marcoujor: What Drives You?

As a nurse, I teach and preach about self care and wellness.  I confess to having an aversion to two words in our English language, those being 'exercise' and 'diet'.

In thirty years of nursing, I have witnessed much non-compliance with treatment recommendations.  Mind you, this was primarily in my family (LOL)!  I have an Italian and a Southern heritage;  my maiden name of Couchara is translated to 'spoon'; and my husband is a gourmet chef -- 'nuff said...! 

It seems to me there is almost a guarantee of non - compliance with the 'diet / exercise' strategy.  Changing a lifetime habit / mindset is admittedly difficult.  When deprivation or discomfort is added to the mix, it is little wonder that we opt for comfort food and relaxing / resting.

An emphasis on self - care is a tenet of holistic nursing.  Individual responsibility and accountability  is needed with any plan for wellness / self - care.  In short, no one can make you healthier.  You are in the driver's seat ... what an awesome feeling of power!

Driving is my preference over being the passenger.  I love my freedom and knowing I can accelerate or stop as needed.  I even view the inevitable 'getting lost' as an invigorating challenge to learn a new area of town.  I much prefer the scenic route over turnpikes and city streets.

Yet being the driver of my vehicle is a grave responsibility.  I need to always consider the safety of my passengers and other drivers by being alert and flexible.  I need be intentional and thoughtful about the roads I am taking, considering destination and safety.  I need to be informed of updates in traffic / road conditions that will influence my journey.

Why not consider what roads you are currently driving in your lifelong journey of self - care?  Are you running out of gas / energy midway through your day?  Are you treating your body to delicious and healthy high - octane fuel in the foods you are eating?  Or rather, are you gunking up your engine with processed, sugary, fatty foods?  Do you travel / move through your day or does the day drive you?  Are you allowing your body to rev it's engine by doing an activity you have a passion for?

With the welcoming of 2014, we have a renewed opportunity to take better care of ourselves.  

As a nurse, I cannot advise you the best self - care plan.  

As a holistic nurse, I can tell you of the benefits of being intentional / thoughtful in your choices and receptive to information / other strategies in meeting your self - care needs.

As a writer and teacher, I would like to share relevant information related to self - care in future posts.

Please feel free to share your thoughts, plans, dreams, and ideas for future pieces in the comment section below.

May 2014 be a happy, peaceful, fulfilling and healthy year for us all,

mar

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"Living a healthy lifestyle will only deprive you of poor health, lethargy and fat."

Jill Johnson

Willie Nelson and sheryl Crow: On The Road Again