But for many years I would try something and fail, try something else new and fail. I was looking outward for solutions to my poor health and unhappiness. It wasn’t an unhappiness you could see or recognize if you weren’t really close to me, but I was walking life unfulfilled and unhealthy. I had less-than-optimal body metrics; I didn’t look overweight compared to most, but I didn’t feel great waking up and moving throughout the day. I was not sleeping well. I was taking over-the-counter medications, smoking, eating the standard American diet, and consuming alcohol to self-medicate. This went on for several years.

Around my 38th birthday I remembered the promises I made to myself when I turned 30. The truth is, I didn’t keep one of those promises. For the first time, I started thinking about my own mortality. I didn’t want the life that I had made for myself. I couldn’t keep blaming my circumstances on anything but my lack of action. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, so I reached out for help. I sought out people who could teach me how to HELP MYSELF. I began looking inward towards a better me. I wanted to be better, so I surrendered. I accepted the things that were in my control vs. out of my control… and my life took on a whole new trajectory. This didn’t happen overnight. It was hard work and there were many failures.

The things that I used to think were hard and impossible are no longer hard and far from impossible. They are ingrained in my habits, and I am a happier person because of them. Please don’t wait any longer to change your circumstances. Today is the day. Do something kind today for your future self. Keep those promises you made to yourself yesterday for a better tomorrow.