“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
― A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh

This is Health Nut number 61. Over the last two years this blog has been such a blessing to write. Though I spent most of the time doing research and giving advice, I feel that Health Nut has benefited me in many outstanding ways. Half of the time I was talking to and teaching myself when writing these blogs.

I would like to thank everyone who has consistently read Health Nut through and through, from all my annoying puns and titles to the times when I shared personal struggles.

As this is the last Health Nut, I suppose that some parting tips are in order.

Be CONSISTENT

Good health is not something that happens over night. This thing we call fitness is a constant uphill climb that only works if you keep putting one foot in front of the other. Imagine your ideal health as a brick wall in progress. One brick seems insignificant on its own but if you keep laying down brick upon brick, the result will be an immovable wall. Count each day as a brick and strive to build a fortress.

This applies to other areas of life as well. A relationship for example is not made strong in one day. You have to consistently accumulate trust and openness. Very rarely do things that last come instantly or without a little bit of hard work.

Be CONFIDENT

Regardless of your fitness level, personal achievements or any other human mark of success, God made you perfect. Again I am talking to myself when I say be confident in who you are and don’t allow the opinions of others to hold you back from your dreams. Take criticism into consideration and learn from it but don’t let it burden your soul. Be proud of who you are and accept that life is more than outward appearances.

Be ENCOURAGEMENT

As humans we need one another and nothing tears a person down faster than discouraging words. People have said that one negative comment can overpower ten complements. Regardless, if this is true or not, it is our responsibility to strengthen the mental and spiritual health of others, not cause them to stumble.

Don’t be afraid to leave constructive criticism but remember why you criticize. Constructive criticism is done out of love. Love should not damage, only heal.

Be POSITIVE

This is one I really, really, really need to work on. Right now my class is only a few weeks away from walking down the aisle in cap and gown. It’s far too easy at the moment to grumble about everything from finals to the weather. Positivity however, not only benefits our attitude but our health.
One of my favorite quotes is from Charles Swindoll. Swindoll explains this idea that circumstances and other people are uncontrollable but we alone have the full power to determine our response.

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.” –Charles Swindoll

Remember we all have something to be thankful for, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem.

Be GOD’S CHILD

This is my most important bit of advice. If you take one concept from this parting blog or from Health Nut as a whole, let it be this one. God is essential to a truly healthy, happy and meaningful life. He is purpose. Our bodies are temporary. Our minds will cease to work the way they use to. Friends and even family will come and go but God will never leave. He is more loyal than the most trusted person in your life. His love surpasses that of anyone.

If you’re looking for fulfillment, for true joy and peace, He is where you will find it.

Thank you so much for traveling this journey with me.
The choice is yours. Will you be nutty about health? I sure am.

For the last installment of this blog read Health Nut: Shoes for Show or Shoes for Sole?

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skylerklee and via Email: Skyler Lee