Be the RIPPLE that creates WAVES!

We’ve all heard that saying “Even big waves start with small ripples.”

As I was sitting poolside today with my son, I was thinking about the leadership, love, and example that I am supposed to be for all of my children. Health, being one of the top priorities I want to teach my kids. What is honestly the best way for them to learn? By example; by the leadership and life you live.

When it comes to health, I want to teach my kids not only what health means (physical, mental and spiritual), but how to live your life as an example for others. Not as a means of showing off, but as a means of leadership and that anyone can do it.

For example, when at a party, or out to eat with friends, I try and choose healthier options. Over the years I have received ridicule from others, but at the end of the day, I want to be the person that causes that one other person to eat the salad too, or to stop at the first drink, and not have 5 or 6. This little drop, or ripple, eventually turns in to a wave. Eventually, others know it’s ok to not give in to the temptation of sugar, alcohol, and ridicule. In the end, it’s your body. You are responsible for it. The same way I want to teach my kids that they are responsible for theirs.

That’s not to say, that occasionally we don’t enjoy life, because we absolutely do. But our occasionally is far fewer than most. We typically limit our cheat meals to once a week. Not once a day, or worse. We not only eat healthy, we exercise regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of my favorite things to do with my daughter, is ride our bikes to her bus stop, which is over a mile away. Not only is it great bonding time for me and her, but I am teaching her health and how to maintain an active lifestyle as well.

As I’ve said a million times, you only have one body. It’s your temple. No one else has to pay the price for the damage that is being done to it. You can live that life where clothes fit better, you’re not on medications, you’re not afraid to put on a bathing suit, and you just overall feel so much better. Which brings to mind a very different topic (How you feel when you do these things). Stay tuned next time for my thoughts on how it truly makes you feel.

Until then, treat your temple to love, respect and health.