Being a Victim Just Doesn't Work

February 13, 2013

I read a quote this week by an AIDS survivor, Rob Mitchell… "One thing I learned early. Being a victim just doesn’t work."

Are you taking control of your life? I’ve been chronically ill for several months now, causing me to cut back in life. It has caused me to step down from working full-time to part-time, and it has caused me to really look at my body, mind, and soul differently. I’ve decided to do some stress reduction meditation, stretching, and hopefully work my way up to aerobic exercising. I have decided to take more short walking breaks, get up and move around a little more, and do some deep thinking. February is American Heart Month. For me, it’s a time to slow down, make changes, and get help if I need it; value my body and educate myself. I was diagnosed with very high cholesterol, but not because I’m eating unhealthy. It’s because I have some sort of kidney malfunction. I’m still in the testing stage so I can’t say for sure what it is, but I know I have to make changes.

At this time last year, I was giving every last ounce of energy to work, worry, and other demands of life. Now, I’m slowing down and saving some of my energy to rest and heal. Making changes was not easy for me, especially financial changes, but I had to do it. Making physical changes was not easy as well, however, if I change one small damaging thing, like snacking on potato chips before bed, I’ve made progress. I also know there are times when I need help, and that’s when I call a friend, text my mom, or even call the doctor for some advice. Life is a cooperative effort. Listen to your body. If you are feeling strange symptoms, call for help. According to the American Heart Association, there are several conditions that can lead to heart disease or a heart attack. Once you are on their website, there is a section where you can take a mini test to see if you might be at risk. Don’t blow it off. Educate yourselves, take responsibility, and be proactive and assertive with your health.

Some books that might also be of interest that you can find at MCPL are:

• Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!: The Mayo Clinic Plan for Preventing and Conquering Heart Disease
• Healthy Eating for Your Heart by Paul Gayler

Beth F.
Boardwalk Branch