Journey back to health
What does it mean to be fit? Using Google brings up a huge variety of different definitions and the majority all go to being physically fit, but what about financially, spiritually, emotionally, aren't these also tied in with physical fitness?
Over the last year I have been embarking on a more holistic look at my life, into the areas where have I been out of balance, and analysing what is healthy and what is not.
"To be physically fit means to be in a state of health and well-being.
Physical fitness is defined as the body's ability to function efficiently and effectively in work and leisure activities, to be healthy, to resist disease and to react to emergency situations."
This lead me to first of all to looking at my internal health, by going to a fantastic (yet expensive) doctor who tested every aspect of me and found out the reasons why I didn't want to get out of bed in the morning had to do mainly with my gut and Candida, there was such an over growth in my stomach that it wasn't absorbing nutrients - aka my body was trying to keep going on next to no fuel.
So that started the regime of vitamins, restricted diet, B12 shots and more... (FYI... B12 shots are amazing, instant energy and pick me up!) This has been a work in progress however, as much as I would love to take a pill and make the health issues go away, they don't and I have to continue to learn to be patient, compassionate to myself and to know there will be times I will take a step backwards or sideways but that that is the mission I am on.
All the way along this journey I have been going to the EnjoyHF, loving my workouts, driving the trainers crazy with alterations to movements and loving the energy that comes with working out in a group. For me the simple fact of turning up, completing and walking away with a sweaty red face makes me happy and sets up the day!
On reflection it is amazing how much can tie into the gut health, this I am no expert on but reading different books, talking to people and experiencing my personal journey has lead me to be focusing day by day on getting healthier. Over the last couple of years I have thought that I was struggling from depression, anxiety or both and this all compounded to wondering where is my life going! Sure it is likely I was struggling from all of the above at some stage and after talking to the amazing Laura, at INS Career Management, she made me realise that I had been living through burnout, this exhaustion isn't fun, but was a lesson and now after taking a break and refuelling I am ready for the next season.
It is only on taking those steps to analyse our lives, health and thought processes that we can sit back and learn, learn to be compassionate to ourselves, look at all we have achieved, and to realise we are all on our own journeys and not only to not judge ourselves but also those around us, as who are we to judge others if we don't know their story.
If you find you are struggling I highly recommend looking into yourself, see a professional, get those blood tests, reach out to a friend and say something isn't quite right. We are in this journey of life together and that doesn't mean suffering alone in the bad times but doing it together, and that also makes celebrating the good times even sweeter!
“On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter,
wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night.
If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.”
Buddha
