It’s back to school and we are all reminded that every age, every stage and every challenge in life provides opportunity for learning. Isn’t it exciting and rejuvenating to look for ways to improve our life, happiness and wisdom? A lovely relative who thrives on self discipline is always happy to share fitness and wellness ideas. It’s her fault I do yoga (oops I mean encouraged me to explore the peace in practicing). Running, triathlons, biking are as much a part of her 55 year old daily life as her nursing career. Why am I torturing you? Because this woman loves sharing what she has discovered and extending herself to benefit others. The petite powerhouse softly say, “coconut water”. She then offers: “hot yoga… oh and with weights”. If that’s not enough the word “vegan” also escapes.
Frankly having tried vegan for a week I found myself groveling at a fast food drive thru. What I love however is her need to share. She is unselfish in expressing how activities for her own wellness could be a blessing to others.
Since “Doctor” means “teacher”, I hope in some of my stories there are teachable moments. Think about this for yourself. Having lived with cancer or any major life altering problem and run the gauntlet, don’t you have many ideas to also share? Not in a “let me tell you how awful it is” way but what helped, inspired and lifted you? You are a wealth of knowledge. It is as if you went to grad school for cancer survivors! Share your best ideas, how you navigated, and where you found strength.
You will give inspiration to another who needs those words. The best teachable moment sometimes is just realizing that we are not alone. You can calm someone fearful. You can help someone smile who is depressed. You can encourage another who is resistant. You can open the eyes of someone who is rigid. You can let another see that they too can be a survivor and it is not the end of the world. You can be amazing and motivate them to believe.
It only takes a few words to share your power. You will then rejuvenate yourself and be reminded just how strong you really are- no weight lifting required.