Monday, May 4, 2009

Every Little Change...

I recently read an interesting excerpt from Caroline Myss' 1997 book, Why People Don't Heal and How They Can, which read in part, "Healing is a "present time" challenge. Many people begin their healing process by researching every possible form of treatment available. While they are doing this research, however, they are not actually doing anything about their condition. They are assuming that the knowledge they are pouring into their heads is, in itself, a healing force. People often comment to me that they are simply unsure of which treatment is best for them, and until they can figure that out, they feel "safer" not doing anything. I take that to mean they are not ready to make the necessary changes in their lives. Postponing the decision to shift gears is more than unwise; it is dangerous. It is much wiser, and safer, to start anywhere than to do nothing. Every positive choice is a good one and activates a new current of energy in your life. A new step or change does not have to be big to be effective."

Myss' words, written more than a decade ago, ring true more than ever today. People set appointments with complimentary and alternative health experts all over the world, they read, research, and listen to the "experts" on how to reclaim their health. They dissect and disseminate every single book, radio show and Oprah guest that has something to say about for example the dangers of Genetically Engineered food or the harmful effects of preservatives or the importance of exercise, and they file that information away to either a) learn more about it, or b) start tomorrow. Ooooooh yeah, and many will stop at McDonald's, or something equally non-food like, on their way home from work to grab dinner for themselves or their children.

The thing is this - these experts - writers, speakers, practitioners, you name it - are all doing their work, and providing you the tools you need to discern, chart your path and make healthy changes in your life. Some may ring true for you while others may not. That is the beauty of it, there is such a wealth of information covering everything, literally, all aspects of your health, that finding the right fit for you is just a matter of you doing the work, finding a modality or path that resonates with you.

That's the kicker for many however, doing the work. We live in an antibiotic society, people want to take a little purple pill for 10 days and then be better again. When they do no more than take that little purple pill, they want to berate their physician or complimentary or alternative health practitioner for the fact they are still no better. But when asked, they oftentimes will admit that no, they didn't make the recommended dietary changes yet but they will, and no they didn't integrate exercise, yoga because they are so busy, on and on it goes, you name it - but damnit they took their purple pill/digestive enzyme/magnesium supplement AS DIRECTED. So what is the problem?

Get real - because results take work. Period. There is not one expert out sharing tools today that can make you better unless you work with what he or she recommends to actually get better. There is no expert that is willing or able to do the work for you. Period. And that's it takes, work. But remember, the best things in life are those that are worth fighting for, and always always know that any little change you make today will have definite positive results tomorrow.