I’m sure we all can think of a time when we were in the middle of a dispute and felt some resistance in finding settlement. There is a saying that always comes to mind that causes me to pause before proceeding when agreement seems like a struggle, “people don’t care what you say until they know how much you care.” This saying has helped shape my thoughts and words on many occasions to help resolve matters. This makes since when we consider most individuals are motivated by emotion and not by compliance. Understanding how the decision is beneficial is helpful, but the key to change is “emotionally” wanting it!
Sometimes these disputes can be within when considering life changing decisions such as career, getting married, divorced, or even when embracing healthy habits such as following a nutritious diet and exercise plan to have a healthier life. We all know the research shows that a nutritiously poor diet and a lack of activity can rob years from our life and keep us from experiencing our best due to low energy and increased risk of illness and disease…especially heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women starting in our 40’s. So why do we continue these behaviors if we know they lead to negative outcomes? Although, we may want the result of making healthy changes we are emotionally tied to the very behaviors we feel we should stop. As we attempt to make healthy changes, many questions run through the mind. “How will this impact my life and relationships? Will I like the change? What will I miss out on? What will I gain in return?” Friends and family may also be involved with suggestions and recommendations, maybe with words of encouragement, and/or even strong direction of what they believe is in our best interest. There are many things to consider and sometimes deciding what voice to follow, especially when emotionally tied, can be a challenge, almost like a war within.
Consider this, when we unknowingly engage in activities that are not in alignment with what is best for us, deep within we may feel a sense of unsettledness or emptiness and unconsciously try to fill this hole with unhealthy things, such as relationships, behaviors and food. As with every decision the only one truly living with the outcome is the one making it. Yes, sometimes decisions impact others, and this is the very reason why being in alignment with one’s true authentic self will manifest the best result for all. This alignment creates a sense of peace, loyalty, and commitment to the behaviors and activities that follow to support the decision. Without this alignment, a lack of commitment exists and inconsistency is usually the result. Many times this causes “self-blame” to rear its ugly head and make us believe we have no will power or are lacking in some way to make the change happen. This lie can eat away at our confidence and resolve.
So how do you find this peace and alignment in a decision when it feels like a tug of war within? Listen and follow your heart! The heart is much more than a muscle that pumps our blood throughout our body. Within the book, Heart-Centered Leadership by Susan Steinbrecher and Joel B. Bennett, Ph.D. they describe the heart as the communication center of the body and the home of our soul and/or authentic self. The heart is where spiritual communication and true alignment happens. It makes sense when we consider all emotions are felt within the heart especially love. The heart was made for love and it seems that love drives all other emotions; for example, in the absence of love we feel anxious, lonely, broken, rejected, and maybe even lost, but in the presence of love we feel excitement, happiness, joy, and peace. Authentic self-care for the heart and body stems from the heart for it desires what is best for us and seeks this above all else in love. As we realize how much it cares to lead us to our best, we may feel drawn to reciprocate this love and WANT to listen to its guidance being emotionally tied to STOP the war within.
So, take time to listen to the quiet voice within your heart, follow its guidance, and realize the amazing benefits in all areas of life as you discover true alignment and peace as you Care for the Heart!
Join us on September 27th, 2013 for the Wholistic Woman Retreat as we invite you to explore your heart and listen to the voice within to lead you to your best life! Click here for more information and to register.
Written by Sandie Lynch MS, RDN, LDN, Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer, Personal Development Coach and CEO of ATP Consultants, LLC. Sandie provides private coaching and group fitness classes sharing 5 Principles to Attain Top Performance in living your best life at any age!