The Wellness News : The Clock Is Ticking *Surprise free guide included*

How do you want to feel?

What good is the gift of a long life if it is spent feeling exhausted, unhappy, guilty, full of shame, aching, and wishing things were different?

You have choices. You have free will.

You may not have chosen everything that has happened to you. You cannot control every circumstance, every loss, every disappointment, or every painful chapter.

You can influence what happens next.

Do you believe life can be better?

Are you acting in a way that illustrates a belief that life is worth living?

Imagine what life could be like if you felt better emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Now, don't me wrong.

Life can be painful, challenging, and downright overwhelming at times.

But are you making it worse, though?

Are you doing things you do not feel good about?

Are you making choices out of guilt, fear, disappointment, or shame?

Are you becoming so lost in your pain that you have stopped looking for a way through it?

Your life has an expiration date, and the clock is ticking.

When You Cannot See the Way Out

Sometimes we become so lost that we lose sight of the light. We can no longer see the path out of an unhappy or unhealthy life, and we may even lose the will to change.

That is when it is time to get help.

Sometimes we cannot do it on our own, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Asking for help is brave. It is courageous. It can even inspire someone else who is stuck or feeling lost to reach out, too.

I was once told that we cannot have a testimony without a test, and that stayed with me.

I have been lost. I have been stuck. I have lost my will to move forward.

And I know from personal experience that people want to help.

If you cannot do it on your own, reach out to someone you trust. That person may be a guide, a friend, a family member, a therapist, a coach, or a doctor.

You do not have to carry everything alone.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 for free, confidential support in the United States. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

You Are Worth the Work

Remember, you are worthy of an amazing life.

You are special. There is no one else exactly like you.

You are unique, and you bring a special recipe to the kitchen of the universe.

You are an instrument tuned in a way no one else is, and in this grand orchestra, we need your sound. We need your solo because no one else can perform it exactly as you can.

How the Brain Can Feel Hijacked

Sometimes the actions we use to cope with unhappiness begin training the brain toward automatic and unhealthy patterns.

Repeated behaviors can become connected to certain places, times, emotions, people, thoughts, or situations. If the behavior provides immediate comfort, distraction, stimulation, numbness, or relief, the brain learns to repeat it.

Chronic stress can make thoughtful decision-making more difficult. Insufficient sleep can interfere with attention, emotional regulation, memory, and impulse control. Alcohol, nicotine, and other addictive substances can also influence the brain systems involved in reward, stress, learning, judgment, and self-control.

That is what I mean when I say the brain can feel hijacked.

Remember, you are

Not broken.

Not powerless.

You may be

conditioned and feel powerless.

The great news is that the brain can also learn new patterns.

Is that process easy? No, not at first!

The solution may be much simpler than you realize.

We must regain control and then continue practicing the actions that help us remain in control.

Imagine Something Better

• Imagine a life in which you wake up feeling energized and your energy lasts until bedtime.

• Imagine a life in which guilt, shame, self-doubt, anger, and disappointment in yourself and your choices are things of the past.

• Imagine feeling proud of the way you care for yourself.

• Imagine feeling hopeful about your future.

Now imagine that nothing changes.

• Imagine that the same actions, thoughts, and patterns continue creating the same results.

Which future feels better?

The solutions are often simpler than you realize.

Not necessarily easy.

Simple.

1. Conduct an honest audit of your life.

2. What is going well?

3. What would you like to be different?

4. How do you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally?

5. How do you want to feel?

6. What does your ideal life look like?

7. What steps can you take today to bring that life closer?

If you want change, you must first understand where you are and where you want to go.

Imagine trying to plan a trip without knowing your starting location or your destination.

You probably would not get very far!

Once you know where you are and where you want to go, start with the basics.

Prepare the vehicle for the trip. Pack what you need for the destination. Make a checklist. Get ready to travel.

Prepare for the Journey

Is the driver rested?

Are you sleeping seven to nine hours per night.

Do you wake feeling energized ?

Are you protecting a consistent sleep schedule when possible?

Are you getting daytime light to help support your natural sleep-and-wake rhythm?

If you missed the science of sleep you can download it here

Is there fuel in the tank?

Are you eating enough food to support your body and brain?

Are you getting enough protein, fiber, water, and nutrient-rich foods to sustain your life, and carry you toward the future you are trying to create?

