From the front desk of Element Natural Healing Arts, I have seen many patients improve their well-being and, in some cases, turn their lives around, by deliberately creating health in their lives. Commitment to personal health, an adventurous willingness to try something new, and a steadfast approach to regularity are effective characteristics I have witnessed in these people, and I want to salute them in the New Year for inspiring me to follow in their footsteps!
With the arrival of another January 1st, we see another revolution of Father Time’s clock and another opportunity to create new health habits. Addressing pain or illness is an important place to start in the New Year, because as I have been told by countless friends and family, “If you want to take care of others, you need to take care of yourself.” Oh, and then there is the probability that if you address your health issues, perhaps new opportunities you never thought possible before might arise! We all have our own personal goals and specific plans, but if we are suffering from pain on any level whether it is physical, mental, or emotional, creating regularity (the day-to-day and week-to-week practice that allows the goal to actually manifest) can be a very difficult thing.
So how to create new habits? Start small: don’t over-commit yourself to grandiose schemes. Just do one thing: when you are too tired, too sad, too lazy to bother, gently insist to yourself that you follow through. Rely on your family or friends: find someone you love and trust and tell them what is going on. When you share your dreams, others often jump at the chance to support you. Reconnect with your vision and ask yourself, “Why am I trying to do this? Who is this even for? What is the point?” Envision yourself down the road having accomplished your task and enjoying all the benefits from that task. Have faith and hope in the results of your actions. Belief can give you wings!
Here at the front desk, I have gotten to know many people who have come in with issues ranging from nuisances to acute traumas, from residual pain to complex chronic systemic disorders. I have seen so many of them recover and find health. It is a joy to discover something which works, whether it’s acupuncture, massage therapy, Alexander Technique, or lymphatic drainage (the list could go on and on). It is inspiring that they are committed to their health as a priority, even once the situation improves, because constancy is essential. It gives me hope to see the willingness and commitment of the regular patients at Element (actors, musicians, dancers, high-level athletes, weekend warriors, firemen, writers, teachers, designers, business people, lawyers, parents, grandparents…) who are realizing better health for themselves, because it is one small step toward effectuating better health for the world.
Thank you all and Happy New Year!
– Becky Serrell Cyr