Are they all just excuses? Becoming aware of our patterns

When I was younger I used to struggle to keep up my good intentions when life got busy or challenging. Things like exercising, eating well, finding time to do the things that really nurtured me would go out of the window because – well – I would tell myself I was just too busy for them.

With time I learnt that actually, if I really wanted, I could find the time for these things and when I did, I immediately felt better about myself, the situation and all my struggles all of a sudden became a little more manageable.

Sometimes we are just not in the mood and comfort food, drinks, whatever else we might ‘use’ to dumb the challenges and pain of reality seem to be the best solution but in the long run this is never a good answer to our issues.

These days I face my challenges head-on and use meditation, yoga, exercise and fresh nourishing food to support me on a day to day basis but more so when the going gets tough. I also tend to be aware of when I’m just not in the mood for it and that is ok, too, but at least I have developed that sense of awareness which allows me to make conscious decisions instead of using excuses to justify my behaviour.

Give it a try – next time you are struggling, become aware if you are using excuses to numb the pain and support yourself like you do when everything is going well. That’s the best way to come through.