There’s a lot going on these days, said everyone, everywhere.
Pandemic and political unrest aside, as a breast cancer survivor you have your own “stuff” happening.
Maybe you woke up thinking, “Today I start exercising.”, only to once again, skip it.
Or you committed on January 1 to eating better, but two weeks into the new year? Your commitment’s collapsed.
Everything feels so. . .hard.
You can’t seem to muster motivation. Enthusiasm. Energy.
With everything, everywhere going on, that’s perfectly normal.
Struggling to find your footing, keep your emotions from running wild, and take care of yourself with some semblance of balance may seem impossible.
But I promise you, it’s not.
Even in the midst of this maelstrom, you have the ability to intentionally CHOOSE to do the healthy, supportive behaviors that make you feel empowered.
But before you can give yourself that gift, you have to get real about what you truly need.
“Just Do You”, is a song about validating and being true to yourself; being your own champion.
Released in 2013 and performed by India Arie, it’s a danceable injection of inspiration.
I heard a voice that told me I’m essential
How all my fears are limiting my potential
Said it’s time to step into the light and
Use every bit of the power I have inside
I invite you to be brutally honest about your ability to be a champion of your own survivor health.
The idea behind Just Do You:
In all areas of self-care, where can you adjust your expectations so they’re aligned with what you, and only you need, can tolerate, and maintain?
Nutrition
EXPECTATION: “I should eat broccoli every day.”
JUST DO YOU: “Sometimes I eat broccoli, sometimes I eat French fries – or both!”
Fitness
EXPECTATION: “I should work out every day.”
JUST DO YOU: “I walk 2 days/week for 20 minutes. I’ll build from there.”
Mindfulness
EXPECTATION: “I should meditate for 20 minutes every day.”
JUST DO YOU: “I do “moving meditation” when I’m out for my walk.”
Sleep
EXPECTATION: “I should sleep at least 7 hours every night.”
JUST DO YOU: “I’m going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.”
Solitude
EXPECTATION: “I should create some alone time every day.”
JUST DO YOU: “I get solitude on my walks; combining exercise and alone time works for now.”
______________________________
Thanks for reading my blog post!
I’m Cathy Leman. I help post-treatment survivors of ER/PR+ breast cancer conquer their fear of phytoestrogen foods, eat without stress and guilt, and confidently rebuild their health.
If you don’t know where to start with your nutrition and exercise, and need support in creating and maintaining a healthy survivor lifestyle, click this link and schedule a complimentary call to discuss your challenges and learn how I can help.
I’m a registered dietitian, personal trainer, nutrition therapist, speaker, writer and survivor of ER/PR+ breast cancer.
Ready to start rebuilding your health today? Get my FREE Lifestyle Choices Matter! Get Started Guide.
Follow me on Instagram @hormone.breastcancer.dietitian
______________________________
