When asked, “What do you think is the biggest barrier for you to create healthy habits?” many Cycle Harmony friends responded, “It seems so daunting. It feels impossible.”
Change can be hard, but it’s not impossible.
I used to think that my mother would never change, but she did.
My mother didn’t like to exercise. She worried a lot. She disliked vegetables, and loved greasy food and sweet stuff.
She’s in her 60s, set in her ways. And every time I tried to “convince” her to create a healthier lifestyle, at least to get some exercise every day, she always responded, “I’m too busy. I have no time!”
No time? She’s retired! In my mind she had plenty of free time in her day. But maybe it’s impossible to change a life-long habit. Truthfully, I almost gave up on her.
Then a couple of months ago, she called me and told me that she started doing yoga with some neighbors. They meet every morning and practice for an hour.
This news took me by complete surprise – but it was a pleasant surprise.
“What happened?” I asked with great curiosity.
“Well, I ran into these women in our building. I like them. They invited me to do yoga. So I joined them. I don’t think I do the poses properly. But it’s nice to move around, chat with them, and have some laughs,” she said.
Ha! It makes perfect sense. My mother is getting her social time and she’s having fun. That’s what gets her to change.
Next thing I know, she’s watching yoga videos, making Chinese bean soups and taking Chinese herbs.
What a transformation! I feel so happy for her.
It proves to me that change is possible – at any age. And it’s much easier and more fun to create change in a supportive environment.
One small change leads to another, and another. It all happens naturally and gradually, often without the exertion of great efforts on our part.
This is what Cycle Harmony community is here for – to support one another to create healthier lifestyles, so we can heal our PMS, PMDD, irregular/painful periods, and live vibrantly!
And this is the vision I hold in mind every morning. I hope this vision will inspire you to take that all-important one small step forward…
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