Most people will admit to letting too much bad stuff get into their lives with their diet. Whether it's oreos, crackers, cake etc., we all know those things that we need to cut out to move forward on the wellness spectrum with regards to what we eat.. Those things are easy to spot. One of the ways we can get those things out of our life is to fill our life (plate) with an abundance of good healthy things and eat those first. Dr. James Chestnut always says "Fresh Fiber First", and it's a great way to not leave any room for the bad stuff. This concept works well in our diet, and can work well in other areas too. Follow me.
One aspect of health many of us neglect I think is in the area of our mental well being. Often we focus on eating and exercising, and those are very important legs in our "Wellness Formula" of Eat, Move, Think, and Rest Well. Let's spend some time on the "Think Well" this morning. To begin, I like to ask "What are you allowing into your head space?" What TV shows are you watching? What music do you listen to? What gossip do you allow? What negative thoughts pervade your life? What negative PEOPLE do you allow? What stressful situations seem to overwhelm you? Thing about those for a second. I'm sure if you're like me, you just came up with some surprising answers...maybe some painful realizations.
Fear not though, let's not focus on those things, instead, let's focus on putting "Fresh Fiber First" for our mental health. Start asking yourself better questions than those I just asked. What books could you read that would move you in a positive direction? What new exciting things can you get involved with that allow you to perform at your highest and best? What new friendships can you develop that build you up? What things are you grateful for? What can you fill your mind with that is uplifting and encouraging? Maybe even ask who you can be an encourager to (because when you lift up someone else, you can't help but rise with the tide!).
Scripture tells us "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)Why not take the time this weekend to focus on adding in true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable things to your life? Even if it's just one new good habit for you, it will help crowd out one of the bad ones. Eventually, if you pour enough good stuff into your head and life, the world will look different, your attitude will improve, you'll find more peace and satisfaction, and you'll wonder how you ever even had time for the mental junk food you previously allowed in your world!
Until next time...Be Well!!
Dr. Bruce
