Itz Holistically Wholesome

Welcome to 2023!!!!! So just like that, it’s a brand new year, and we made it by God’s grace. Indeed, most of us are in the frame of mind where we want to start implementing those new years resolutions and see how best we can achieve them over the next three hundred and sixty-two days. I have so much that I want to share on so many levels, and I will as we go along. However, after suddenly being sick for a few days before and into the new year, I was reminded that it is essential to live each day as if it were my last and not become too consumed by my long-term goals and objectives that I miss out on daily opportunities to grow, love, and enjoy life in its most authentic and humblest form. It makes life less stressful when you can smell the roses and allow tomorrow to worry about itself. When we learn to appreciate and be content with what we have, we will be healthier and more energetic. Besides, God tells us to take it one day at a time and not be anxious about anything.

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

And, of course, if God said not to worry or be anxious, He has us covered. Easier said than done, right? I know all too well because I worry about too many things, even though worrying does not change one thing; it only stresses us out and distracts us from the present. I realized my lack of trust in God makes me worry so much. I do not trust Him as I think I do.

Additionally, even though I know He can take care of my needs and concerns, I fear that what He has for me may not be what I had in mind. And what I have in mind can never be compared to His. The struggle!!!! But if we should think about it, there is not much in our control. Besides, not everything we would like to have is good for us. God knows better than we do.

Too much worry causes stress, which can negatively affect our health. It is not just eating unhealthily or lack of exercise. According to an article I read on WebMed titled, How Worrying Affects The Body, “Chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger a host of health problems. The problem occurs when fight or flight is triggered daily by excessive worrying and anxiety. The fight or flight response causes the body’s sympathetic nervous system to release stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones can boost blood sugar levels and triglycerides, which are blood fats) that the body can use for fuel. The hormones also cause physical reactions such as Dizziness, a fast heartbeat, headaches, irritability, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating, among others.“

Too often, physically abled people suddenly pass away, only to learn that it is stress-related. “Stress has also been linked to America’s five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis, and suicide.”

So let us approach each day in this new year with much hope and possibilities and allow what we have no control over to work itself out. Excess worrying sucks the joy out of life and can take us to an early grave. Therefore be kind to yourself and forget worries. Trust God to take care of all that needs to be taken care of in its own time and believe that He will. If not God, who else is going to do it?

Be blessed!