It seems so simple, so why do so many of us find it so hard to do it? A lot of people say they value person to person interaction, but when it comes down to it, we find it so much easier to keep everything to ourselves. I know that I am more open than a lot of people, but I truly believe that no matter how private a person may be, everyone needs someone to confide in.
How much are you trying to carry by yourself? Once I turned 40, I promised myself that I would ask for help whenever I needed it. This has changed my life tremendously. No matter how many degrees or life experiences we may have, the truth is, we don’t know everything. I’m not talking about making time for gossip sessions; I’m talking about identifying your people (or person) and making space to share your fears, struggles and dreams to help you gain perspective and process your emotions. There is scientific evidence that shows that keeping our feelings bottled-up inside can have a negative impact on our health. Holding things in can increase anxiety, depression and bring on stress-related illnesses. We can work on our bodies and our eating habits all day long, but if we are walking around carrying mountains of stress, nothing else really matters. I spent the majority of my fitness career working at a gym that served law school students and I would always remind them that it doesn’t matter if they look good if they don’t feel good.
I want to encourage you to “Check In!” Stop scrolling, stop playing your game, even stop reading this newsletter and use your phone to let someone hear your voice. Tell someone how you are doing. Let them know what’s on your mind. Tell them what you’re struggling with. Tell them the good things as well. Share your wins and if they are someone truly special, share your goals! There is someone out there who loves you so much and wants you to win! It may not be a lot of people, but there is someone rooting for you. That person is me, and I’m here if you need me.