Black Catholic Health & Wellness ~ { Print Version }
The National Black Catholic Congress
www.nbccongress.org

The Spirit of Acceptance: Health, Wellness, and Peace
By Donna P. Mitchell

An honest look at our vital signs, indicators of health, are the first steps in charging up and renewing our mind, body, and soul. Our vital signs give us the ability to know if we are on the right track in health, wellness, and life. When looking at our physical health, culturally, we tend to look at diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol as badges of honor. The prevalence of these diseases touches so many people we know and love. We begin to brag about having a serious chronic illness, instead of truly embracing and rectifying our lifestyles.

When determining our mental health, are we remaining stuck in an unhealthy relationship, career, or other toxic situations? Are we having problems accepting the fact we have survived an overwhelming disaster, crisis and/or loss? Are depression and anxiety impacting our family and friends? Are we denying addictions, mental illnesses, non compliant with medications, and other social economic challenges?

Spiritually, from the depths of our heart and soul are we seeking the truth and the light of Christ? Are we practicing our faith or going through the motions? At the end of the day, are we at a level of acceptance or in a state of denial?

This year will probably reflect similar encounters and be considered status quo if you are in a state of denial. If, you rise to the level of acceptance and positive action you are on the road of change, progress, and self development in being the person God wants us to be.

So, how do we charge it up!

• Most importantly remember self matters
• Forgive whatever was viewed as unforgivable
• Balance the quality and quantity of leisure time
• Ease tension with your favorite type of exercises
• Do many acts of kindness for friends, family and strangers
• Don't be a workaholic as a way to avoid a situation or circumstances
• Use positive self talk, self actualization and visualization techniques
• If on medication for a mental health disease, take your medication on schedule
• Avoid particular people, places, and things if you are in recovery
• Don't risk relapse for anything or anybody

Here are some of my favorite links to help you on your way to wellness in body, mind, and soul.

• National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/nimhhome/index.cfm
• NIMH, "Real Men Real Depression" - http://menanddepression.nimh.nih.gov/
• WIN Publication, "Better Health and You Tips for Adults" - http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/better_health.htm
• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute - "Embrace Your Health! Lose Weight If You Are Overweight" - http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/chdblack/embrace1.htm
• "For Kidney Disease Some Test Are More Important Than Others" - National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/newsitem.cfm?id=324

Even if the circumstances are some of life's biggest failures, obstacles, and challenges, acceptance is the key and start of action for positive change. If we keep doing things the same way and keep getting the same results, we should recognize in time that doing something different will give us a different results. Acting as if everything is fine even though it isn't, can be extremely unhealthy over time.

Maintaining an eye of reality will minimize living a life of image or bottom line, living in a state of denial. When we achieve self love, have self esteem, care for our body as a temple, and accept reality, our choices will move us closer to an improved quality of life and God.

Continuously focused on our exterior presence Vs our interior being and relationship with God our Father will in time destroy our mind, body and soul. State of denial will keep us in the modern day shackles of fear, depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic illnesses to name of few.

The spirit of acceptance, along with daily prayer, meditation, and faith will lift us and keep us in God's presence.

Happy New Year!
Health, Peace and Happiness,
Donna

Donna is an inspirational and business development speaker. Areas include psycho-social issues, sales, marketing and customer service. She is currently a primary care pharmaceutical sales representative. Contact Donna at Donna4RealityChk@aol.com