Stay Connected

I know that there are many more people that read the blog that have not joined the family. I thank those that have joined the family for sharing the information.  When you sign up to be a member of the family, you get access to Dr. Ngozi’s 30 days Alive and Healthy Challenge. Day # 1 challenge is to look at yourself in front of the mirror, naked, and profess that you love yourself.  This was inspired by Psalm 139:13-14 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.    We are all unique and we all have a purpose for being on this earth. In Dan Buettner’s book, Blue Zones, Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, lesson five is  Purpose Now – Take time to see the big picture.  Those who lived long healthy lives had a reason for waking up in the morning.

As we work towards creating our personal blue zone, lesson five is all about answering the following questions – What is my purpose? Why do I wake up in the morning? If you are finding it hard to answer these questions, Dan Buettner offers some recommendations in his book. However, I believe you cannot find your purpose until you can look at yourself in front of the mirror, naked, and profess that you love yourself understanding that you were fearfully and wonderfully made. Once this is done, then you can consider the following:

Craft a personal mission statement – Think about what you are passionate about, what you truly enjoy and what is important for you. My mission statement is keeping my sisters alive and healthy. This is my passion.

Find a partner – Find someone that you can communicate your life purpose. You can discuss your mission statement. This can be a family member, a friend or a colleague. By talking with someone, they may help guide you and make sure you follow up on your plan. I am fortunate that I have each of you that read my blog to hold me accountable.

Learn something new – Taking up a musical instrument or learn a new language. Both activities are among the most powerful thing you can do to preserve your mental sharpness.

Waking up each morning and knowing that there is a reason is part of the big picture. This is how we promote health. This is part of our blue zone.  We have four more lessons. If you have missed the first four lessons, please click the link below.

1. Move Naturally – Be active without having to think about it
2. Hara Hachi Bu – painlessly cut calories by 20%
3. Plant Slant – Avoid meat or processed foods
4. Grapes of Life – Drink red wine (in moderation)
5. Purpose Now – Take time to see the big picture
6. Downshift – Take time to relieve stress
7. Belong – Participate in a spiritual community
8. Loved Ones First –   Make family a priority
9. Right Tribe – Be surrounded by those who share the Blue Zone values