Giving Back … To Yourself.

With the second major hurricane bearing down on our country, it really gives us pause to be grateful. Whether we are in the storm or not, it’s a reflection on that fact that all of us need help sometimes. Hopefully it doesn’t involve rushing water and life endangering saves, but none-the-less, we are all human, and I do not believe we were designed to operate as islands.
Power and strength comes with community. People pulling for each other. The energy is contagious. If you’ve ever been on the sidelines of a sporting event or finish line, you know what I mean. The air is so heightened, it’s nearly electric. You can feel the pulse of excitement, a rush through the crowd. You want success! You want it for everyone!! So much so, you’re on the edge of your seat, you’re jumping up and down, clapping your hands, holding your breath.
The crowd wouldn’t be the same if everyone stood around looking depressed. If people just shuffled by with no real interest, the scene becomes muted.
What makes a community? Lots of things, but one key ingredient is people’s willingness to participate. When you think of the word “community,” you can’t help but to define it as a group of people with common interests, working towards something together. It’s a sense of partnership, comradery, helpfulness. Having support is a key element in success.
Giving back is a pillar in life that many of us seem to ignore. Not because we don’t want to help, per se. It’s not because we aren’t good people. It’s because helping takes time. It takes energy. Often, it takes money. In our everyday world, we often lack part, or all, of these things.  Helping or volunteering can take us out of our comfort zone. When someone asks for a favor, it may not be what you want to do. You immediately begin to think of how inconvenient it all is to you.
Ehhh…
No one is saying you need to help everyone all the time. But everyone should help someone or something some of the time. It’s necessary to evolve as human beings. It helps with personal growth, development, feeling connected to something larger in this world.
Interestingly, the same uncomfortableness happens when you make a lifestyle change. It’s sorta like doing a favor for your body. It takes you out of your comfort zone. It can be pretty inconvenient. And, it can take time, energy, and money. Funny how that all works.
For those of us that volunteer, after a bit of time, it just becomes what we do. It’s part of our lives, our schedule. Same with taking care of yourself. It’s just your lifestyle. Ever look back at a time in your life when it seemed like a million things were happening at once, and you wonder how on earth you fit it all in?? Well, you did. And, importantly, you survived! The same is true when you starting on a lifestyle journey. After some time, it’s just what you do! You don’t have to make special plans. It all just happens.
Just like any community, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. A lifestyle change is hard! You don’t need to tackle it alone! Find support in friends, family, a gym, a trainer, a support group, a doctor. Anyone who will positively influence you and create that positive din surrounding your life! We all need cheerleaders!
I challenge you to consider what’s important in your life. Give to others and give to yourself. Do your body a favor like you would any person that asks for help. Saying “yes” to someone in need should be an easy decision. Say “yes” to what your body is asking of you as well.
-Cheryl