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On this beautiful Saturday morning, this seems to be the perfect time to rip off the band-aid and write my first post on besteveryou.com. First I would like to thank Elizabeth for creating this amazing network, and for allowing me to be a part of it.
I’d like this first post to be a bit about me, and my journey. Hopefully you find even one useful nugget of information. I believe we are all here to serve others, and if I am able to do so, I am fulfilling my purpose.
I am a 52 year old father of 4 beautiful children ages 19 - 9. My wife and I live in Charlotte, NC. I am from Indiana, growing up in a relatively small town on Lake Michigan about 50 miles outside of Chicago. When not spending time with my family, you might find me obsessing about all things Chicago sports.
Professionally, the majority of my adult life has been in the ‘corporate world’, working in Human Resources technology (yes, that’s a thing 😀). In April of 2019, I left my consulting gig, and my wife Deb and I are Healthy Lifestyle coaches.
And if you haven’t dozed off yet, you may be wondering what brings me here, and to my blog title, Awakenings.
As I approached my 40th birthday, I can‘t say I was anywhere near awake. I was overweight, in an unhappy marriage and unfulfilled in my career. I realized the beginning of health challenges - sleep apnea, constant acid reflux, and the weight, weren’t going to change, and only get worse as I continued to age. I dedicated myself to 40 workouts in 40 days - (catchy theme, right?). And began to re-establish a healthier lifestyle.
Step 1 to my awakening, and working towards being my Best Ever You. But other than my gym habits, I was still sleep walking. Up every day, off to work. Home Each evening taking care of kids, maybe some TV. Sleep, maybe, and then up for the next day to do it all again. When you’ve been virtually hibernating, at least for me, awakening is gradual.
My first marriage ended, and I am so grateful to have found the love of my life. Hint for another step in our personal awakening- if you are spending time in a relationship or job that doesn’t fulfill you or make you happy- get out. Even if it’s gradual, spending time in unhappInness makes the journey to our best selves so much more challenging.
So what are some other steps on our paths to Awakening -
Love yourself first and foremost. If you are on point here, kudos. If not, even gradual steps, do what you have to do to restore and recognize that you are amazing! And spend some time each day in appreciation for you.
Faith. Regardless of your background and independent of religious beliefs. Know that the Universe, g_d, your creator is 100% on your side. Even when things seem to not be going your way, that is your way. You are on the right path and every experience brings us lessons to push us closer to where we want to be.
Establish a practice of gratitude, and hold onto that attitude. I spent so much time and energy between about 25 and 41 worried and unhappy about what I didn’t have. But I believe the magic in the universe happens when we learn to be thankful for whatever it is we have in life at that moment. I spend a few minutes each day in a silent gratitude practice. If I find my energy being challenged, I’ll take a few breaths and remind myself why I am thankful in that moment. I find I am SO much happier since making this a part of each day.
Love and relationships. Find your tribe, which I am sure why many of us are here on Best Ever You. Test your energy around people you spend your time with - (even family 😉). Spend more time with the people who lift you up. Create gossip free zones. And don’t feel guilty for spending less (or no) time with people who don’t make you feel amazing when your around them. Relationships have seasons too, and that relationships season may have passed. And back to gratitude, still be thankful for that relationship and what it brought to your life in its season. And if you’re still building your tribe/community, call me! I’d be honored to be a part of it.
Hopefully you find one or two nuggets above that resonate with you. I hope to delve deeper into these and other thoughts in future posts. Please leave comments and feedback. I’d love to interact- and I was serious about the call if you’re building your tribe. Comment below and I’ll get you my number 😀
Sending love, light and laughter ❤️🙏
You can find me on Instagram and Twitter @strauss51, and on our website- debanddavestrauss.com