The Best Gift to Give

Trying to think of what to give someone you love on Valentine’s Day?  A box of chocolates?  No too fattening.  Dinner out?  After the Christmas we ate our way through?  No, that won’t do.  Lets think a bit more.  Perhaps a massage for two, or a day at the spa?  Or maybe sneak away for an intimate weekend away?  Oh, that is nice.  Might break the budget these days.

All of the above are lovely, folks.  Really they are.

But what is something you can do that insures many more Valentine’s Days together?

The gift of taking care of yourselves and each other.

I know.  I know.  It’s not sexy, sweet, and makes a good impression.  But I don’t have enough fingers to count how many people I know who no longer have a spouse, a loved one, a family member sharing their lives together.  Some were separated even though they did take care of themselves but God called them home.  But some didn’t have the time to make that doctors appointment, or set up a routine exercise program, or eat nutritionally balanced meals.  Some, just didn’t know how.

I don’t think there is anyone who has lost a loved one who wishes they could turn back time and help them take care of themselves.

It has to start somewhere, right?  Why not with you?  Start a daily exercise program.  Maybe just a simple walk – daily.  Start keeping track of how much you eat, why you eat and what you eat.  You will be surprised and shocked at what a weeks’ worth of tracking your days shows.  Make that appointment with the general practitioner.  Have routine tests such as mammograms, pap smears, colonoscopies scheduled and follow through as often as prescribed by your healthcare professional.  Take time out to rest, sleep, reduce stress and play.  While we are no longer children, play is important to help with all the above.  You be surprised at how taking time for your health and wellness will brighten your attitude.  You’ll go from cantankerous to companionable.

By the way, you don’t have to do this alone.  Grab your spouse, significant other, friend or neighbor and enlist their help.  Its more fun and you’ll be helping them as well.

Thad and I have done a couples colonoscopy where we had our daughter drop us off and pick us up.  It makes the prep easier too, since neither of us is eating.  We have done a yearly osteoporosis infusion together.  And then we go out for breakfast after.  It’s kind of our thing.

The best gift you can give you special valentine is the gift of a long and healthy life.  This valentine’s day, choose to do this together.  You won’t regret it.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *