Don't know if I can come up with a cheesier blog title than that, but I'll work at it. Change, does however, come from within. I suppose change from without happens. There are many on the planet that life is just sort of "happening to." I heard someone say that 90% of the population is having a "near-life experience." I think the change that doesn't come from within, is the kind that doesn't last. The guy who puts on 10 pounds of muscle for the summer, and atrophies before the leaves change color in the fall. The gal who drops five dress sizes, and then finds them again, eventually. Until the change happens within, it isn't real; or at least not real enough.

When my waistline measured 49 inches, I said I'd be happy when it was 39. I got there, still wasn't happy. I got it down to 32 inches for awhile, and I still was not happy. Can you be healthy and not happy? I guess anythings possible, but why make it that complicated. I think life was meant to be fun. If it wasn't, at least, it can be. You are the creative force in your life, you are in control of your destiny. Many things will happen that seem to be out of your control, but you sail on through by taking responsibility for your reactions. I'm a big believer in living an active life, because I've seen what happens to the bodies and minds of those who lead reactive lives.

Every thought you think, creates a chemical reaction in your body. Those chemicals don't just disappear into some nether world, they don't just go away ten minutes after the argument. They don't vanish once your heart slows down after almost being hit by a bus. Those chemical reactions are stored somewhere inside you. Stress kills. We wear our past in our bodies and on our faces. The lines around an older persons eyes and mouth are usually really good indicators to their overall disposition. (But that's a whole other subject.) Controlling your emotions is just as important as controlling the amount and quality of food you eat, and the amount and quality of exercise you give your body. Emotions can have a tremendous effect on any biological process.

So if you're losing excess fat, or building muscle, realize it is an inside job. Noone can make you stronger, it comes from you; from within you. Good health is a gift that cannot be given to you, you must create it for yourself. Positive change begins with positvie thoughts. Positive thinking isn't about never thinking a negative thought. It's about always reaching up for the next better one, instead of reaching down and ending up spiraling into the void. Anger is a natural emotion, not something to be avoided, but it should be released in productive ways. Instead of stewing in it, go for a hardcore run, or push your limits with the weights. Take charge of your life, by taking charge of your health. Always remember that it all comes from within. Or as Dr. Wayne Dyer puts it, "You'll see it, when you believe it."

Friday, August 13, 2010

Healthy Lookin'

Theres a big difference between being healthy and looking healthy. Many of the bodies that are touted as perfect, in the media, aren't necessarily healthy. We live in interesting times. Somebody can be built, ripped, gorgeous and glowing; yet still be falling apart on the inside. I think the trick is to try to see the best in everyone, but don't compare yourself to anyone else. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, whereas your state of health is scientifically measurable. Inspirational role models can be helpful when your burning fat, or building a more muscular physique. But your ultimate goal doesn't have to be "I want to look as good as so and so." Be the best you, you can possibly be. And don't worry too much about it. Worry causes wrinkles. And bloating I think.