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<\/a>If you have a desire to inspire another, first be inspired yourself.\u00a0 Inspiration can only occur if you understand what it is to be inspired.\u00a0 The process of inspiring others, is frequently the messages we receive from our religious, political, and motivational leaders at the beginning of a new year.\u00a0 The messages are often reminders of our abilities to be renewed.\u00a0 In fact, if you consider the United States President\u2019s, State of the Union, it is almost always placed at the beginning of a new year.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 It is a way of implying that we can begin again and anew.<\/p>\nNEW YEAR\u2019S RESOLUTIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n The tradition of setting a New Year\u2019s resolution dates back nearly 4,000 years ago. \u201cThe ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year, which began in mid-March, that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts.\u00a0 March was a logical time period for the New Year because spring begins and crops are planted.\u00a0 But the Babylonians had a greater motivation to stick to their promises than what we have today, because for the ancient people of Mesopotamia, keeping their promise would mean that their gods would bestow their grace on them throughout the course of the following twelve months, and breaking them would put them out of favor.\u201d (Holloway, 2013, Online)<\/p>\n New Year\u2019s Resolutions are frequently battered with physical intentions.\u00a0 Acknowledgment of one\u2019s physical and psychological limitations is a way of expressing we have room for improvement, without declaring that \u201cI have need for improvement.\u201d\u00a0 As a society, we typically shy away from expressing such limitations or needs, because of the stigmas associated with limitations or expressed weaknesses.<\/p>\n WEAKNESSES AND LIMITATIONS <\/strong><\/p>\n A weakness or limitations is good.\u00a0\u00a0 Acknowledgement of a weakness or limitation is the recognition that you, or we, have an ability to improve or make a marked change in our lives.\u00a0 It is when something is clearly noticeable or evident that people recognize our desire for improvement.<\/p>\n The avoidance of our limitations and weaknesses stems from our fear of failure.\u00a0 The fear of failure is limiting, smothering our very ability to breath and function.\u00a0 If we live our lives fearing the possibility of failure, then we are not living life to it\u2019s fullest.\u00a0\u00a0 Fear is frequently the catalyst that drives people away from pursuing their ambitions, goals, desires, and life\u2019s callings<\/p>\n \u201cFear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins.\u201d It is crucial that we recognize that our weaknesses, limitations and failures are nothing more than\u00a0 guide maps indicating our current positions within life.\u00a0 We should continuously seek to be our absolute best.\u00a0 Even if, there is a barrier blocking our pathway, find a way around it or through it. Fundamentally, we are the only rulers and narrators of our lives.\u00a0 No one else can determine how we live our lives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n WHAT IS THE POINT IN DISCUSSING THE INEVITABLE?<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Why discuss our fears, weaknesses and limitations?\u00a0\u00a0 American industrialist, Henry Ford said, \u201cWhether you think you can, or you think you can\u2019t – you\u2019re right.\u201d The way with which we pursue our lives, whether through the physical, psychological, or spiritual, is dictated by the way with which we see our person.\u00a0 If I am unhappy with my physical being, then the probability of me living a fulfilled life is decreased.\u00a0 Likewise, if I am unhappy with my psychological or spiritual self, then the probability that I am living a fulfilled life is drastically decreased as well.<\/p>\n Living life to its fullest, implies that I am living life beyond the barriers or blockades that will certainly one day be placed on my pathway of life.\u00a0 How do you respond if you are presented an obstacle in life?\u00a0 Do you fret with how to respond to the obstacle?\u00a0 Do you simply resign, conceding to defeat without challenging the obstruction?\u00a0 Are the obstructions in your life enough to blockade your ability to live life to its fullest?\u00a0 Why are you avoiding living life?\u00a0 Do you resign to the thoughts and predictions of others?\u00a0 Why are you not challenging life on a daily basis?\u00a0 Why are you not challenging the perceptions and thoughts of others?\u00a0 Why do you allow the challenges and perceptions of others to persuade and predict your own life?<\/p>\n The inevitable is what you determine it to be.\u00a0 If you are certain that you will one day become a doctor, then pursue your dreams with vigor, energy and enthusiasm.\u00a0 Never allow other\u2019s to predict or determine the life that you should lead.\u00a0 Even for a man named Nelson Mandela, before he had the privilege of serving his beloved country; he was captivated with the very idea that all humankind, had the right to be free.\u00a0 \u201cFor to be free is not merely to cast off one\u2019s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.\u201d (Nelson Mandela)<\/p>\n WHAT ARE YOU EXCUSES? <\/strong><\/p>\n I do not write this article as a perfect specimen of humanity, rather I write this article hoping not only to inspire you, but also to inspire my own person.\u00a0 I too, have plenty of room for improvement as a person.\u00a0 I have room for improving my psychology, my physiology, and my spiritual self.\u00a0\u00a0 In my mind, we will always have room for improvement, as long as we are captives of this physical body.<\/p>\n \u201cThe greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.