Because You Can!

Today, my sister would be 34 years-old, but she only made it to 27. I’m telling you about this because I would love for today to become a day that makes you think about how grateful you are that you are here, and take a different look and appreciation for what your body does for you.  Your body is doing its job (even if some aspects of it are not quite living up to your desires for it). Take a few minutes to notice how you breathe regardless of whether or not you think about it…but if you do think about it, notice how you can get more benefit out of your breaths. You can feel better, oxygenate your blood better, and be present for a moment or two.

In 2003, my sister had a baby, and then through a chain of events and emergencies, fetal debris from the birth entered her circulation and traveled to her heart and lungs and she died of cardiac arrest. Her body (and the doctors and nurses) tried very hard to fight and overcome the emergencies that occurred. She was at least partially conscious for 3 of 6 hours of this process of urgency and trying to save her life.

I’ve often wondered what she was really thinking during this time, and at first she was most likely worried about the baby and keeping her husband calm (she was generally in charge….of everything). I don’t know if there was a time when she realized she wouldn’t make it through. But at 3:15 that morning, when her body stopped fighting, she didn’t have the choice to be aware anymore.

I’m not trying to be sad right now, or make anyone think about death—I want to do the opposite. Reflect on your own body, and how the miracle of it continues day after day, regardless of the day-to-day stress that is put on it. Instead of criticizing yourself and what your body looks like, do something healthy for yourself and thank your body for everything it does for you! See how a change in perspective could actually help you feel better and become healthier?