Your Key to Wellness: Self-Responsibility
Recently I watched a virtual sermon by Pastor Dharius Daniels. He talked about “seasons of confusion.” The theme of the message, Bossology 101, rested in the behavior and characteristics of a Boss. He defined a Boss as “a leader who assertively takes responsibility for their responsibilities.”
The term Boss is inclusive of the role of mother, father, wife, husband, entry-level employee, manager, director, CEO, student, homemaker, or simply just being you.
Theoretically, everyone has the potential to be a boss. The question is, do you or are you willing to “assertively take responsibility for your responsibilities?”
Self-responsibility is also the core principle of wellness pioneer Don Ardell’s wellness model. “You are primarily responsible for your health,” he says. Ardell and Daniel’s discernment for self-responsibility are noteworthy.
Daniels poses that to take care of your responsibilities effectively, you must gain clarity in your purpose. And to gain clarity, he said you must do three things
Release assumptions of what you think “it” (your purpose) should look like. We create images and visions of what we think the purpose should look like, but God may see it another way.
Redefine Success. Winning may look different from what you thought. If we stay impartial, we will eventually experience the joy God wants us to have.
Resist the temptation of comparison. Each person’s calling is unique. When you walk in your creative spirit, you walk in your calling. “Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” -Margaret Mead
Seasons of confusion occur when you lack clarity in your purpose.
In the US and other parts of the world, the past five months have been bound in confusion. It doesn't matter who you are; the uncertainty of tomorrow is effing intimidating. The phrase, no stone goes unturned, feels like the appropriate metaphor for life today. Everything seems to be turned upside down. Politics, the structure of the church, parenting, relationships, education, employment, leisure activities, physical health, mental health, and the economy. The US is stuck in a long-term season of confusion.
If you are not careful about how you go about each day, all of the confusion could send you into a free fall into a dark cavity surrounded by anxiety, fear, depression, and sickness.
How should you go about each day?
You should end each day with intention, and you should start each day with intention.
Hmm… End each day with intention? Absolutely!! Set the stage for tomorrow’s performance. I love the theatre. Performers don’t just show up when the curtain rises and start performing. Props, costumes, music, everything is rehearsed and set before the performance.
Setting the stage is an act of mindful living. You do not have to search hard to read about mindfulness, living with intention, or overall wellness. Information is everywhere. Some people only want to capitalize and monetize on what seems like a trend, but for many, the idea is a genuine lifestyle.
My take on ending your day with intention includes nine steps.
Set a bedtime and stick to it.
Before bedtime, set your intentions for the next day.
Set your alarm clock. Give yourself ample time to start your day.
An hour or two before bedtime, shower or bathe.
Start a diffuser with essential oil? Do you need a particular oil for relaxation? Or perhaps one to relieve allergy symptoms or a headache.
Electronic devices. Secure and shutdown.
Darken the room. Block out the lighting from the TV or other devices
Set your room to a comfortable temperature.
Consider 10 minutes of meditation as the last step you take before climbing into bed.
To start your day with intention, try doing the seven activities below:
As soon as you wake up, lay still for a few moments. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Do a mental body scan. What do you feel? Any sessions in your body? Yawn, stretch, and give thanks for the breath in your body.
Affirm what is right in your life. Prevention Magazine’s Jennifer King Lindsey, calls it “Vitamin G“ or the practice of Gratitude.
Shower. It is refreshing and will get your blood circulating.
Recall your intention for the day. What do you want to cultivate? Patience, empathy, peace, or something else? Commit to sticking to your plan.
Practice a routine of connecting spiritually (pray), read, or listen to positive and encouraging words and or music.
Fuel your body. A morning smoothie is an easy and healthy start to your day. A handful of veggies, a quality protein powder, fruit (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, oranges, or bananas), and almond or coconut milk is loaded with nutrients.
Commit to reframing any negative thoughts you may encounter throughout the day to positive thoughts.
We cannot control the world around us, but we can certainly control the lens through which we view it.
2020 is the year of the disruption of expectations. Six months into the pandemic most of us expected and hoped for a “normal” September. However, it is not the same, and neither will the rest of the year.
I am convinced that the best way to live, especially now is to stay present. Focus on what you can do. Maintain mindfulness and gratitude for what is and for what is not. You are breathing. Look for the best in each moment and find ways to help others.
Namaste.