Keeping It Simple
If you've ever faced a major health issue, you know how debilitating it can be.
But what if you could take small actions every day to prevent or manage these issues before they become serious?
That's exactly what I learned from my recent spinal surgery experience.
As I lay in the hospital bed, recovering from a microdiscectomy surgery that removed a chunk of disc the size of a grape that was pushing on my sciatic nerve, I couldn't help but feel grateful.
This was the second time I had this specific surgery in the last 2.5 years, but the difference was astounding.
What changed?
I started doing small things that added up over time to pay huge dividends.
These included:
- Regular workouts with a personal trainer to build muscle and improve overall health.
- Eating a healthy diet to reduce inflammation and support my body's healing process.
- Asking for help when I needed it instead of trying to do everything myself.
- Simplifying my life to reduce stress and allow time for rest and recovery
Of course, I haven't been perfect in all of these areas.
I still indulge in treats sometimes, struggle to ask for help, and feel scarcity around money at times.
But by knowing what I want my life to FEEL like, I keep going back to the fundamentals I set up for myself.
I know what works for me and am seeing the rewards now.
Last time I had this surgery, I was on opioid painkillers for about 6 months leading up to and after the operation.
The detox was so horrible, I never wanted to put myself through that again.
This time around, I've had very little pain and have been managing with Tylenol and Advil.
By building up muscles in all areas of my body, I can trust my legs to support me, my upper body to lift me, and my abs to keep my back safe.
I have balance and can walk around easily with good posture instead of the post-surgery old lady slump I was sporting last time.
As soon as I had a surgery date, I asked for help and wept when it was offered with no strings attached from people I trusted to take care of me.
Last time, I powered through on my own and probably slowed my healing because I was stubborn.
Without a boss to answer to, I can listen to what my body tells me it needs instead of being mandated to sit at a desk again after X number of days recovery time.
I've been 'working' the whole time, but it doesn't feel like work because I've set up my life to not need a vacation from it.
The bottom line is that small actions can lead to big rewards in health, wealth, and relationships.
You may not be facing spinal surgery, but there are simple things you can do today to improve your overall well-being.
Whether it's taking control of your money, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, asking for help when you need it, or simplifying your life to reduce stress, every little bit counts.
So, take a page from my book and start implementing small changes in your life.
Who knows, they may just pay off big time in the future.
Create a LIFE, not just a living...
thrive@wendyverwey.com
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