An attitude of gratitude will give you firm roots
There are many reasons we make choices that aren’t healthy for us. Some are merely impulsive urges like I just have to have that giant slice of of chocolate cake or I might die kind of urges, and some are from boredom and just mindless grazing.
But some are not quite as simple and come from a deeper emotional place.
We can control many choices by controlling our environment with better shopping habits, better restaurant choices, and workout accountability partners and communities.
Other things we can’t control. This is where the key to healthy living lies.
When Storms Come
Living on the Gulf Coast has many advantages. It’s wonderful to be close to Florida beaches and the Caribbean, along with warm weather and lots of palm trees.
The disadvantage we have is our vulnerability to hurricanes.
Hurricane Isaac just happened to make landfall here on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
After going through Katrina, you get a little jumpy when the weather people announce there’s a storm heading for the Gulf of Mexico. You can feel the tension thicken in the air. The gas stations start to get busy and bottled water quickly becomes scarce and neighbors start stopping by.
It’s an uneasy feeling.
The memories of those days, weeks, and months after Katrina come rushing back. I really do believe that there’s a post-Katrina type thing that exists for the people that lived through those days. The stories are many, as are the tears. But I have never seen a more loving community, doing anything they can to help each other. There’s been big storms come through, but they’re overshadowed by the hearts of a people that love their families, neighbors, and their way of life.
One thing a storm like Isaac teaches you is that no storm’s impact is completely predictable. Personally I thought, since it was barely a Category 1 hurricane, no biggie. We didn’t know it was going to hang out for days, dumping rain for hours and hours. It’s a week later and many still have no electricity as well as neighborhoods so filled with water that they can’t reach their homes. It’s heartbreaking.
When watching the folks here on TV or speaking to people that have lost everything all over again, I’m in awe of their attitudes. Usually there’s little complaining and they’re quick to ask you how you’re doing and if you need any help. In the midst of awful circumstances out of their control, you know that their roots run deep.
So the take-away for me is to keep close tabs on my attitude and ask myself:
- Am I complaining about small things?
- Am I letting days slip by and making the mistake of not being present with my family and friends?
- Am I allowing busyness to steal my time, energy, and joy?
- Am I wanting what I don’t have?
- Am I forgetting to be grateful for what I do have?
I believe all of this is part of the holistic health puzzle. From gratitude the health seed grows and flourishes. It’s the fertilizer if you will. Our decisions and choices spring from where we are on the gratitude meter.
Think about it next time when you’ve made a poor food choice or skipped a workout, or made a life choice about anything else. Where were you at that moment on the meter? Do you think attitude is linked to your choices, good or bad?
