I daily find myself having conversations with my 4 children about having integrity. The unfortunate lecture seems to begin with “integrity is knowing what’s right and doing it, no matter who’s looking” This is certainly not Webster’s definition but it gets the point across. This integrity lecture usually comes out when one of the kids sneaks into the refrigerator and takes things that aren’t his, or punches her sister when, of course, no one is around. Then the dialog happens again when I explain to them that they need to make the right decisions whether i’m looking or not.
This is an important lesson for our kids, but it’s also something we need to consider when it comes to our health. Our health comes not from what we do in public. It comes from what we do when no ones looking. We are not unhealthy because of a lack of information. We aren’t struggling because we don’t know or understand what to do. We struggle with our health because, when nobody’s looking, we make unhealthy decisions. The problem is not simply an integrity issue with our children, it’s our own.
Take myself for example. I have the pleasure of spending my day teaching my patients about being healthy and making positive decisions about how they are eating, exercising, dealing with stress. I’m thankful that I get up bright and early to exercise 4 times per week. But if you were to put me in a room with a chocolate brownie and a salad, once you close the door, I’m all over that brownie.
That may seem silly, but the decisions I make regarding my health will affect me for a lifetime. If I continue to put myself in situations that will risk failure in my health journey, I will pay the price. And so will you. Maybe you talk about this great new exercise program you’re starting but you’ve only tried it once in the past month. Or you’re working really hard on exercising, but when no one’s looking, you’re binging on twinkies (yes, they’re back).
Maybe you’ve made decisions, to join a gym, see your chiropractor, talk to a counselor, but since no one is holding you accountable, you skip some of those appointments because you’re “busy”. If you want to achieve ultimate health you must make the decision to live the lifestyle you know is going to get you the health you deserve. Stick to that exercise program, complete that corrective chiropractic care plan, eat right even when no one’s looking. Your body will thank you for it.
To have true integrity in our health, we must make healthy living a habit. I have an alarm that tells me when to exercise, an app that tracks what I eat, and a great support system at home. These things put together will enable me to make healthy living a normal part of every day life.
How are you going to make healthy living your personal habit? What steps today can you take to make it easy to live healthy? Figure this out and you’re on your way to better health.
Dr. Emil Tompkins is a Chiropractor in Tucson who over the past 9 years has helped thousands of families become healthier. He has helped people with back pain, migraines, difficult pregnancy, ADHD, Autism, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and he would love to help you and your family. Should you have any questions about our office or would like a consultation, call our office at 520-572-2596.
