It’s always good to take a moment to reflect as the year comes to a close so we can look ahead with an excited expectancy of what’s to come. Has this year brought about any major changes? Has it beckoned movement? Did you stay put or get stuck longer than you thought? Did you suffer loss or make new and lasting friendships? Did you switch jobs or start a new career or change direction altogether?
As 2018 draws to an end, it’s important to reassess where we are, how far we’ve come, what we have, and what we need and want out of life. We can step into the new year with intention and purpose, starting with a few goals no matter what our starting point may be.
As you consider what this new year might mean, we have a couple of suggestions.
1. First (and most importantly), spend more time on relationships:
Spend time with God and with the people you love and care about. Maybe this past year has brought upon sudden loss. Don’t waste time! Call that friend you haven’t talked to in ages. Spend some time praying with a family member. Tell that person how much you love them. Being in great health and living into your 90s doesn’t mean much if you don’t spend that time well.
2. Eat 5 live foods each day.
Joe says it all in this health minute clip: If you want to have a better sense of well-being and health, eat live foods every day. What’s a live food? Raw fruits and vegetables as well as nuts. It doesn’t matter what diet you choose to try, all of the ones worth doing will have live foods at their cornerstone.
3. Supplement Well.
You knew this one was coming, right? You don’t have to take 20 pills a day, but there are some basics that EVERYONE should look into. Probiotics, a good multivitamin, and Omega-3s are a MUST. What have you got to lose? Take this opportunity to try something new! Know someone already supplementing well? Ask about their experiences. Does it cure cancer, regrow hair, and help you grow six inches? Of course not. Proper supplementation gives your body the components it needs to function and heal the way God intended it.
4. Get More Sleep.
Most of us don’t sleep the necessary 7-8 hours each night. Whether it’s that you have too much to do, love the quiet time in the house, or have a health challenge like insomnia, getting enough sleep is of paramount importance. Don’t cheat yourself! Sleep is when your body does dozens of healing and maintenance functions. Your brain uses the time to cleanse itself. If you deprive yourself of adequate sleep long enough, you’ll see major negatives in your attention, focus and mood as well as digestion, cardiovascular health and more.
5. Ask for help.
For so many of us, there’s a weird sense of pride we think we’re risking if we ask for help. That is, of course, ridiculous. Don’t let pride stand between you and the help you need. Whether it’s business, finances, relationships, or just fixing the plumbing, nobody knows everything and everyone needs help. If it’s a health issue you need help with, call Joyce Gibb, our nurse practitioner and naturopath (877-275-7743). They can be in person or over the phone. It’s the 21st century. Geography isn’t an impediment!
2018 was an intense year, to say the least, but if you embrace just these five obtainable goals with purpose, you’ll be off to a fantastic start before the new year even makes its entrance. You’ll be looking at 2018 in the rearview mirror raring to go trailblazing in 2019! We all know the cliché saying “What a difference a year can make”, but there’s no telling how much of a difference being intentional about the way you start your year can make!