This concept is a hard one. Hang in with me. I will do my best to explain it. 

Hindsight is always  20/20. But maybe my experience can help inform better habits for those who read this. 

The idea of being selfish had silently haunted me most of my life. I was one of eight kids. Taking care of number one wasn't a thing. I was built for community first, and funny enough, it is also just part of who I am. I love my community and my family. But to what extent should I NOT prioritize taking care of myself as an act of love for my family and community? To what extent is not taking care of myself selfish? When my girls were young, as a single mom, I prioritized work, ensuring I could support and take care of them. I overlooked prioritizing my health, so I could ALWAYS take care of them if needed. 

I couldn't imagine that my poor choices could trigger a genetic monster, I was young and invincible. But, it did, and to my horror, I came face to face with the most selfish years of my life. Did I mean to do it? Hell no, did it happen? Yes. Did I learn a lot? Yes. Being super sick with Crohn's was complicated, and the most challenging years of my life physically, emotionally, and mentally. My world and their world revolved around my illness, my ability to get up, to attend school events, take them to school, feed them, and WORK . My ability to support our life had been hampered. My illness sapped the joy out of life, and I LEARNED what selfishness looked like in reality. My life revolved around me in all the worst ways. Of course, I didn't mean to make myself sick, but by not prioritizing my health I landed me smack in the middle of my greatest fears, being selfish. 

Taking care of ourselves and feeding ourselves right is the greatest gift we can do for our selves, loved ones, and our beloved careers, and yes, for our community.

I often hear these words muttered from my clients "I don't have enough time to cook, Unique" I am a busy human or mom, or husband or wife, and or my career demands a lot" I listen with compassion because all of this is wonderful. Still, an essential thing is missing, prioritizing their health. Great health is what will take us all the way. Great health will make sure we don't become a burden to our families or loved ones, and eating for health is our best chance to not pull a genetic nightmare. Our health is only 20%  our genetics, and 80% is diet, and lifestyle. Allow that to sink in, my beauties. What we put in our mouths, and our skin matters and how we manage stress REALLY matters. 

I find it empowering and amazing that the most important thing I can do for myself, my community and my loved ones is to take care of myself. I celebrate this responsibility, and I hope to see my grandchildren's grandchildren and ride my bike into the grave. 

Even if the only thing you change is adding in beans, do that or better yet, cut back on sugar. One step is all it takes towards better health and better habits.

With love,

Unique