I was just speaking with my 94 year-old patient, Katherine, about her goal of outliving her cousin, Gladys, who lived to 103 years-old.  She was sharing that she feels like she’s getting “more well” with every adjustment and how glad she was that she decided a year and a half ago to get under care.  We then discussed some changes she could make to move forward and closer to her goal.  I’m awed by her determination to fulfill an internal  burning desire.  Like I told her in 2008, I will do everything in my power to help her achieve this and she can guarantee that I am her number 2 fan! We all have to become our own number one fan.

Katherine is inspiring.  She is a breath of fresh air and an encouragement to everyone in the office.  She is one of those practice members of which you wish you had a million more.  She really gets the chiropractic lifestyle and the wellness paradigm. She constantly reminds family and friends to invest in themselves now because when you are “old, crippled, broke, and alone” it’s too late to invest and then it’s just maintaing at the best level possible.

When Katherine came to me a year and a half ago she was completely numb on the left side of her body.  Upon exam and x-ray, significant scoliosis was detected.  Her significant scoliosis was causing multiple subluxations throughout her spine and therefore she was experiencing considerable nervous system distress.  The scoliosis had also caused multiple compression fractures in her spine throughout the years.  When I explained to Katherine what was going on tears filled her eyes. I asked her why she had tears and she simply stated that she wished she would have done something earlier.  I hear that alot.  I was empathetic to her sadness but informed her that we would do anything possible to help her live out her remaining years at an optimal level.  That is when she first shared her goal of outliving Gladys.

Katherine has been under care here for a year and a half.  Her numbness is gone and she has improved her overall quality of life.  There isn’t a day she isn’t smiling and telling me how much she loves me for investing in her and being her wellness coach.  Little does she know she has done more for me than I could ever do for her.

She is a constant reminder to invest in myself now by taking care of myself chemically, physically, and emotionally.  She is a constant reminder that it’s NEVER too late to get well.  That any goal is attainable with the right action steps, support, and a crystal clear vision.

Katherine is the perfect example to return to when you are contemplating investing in your own wellness.  It’s inevitable you either pay in little increments over time and maintain OR you pay a big, lump sum in the end and deal with the outcome you get.  I know I would rather chunk it down like any BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goal); rather than procrastinate.  Procrastinating is interesting; it’s a gamble; it’s cancer of the mind .  My wellness is just not something I’m willing to gamble with.   Are you?