Are repeated choices working against how you want to feel?

Large amounts of added sugar, frequent fried foods, alcohol, nicotine, other drugs, or poorly timed caffeine can affect sleep, energy, mood, physical health, or decision-making. The effect depends on the substance, amount, timing, frequency, and the individual.

This is about information. This is not about punishment or shame.

Has the vehicle been maintained?

How does your body feel?

Are you stretching?

Are you moving daily?

Are you participating in resistance training to preserve and build strength?

Are you addressing persistent pain, illness, or physical limitations with an appropriate healthcare professional?

Can you see the road clearly?

How do you speak to yourself?

Are you kind?

Are you curious about your behavior, or do you immediately judge yourself for it?

Can you see what has kept you stuck?

Can you identify what may lead you toward the life you want?

When the basics are out of order, your brain and body do not function at an optimal level

Sleep loss, chronic stress, inconsistent nourishment, dehydration, inactivity, substance use, and harsh self-talk can create a cycle of low energy, poor mood, discomfort, negative thinking, and actions that continue making it harder to feel well.

Begin With One Vote

Even though we cannot change the past, and we may not yet know how to heal every heartache, disappointment, or anxiety, we can take meaningful action today.

One session of physical activity can help reduce short-term feelings of anxiety and support sleep. Consistent movement, sufficient sleep, nourishment, hydration, daylight, supportive relationships, and appropriate professional care can strengthen physical and emotional well-being over time.

These actions are not instant cures for every illness, pain, trauma, addiction, or mental-health condition. They are ways of creating a stronger foundation.

You can feel better. To feel better you must first believe you can.

The first step is yours.

Every action/inaction is a vote.

Every choice helps shape the future.

The Concept of Not Choosing is Still Choosing

When faced with a decision, we often find ourselves in a state of uncertainty, where the options available may seem overwhelming or the consequences daunting.

However, it is crucial to understand that the act of refraining from making a choice is, in itself, a choice that carries its own set of consequences.

At its core, a choice involves selecting one option over another, which inherently implies a series of potential outcomes based on that selection. Choosing is an active process that reflects our values, priorities, and desires.

When we opt not to make a decision, we may believe we are avoiding responsibility or the weight of choice. Yet, this inaction does not eliminate the reality of the situation; instead, it often leads to unintended consequences that arise from the lack of a definitive action.

In many scenarios, failing to choose can lead to stagnation or missed opportunities.

For example,

1. In a professional context, an employee who hesitates to pursue a promotion may inadvertently signal a lack of ambition or readiness, effectively closing the door on future advancement.

   
   

2. In personal relationships, an individual who chooses not to confront issues may allow misunderstandings to fester, ultimately damaging the connection with their partner.

   
   

3. Failing to make the changes to our health we know need to be made or failing to properly care for our bodies may lead to disease.

   
   

The absence of a choice can create a ripple effect that influences various aspects of life.

Sometimes, the fear of making the wrong choice can paralyze individuals, leading to a state of indecision. "Analysis paralysis," occurs when we overthink potential outcomes to the point of inaction.

It is essential to recognize that even the decision to remain inactive is a form of choice that reflects one's comfort level with uncertainty and risk. This awareness can empower us to confront our fears and understand that making a choice—regardless of the outcome—is a crucial part of personal growth and development.

Embracing the idea that not choosing is still choosing encourages a more mindful approach to decision-making. We can benefit from recognizing the implications of our inaction and considering the long-term effects of our choices, or lack thereof. By cultivating mindfulness, we can become more attuned to the nuances of each situation, allowing for more informed and intentional decisions.

This practice not only enhances self-awareness but also fosters a greater sense of agency in our life.

At the end of the day, the notion that "not choosing is still choosing" serves as a reminder of the inherent power and responsibility that comes with decision-making.

Every choice we make, or do not make, shapes our experiences and influences the trajectory of our lives. Acknowledging this truth can lead to a more proactive and engaged approach to life, where individuals are empowered to make choices that align with their values and aspirations.

By understanding that inaction is a choice in itself, one can navigate the complexities of life with greater clarity and purpose.

Living a life of health and wellness does not mean your life has to become boring. It means creating a life in which you feel better, have energy for the future you are building, and have the greatest opportunity to leave the world better by becoming the best version of yourself.

The clock is ticking. Our time is limited

What are you choosing? What are you voting for?