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your HEALTH
Don’t make life tougher than it has to be COLUMN BY CHRISTINA KUNKLE
“Things shouldn’t have to be this hard!” I thought to myself, after zipping down the driveway with no time to spare, only to catch a glimpse of “0 miles to empty” on my gas gauge.
Wish I could tell you that I wasn’t the last one to drive the car, but I was. I could come up with some pretty good excuses, but truth be told, I hadn’t stopped to fill up the tank. Period. After a few tense minutes, I puttered into Exxon, humbled by the unnecessary stress I brought on myself. “Every circumstance is a chance for you to practice being the person you truly want to be, right?” my inner mean girl snickered as I stood at the gas pump. Instead of playing the shame game, I simply chuckled, saying “yes, and that’s why I’m giving myself some grace!” Of course, ideally, we strive to live our lives mindfully: by design, fully present in each moment. But, in the midst of the everyday — as the pressures of work, family and other responsibilities build — it’s easy to lose sight and end up in panic mode.
How about you? Are you running on empty? Even while intending to be proactive, organized and efficient, are there times when you catch yourself making things more complicated by default? If so, this list of “6 Silly Mistakes” may help you discover what is standing in the way of your claiming and manifesting the life you choose.
Mistake No. 1: Flying Solo Are you fiercely independent and of the belief that “if something is going to get done, I’m going have to do it all myself?” This sets the stage for incredible frustration, which will have you working harder, not smarter all day long. Instead of going it alone in your efforts to make things happen, lean into your faith and trust that guidance will come. Be willing to graciously accept resources and opportunities when they present themselves. Sure, we can survive alone, but we cannot thrive alone. So, consider ditching the automatic “I’m fine thank you very much” response when offered help.
Fix-it Tip No. 1: Start your day strong by asking for guidance. Remember that “Isolation is the enemy of progress” (author unknown)
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Mistake No. 2: Draining Yourself Dry Do you put yourself last, taking care of everyone else at your own expense? Have you repeatedly put off, cancelled or rescheduled a doctor’s appointment, mammogram, massage or another important health activity so you could take care of others?