Words of Wellness

The art of letting go

There is an art to the practice of letting go.

Often we hold on to things too tightly... all the while trying to force situations that require a looser hand. Whenever I'm dealing with those situations, I remember to "let go and let God," while moving in the direction that seems best.

You may try to "force" your loved ones to eat healthy foods. In those cases, the best practice is to offer healthy options in the correct portions, and let them make the choice of what they will eat.

Hovering over them, helicopter-style, while you nag and guilt them into eating what they should, will often backfire. That's the time offer your best... then let go a little.

As a physician, I make recommendations and suggestions on ways to be healthy, including what to eat and how much to exercise, but I can't force the situation. Each of us has to do the work for ourselves.

So if you are trying to make healthy changes for your family, remember to be a great role model for the changes you'd like to see, offer healthy options, try to get everyone on board... then let go.

You'll find that people may be more willing to make a change, and your sanity will remain in check.

Be healthy and God bless,

Dayo N. Lanier, M.D.

Gratitude

Today we observe Memorial Day. A day to pay tribute to the men and women in the armed forces who have fought for and continue to protect our country and the freedom we enjoy.

To them, I say thank you.

This day serves as a reminder to show gratitude, not only for the service of our soldiers, but for all of the things we appreciate.

Whether it was the sunrise this morning, the food you were able to enjoy, or the people you've spent time with today; showing gratitude brings about a certain contentment. 

When we overlook the good and simple things, we begin to feel discontented and frustrated with what we have.

Focusing on being grateful allows us to recognize and count our blessings.

For me, it was a wonderful day spent enjoying the company of my husband, our two children and our puppy.

Hopefully you've taken some time today to show gratitude and to be thankful for whatever you have.

Take care and God bless,

Dayo N. Lanier, M.D. 

The Importance of Words

I teach Children’s Church on Sundays and yesterday’s lesson was about the power of words and how important it is for us to control our tongues.

 

That can be extrapolated for everyday life, for all ages.

 

Our words have the ability to help and make others feel good. They also have the ability to tear people down and make them feel bad. We can choose how we use our words and the effect we want them to have.

 

With respect to children, we must be careful not to crush them with our words or the tone in our voices.  Whether we’re telling them what they need to do or how they should act, the way in which we use our words is important.

 

This also goes for the way we speak to ourselves. For example, if we eat something that’s not the healthiest choice or fall off the exercise wagon, words like “I’ll never be healthy”, “I’ll never reach my goal” and “I can’t do anything right,” won’t feel encouraging or helpful.

 

Those are the times to be gentle with our words. Words affect our thoughts and actions; and gentle words will better help us find the determination to get back on track.

 

Whether we are speaking to others or ourselves, let’s remember to think before we speak!

  

Be healthy and God bless,

 

Dayo N. Lanier, M.D.

On becoming motivated

"Nothing will work unless you do."  -  Maya Angelou

Dr. Angelou had a point with that quote!

Often, we realize that we need to eat healthier and exercise more in order to be healthy, but getting and staying motivated to do so can get in the way of acheiving our goals.

So what does one do? Take baby steps!

It's not enough to wish, hope, dream and pray for weight loss or weight maintenance... you need to do the work as well. 

That work can be in the form of choosing to drink water whenever you're thirsty, instead of a sweetened drink. You can also choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator; to take a walk after dinner, instead of plopping on the couch in front of the TV; or to eat grilled or baked foods, rather than the fried option.

Taking baby steps means you choose one thing to change, and do that consistently. You can always add something else later, but trying to make all the changes at once, may overwhelm you.

Motivation is defined as 'the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.'  Your motivation for exercising and eating healthier... to be a healthier you!

Take care and God Bless,

Dayo N. Lanier, M.D.

Hello and Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the Words of Wellness Blog! My name is Dr. Dayo Lanier.

This blog will provide a weekly dose of inspiration and motivation, to help you on your journey toward health and wellness. We'll start next Monday, May 11th and I'm looking foward to speaking with you then.

Also, if you're on your computer later today, please join me for The Healthy Lifestyle Show with Dr. Dayo Lanier at www.blogtalkradio.com/Dr-Dayo-Lanier at 3 pm. The topic is 'The Benefits of Team Sports' with guest, Coach Rob Lanier, Florida Gators Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. In case you miss it, the shows are archived, so tune in whenever you can!

Be Healthy and God Bless,

Dayo Lanier, M.D.