The quick fix: the easy way out may not be the best way through

I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. Six months ago, my cardiologist and I met to review my lab work and talk about my treatment plan. At that time, he put me on a supplement to help lower my total and LDL cholesterol—a hereditary albatross I’ve carried my entire adult life—with a recheck in three months. I balked at taking the supplement. I know it works (I’ve taken it before with great success), but the side effects can be unpleasant and permanent. Although a quick fix, I chose to abstain. I rescheduled my appointment for six months out and began my mindfulness journey. Today, positive change is reflected in the numbers from my latest blood draw. It would’ve been easy to take the supplement, but it wouldn’t have been the best way for me to claim ownership of my health. More changes await around the corner, but I’m encouraged. Sometimes proof is all we need to push through.

When have you bypassed the quick fix?

Photo source: http://www.conanfitness.com.

If you could do it all over again: would you?

Every positive change in your life
begins with a clear, unequivocal decision
that you are going to either do something
or stop doing something. ~ Anonymous

If life afforded a “do-over” button or an instant replay, and you could relive the last X number of days from a specific set point (determined by you), would you? This idea stems from a novel I’m reading: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. A Sci-Fi suspense thriller, the premise begs the question of a multiverse—an infinite realm of being or potential being of which the universe is regarded as a part or instance. If presented with the opportunity, I would do it all over again: I would live more—and worry less—a lot sooner. It seems a shame that it oftentimes takes age to precede wisdom (or at least that’s the plan). But the good news is that every moment offers us the chance to make a positive change. Almost like a do-over.

Would you do it all over again?

Photo courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.