First Things First...

I think that to start off with, my first post should be something about PERSISTENCE and CONSISTENCY. I think that is the biggest struggle of all. We want instant gratification whe, in all reality, the instant gratification is what got us un-well in the first place. So here it is....the story of the Bamboo Tree.

Everything doesn’t happen when we want it to happen. It doesn’t happen quickly. In the Far East they have something called the Chinese Bamboo tree. Every day, for five years, the tree has to be watered, fertilized and nurtured before it breaks the ground’s surface. If the watering and fertilizing process stops, the tree will die in the ground. Now, once it breaks through in that 5th year, then in 6 weeks the tree will grow 90 feet tall!
Now the question is, does it grow 90 feet in 6 weeks, or does it grow 90 feet in 5 years? The answer is obvious….it takes 5 years. That’s how long it took to grow it, to build that foundation, to nurture it, to water it, to build a reputation, to learn about other people, cultures, yourself, to learn the system, to learn new habits, to break down old habits that caused growth to cease and desist. That is why you must have patience and engage in consistent action.

As it relates to health and wellness, you are the bamboo tree. To explain the analogy further, when you begin to change the way you approach your health and determine your own value, your own self-worth, you change bad habits. You nurture yourself with the right things, consistently. Now, in the beginning, you may get on the scale and not see any results. At least, not right away. Like the bamboo seed, there is a lot going on below the surface, inside of you, that is not visible or tangible. But there is change. The things you do now, whether they are small or large changes, are assisting your body, your mind, your whole being with the fuel, the knowledge necessary to break through the surface to realize your potential. Like the bamboo tree, you push through the thick, crusted layers of the soil, realizing the resistance is softened by the water, the nurturing, and the consistency of doing the same thing every day. Remaining consistent allows for the seed to reach the surface and take off skyward; unhindered by the pains of Earth neglected. There is no resistance to what it can be. There is no resistance to what you can be either.

Be patient and engage in consistent action. It will not take five years for you to realize your life begins with some self-nurturing. What are you waiting for? Time is going to pass whether you are ready or not. Don’t wait for the perfect time to begin this change. It won’t come, and time will pass you by. You will watch others realize their own potential. Your life, your choices, your rewards and your consequences.