Resolution? Put your Brain Health First

Katherine Warren

I am living proof that people can, in fact, change.

I have dramatically changed the health of my brain, the wellness of my body, my habits and routines, my path and my people in life and yes, even my size. So if you tell me you think people "can't change" I will argue that left, right and center. Even at a soul level, I believe change, growth and awareness is not only possible, but magical.

Notice I did not say you can change others, that I 100% agree with. Unless/until someone wants change, it simply will not happen for them.


If you're craving a change in your life as we welcome this New Year; if you're a resolution-making type, I'd like to share a little reminder.


Regardless of the change you are seeking your life, whether its lifestyle, wellness, finances, or whatever it may be, I implore you, focus on your brain health first.


If your brain is still hurting, if its cutting you off at the knees with negative talk everytime to try for that change, you are setting yourself up a near-impossible feat.


People do not sabotage the growth in their life because they want to, or don't have "enough willpower." Noone would willingly choose to stay in a place that doesn't feel healthy or safe, but your hurting brain is very good at convincing you otherwise. When your brain isn't well, the whole world (including very much yourself) feels like its conspiring against you.


Can you achieve some success towards change when your brain is hurting? Absolutely. But the battle will be 10x harder fought than it would be with a healthy brain, and the odds that whatever you're working towards sticks will be equally as challenging. Not to mention the key to real lasting change in my opinion, self love and acceptance, will be next to impossible.


So please please please, anything you write on your wish list, approach it with this in mind. What steps can you take towards a healthier brain that can help you find a place to reach those other goals from a more solid, sustainable, and enjoyable space?


For me this year I'm going to double down on being more present. I deeply want to accept and cherish and adore all that I have, and continue to better understand the power of the AND, that I can in fact have this level of gratitude and peace with what is while still knowing there is more out there for my soul to accomplish.


I know, this goal may sound rich for a meditation teacher, but I am still learning every day and believe or not, I've been learning more about presence than I've ever known before.


So how will you work on your brain health first? There are a million ways to do it of course. When I first started working on mine, I bought a simple workbook about dealing with depression. So maybe for you that's a good step, reading, or maybe it's a meditation app, therapy, movement, talking with a friend, whatever it is, even if its the babiest of things that you only do 5 minutes per day, or per week, or even per month. Tiny bits of time focused on your brain health can make a mountainess difference.


Prioritizing brain health will most likely push back progress on your other goal, but when you get there, the experience will be far more sustainable and beautiful than you might have ever thought possible. And there will come a time when you can work on both simultaneously. But it will take patience and it will take time and a whole lot of self love for 1 of the million times you are likely to have a setback.


I am deeply reminded of this as I sit here today, writing this blog, recovering from Covid. It is the sickest I've been since I got the flu almost 10 years ago. Everyday, I wake up hoping "this is the day I'm going to feel normal again!" And everyday, I'm about 10% better. So I remind myself, 10% is in fact huge progress. A couple less needs for tissue, a few hours of better sleep, a sip of coffee I can taste more than yesterday, it's all progress towards wellness again, but its going to take the time that it takes, no matter how much my brain tries to will it otherwise.


Here's wishing you my dearest reader, a beautiful start to or continuation of your brain health journey. Happy New Year my friends, my heart is warm, happy and full of gratitude for all of you.


-

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