“I’ve never seen you so healthy,” told my brother as I saw him recently.
“It’s all because of you, Jen.”
“It’s actually all because of Mom, ” I replied.
I reminded him how he made a comment last summer about though watching our mom go through Alzheimer’s and die a pretty rough death, there were huge blessings and silver linings as it pushed us to get our health together and pulled us together as a family.
My mom’s health was the catalyst to deep dive into exploring my health deeper, not only in body, but also mind and soul. It pushed into the world of Functional Medicine, looking at our health holistically, as nature intended.
But this is not about me…
There was a time shortly after mom died, when he would sit on my back deck…no energy, feeling miserable, in a stagnant place in his life. He was aware of the work I was starting to do both personally and professionally. I planted seeds, lead by example and finally he was ready to make the changes he needed to turn his life around.
He started to work with a colleague of mine who recommend the Elimination Diet. He realized very quickly about how foods affect him…his energy, his digestive system. He got to experience how good he really can feel when he keeps his inflammation low, and now he is in control of how he chooses to feel and eats accordingly. Over the years, as we learned more about our genetics, we brought on supplements to further support his cellular health. Later we dove into supporting his liver through detoxification support and regular sauna work. He is taking care of his structural body through regular foam roll work, smart back care and exercise. He is acutely aware of his nervous system and how to support it throughout the ebbs and flows of life’s demands.
It’s been four years since he began to change his life. He continues to learn more about his body, his mind, his soul, and how to care for himself.
And he’s never looked better.
But it goes beyond looking better.
I have watched him grow in his confidence, his relationships, his work, his goals, his dreams, and his family. His son, who is close to my boys’ ages, is thriving. He and I are closer than we have ever been. He has met and married the love of his life. Healthy living is just built into their lifestyle. They have the tools and strategies to support their bodies, minds, and souls. It fills my heart to witness this transformation. It didn’t happen overnight. It was step by step, and consistent, as he built on the foundational elements of health. It’s been four years and he is still committed. That is true longevity work…thriving in your years, not just doing lots of things to try to live longer.
It all starts when we get to the place of “I don’t want to feel like this anymore, ” and “I want a different future.” Then, it takes a guide to help you learn about how to care for your unique body…your genetics, your history and everything you’ve endured, and how your body has adapted, often to the point it can no longer.
But it’s up to you to take notice and develop awareness, invest time, money, and care in your self, and commit to doing the work. It’s not easy and it’s a choice. What do you want your future to be? Make it happen. If we can do it, so can you.