It's An Inside Job

You know, I see people walking around and talking on their cell phones, or texting, or multitasking, or a variety of other things and I realize that I'm old enough to remember when we didn't have these distractions. Now, don't get me wrong, I like talking and texting and doing lots of things at once as much as the next person. But, I think it's important to remember that as much as we need to stay in touch with others, it's even more important to stay in touch with ourselves. And, the only way to do that is to cut down on the distractions from time to time.

I remember the days when I would just take a nice walk or a run by myself. No other people, no phones to talk on while running, no earphones--just me and the pavement. You can get a lot of reflection done during those times. I'm not criticizing anyone for anything they are doing in this complex, busy world we live in. But, we also seem to be losing track of ourselves. We don't take the time to know what's going on inside of ourselves. And, as a result, some of us feel sad, or overeat, or want to sleep all the time, or use substances to make ourselves feel better, when all we need to do is cut down on the distractions and remember that happiness and a sense of well being are an inside job.

Do you know who you are? Do you know what brings you joy? Have you ever even felt joy? If you haven't, try taking a little time just for yourself, by yourself. Reflect on those things you really like to do and do them more often.

If you don't know what you like to do and what would bring you peace and fulfillment, try this simple exercise. Think about what others praise you for. What do people tell you they like about you? What do they say they wish they could do that you can do? Often, these are things that we don't see as special because we do them so easily. I know someone who is an amazing card maker, but she sees it as something anyone can do. Or, how about the person who has an eye for color and knows exactly how a room should come together for the best effect. Or the guy who writes songs effortlessly and thinks it's no big deal, anyone can do it.

What are your "no big deals"? Probably those are the things that give you the most joy. Once you figure out what they are, make time to do them more often. Find a way to build them into your busy day. If you can do this, you will feel more happiness and open the way for learning other new things about yourself that bring you joy.

Living well in the world is definitely an inside job.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Just a reminder to all women AND men to check your breasts monthly for lumps and women, have your yearly mammograms. In this day of managed care, sometimes reports can fall between the cracks or health care professionals get so busy that they don't look at reports as carefully as they should.

13 years ago, my friend had this happen to her. She had a mammogram and the doctor told her all was fine. Then, she had to change providers due to health insurance changes and she didn't see the new doctor for awhile. When she did, she told the doctor that the previous report had been fine. Then, she found a lump on self exam. It turned out to be Stage 2 cancer and she had to have a lumpectomy. I'm happy to say that she is alive and well 13 years later, but this might have been prevented if her doctor had read the report carefully. The radiologist had found something suscipious and recommended another mammogram in 6 months.

As a patient, you have the right to all of your medical records. If my friend had known to ask for a copy of the radiologists report, she could have stayed on top of her situation and requested another mammogram in 6 months as suggested. So, do your monthly exams, have anything that wasn't there the month before checked out and when it's time for your yearly mammogram, request a copy of the radiologist report not only be sent to your doctor but also to you.

My friend was very fortunate. Someone else might not be. Please pass the message along.