\u201d Are you plagued by the excuses of the past, or are you determined to move beyond the chains that have kept you bound?\u00a0 Are you trying to inspire yourself or another?\u00a0 If so, be inspired and an inspiration unto others by standing up and walking forward each and every time you stumble.\u00a0 Even if, the barrier is capable of knocking you down, do not allow the barrier to prove the victor, rather you will prove victorious by being diligent and conscientious of your desires. ACHIEVING FITNESS OF MIND AND BODY <\/strong><\/p>\n Achieving a fit mind and body occurs through perseverance and determination.\u00a0 Be steadfast in whatever you do; facing each difficulty and challenge with an impenetrable spirit.\u00a0 Each person will have a different perspective on fitness; it is important that you acknowledge your needs and desires to be fit.\u00a0 I once heard a speaker say, \u201ca fit body is the body that makes you feel comfortable, healthy, happy, and balanced.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA fitness program should gradually push you as you get into better shape. Avoid programs that are one-size-fits-all. If you wonder whether a program is safe, maybe it isn’t.\u201d (Atteberry, 2008, Online)\u00a0 Fitness of one\u2019s mind is no different than their physique.\u00a0 As a clinician, I recognize that there are some psychological \/ psychiatric disorders that go beyond mental exercises; requiring specific medications and\/or psychotherapeutic treatment.\u00a0 What I am speaking of, is the ability to focus your attention on positive perspectives of life and moving beyond negative influences on a daily basis.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stress is a leading factor to the increased chance of developing physical and psychological disorders.\u00a0 \u201cIn one study, researchers examined the association between \u2018positive affect\u2019 – feelings like happiness, joy, contentment and enthusiasm – and the development of coronary heart disease over a decade.\u00a0 They found that for every one-point increase in positive affect on a five-point scale, the rate of heart disease dropped by 22 percent.\u201d (Krantz, et. al., 2012, Online)<\/p>\n \u201cDon’t let someone tell you to limit yourself to a specific weight or else this or that will happen. What is heavy for one person might not be for another. We are all individuals.\u201d (Atteberry, 2008, Online)\u00a0 You are the moderator and commander of your life.\u00a0 As a clinician, I\u00a0 have a firm belief that patient\u2019s instinctively know what is best for their lives, I am merely the guide to help them to achieve balance, happiness, health, and comfortability of their person.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVING A FIT BODY AND MIND<\/strong><\/p>\n It is always important that you consider the source of your advice.\u00a0 We have all encountered well meaning individuals, but well meaning individuals can be wrong.\u00a0 Be certain that you seek out advice from those who are professionally trained.\u00a0 Anyone can dispense advice, but to be certain that you have received advice that is credible, sound, and legitimate may require a professional.\u00a0 Here are few strategies for becoming fit:<\/p>\n \u201cMaking the changes that you want takes time and commitment, but you can do it. Just remember that no one is perfect. You will have occasional lapses. Be kind to yourself. When you eat a brownie or skip the gym, don\u2019t give up. Minor missteps on the road to your goals are normal and okay. Resolve to recover and get back on track.\u201d (APA-2, 2014, Online)<\/p>\n Good physical and psychological health is the key to living a healthy, happy and balanced life.\u00a0 A healthy body should be equipped with a healthy mind.\u00a0 If you are healthy physically but lack a healthy mind, then you are certainly imbalanced.\u00a0 Achieving a balanced life is a systemic issue, we must include the mind, body, and spirit to achieve balance.<\/p>\n ______________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n Author<\/strong>:\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Asa Don Brown, Ph.D., C.C.C., N.C.C.M.<\/p>\n Website<\/strong>:\u00a0 http:\/\/www.asadonbrown.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n REFERENCES<\/strong><\/p>\n American Psychological Association, APA (2014) Change your mind about mental health. Retrieved January 4, 2014 from http:\/\/www.apa.org\/helpcenter\/change.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n American Psychological Association, APA (2014) Making lifestyle changes that last.\u00a0 Retrieved January 4, 2014 from http:\/\/www.apa.org\/helpcenter\/lifestyle-changes.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n Atteberry, B. (2008) Achieving fitness starts with mind-set. Retrieved January 4, 2014, from\u00a0 http:\/\/newsok.com\/article\/3195356<\/a><\/p>\n Brown, A. D. (2010) Waiting to live,<\/em> Bloomington, IN:\u00a0 IUniverse<\/p>\n Harvard School of Public Health, HSPH (2014) The benefits of physical activity. Retrieved January 4, 2014, from http:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/nutritionsource\/staying-active-full-story\/<\/a><\/p>\n Holloway, A. (2013) Ancient history of New Year\u2019s Resolutions. Retrieved January 4, 2014, from http:\/\/www.ancient-origins.net\/myths-legends-news-general\/ancient-history-new-year-s-resolutions-001185<\/a><\/p>\n Krantz, D. S., Thorn, B., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. (2012) How stress affects your health. Retrieved \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 January 4, 2014 from http:\/\/www.apa.org\/helpcenter\/stress.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n
\n~ Charles F. Stanley<\/p>\n
\n~ Nelson Mandela<\/p>\n
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