The Littlest Word

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FOR – The three letters look simple, but sometimes they’re part of a painful question: What am I doing this for?

My husband and I are going through an emotional and sad time with close family members. It has been ongoing, and we’ve tried to reach out a number of times by leaving phone messages. On our last attempt, we got a message that the number was disconnected. I asked my husband, what am I doing this for?  I quit!!! 

I asked myself the same question a little bit later: I work out every day, I eat as healthy as I can, take vitamins and work hard at my health; I had elevated cholesterol last year and I was determined to lower it. I returned from my yearly physical this year to hear my cholesterol is higher (255) and my sugar went up (102)!  I was so frustrated and started ranting and raving that from now on I am eating cake, ice cream and whipped cream. I quit!!  What am I doing this for?

My doctor had the perfect answer: “Just think what it would have been if you didn’t work so hard!”  Habits like eating well and working out were still helping my health, she said. She reminded me that I was focusing on the negative results but not the entire picture. She encouraged me not to get discouraged. For now her prescription is to continue healthy eating and exercise, stay enthusiastic and no matter what, keep laughing because that is the best medicine in the world. She’s right. I am doing all this, and I am doing this FOR me!!!

In terms of the disconnected phone number, my doctor said to step away for a while. Things would become clearer with time. She reminded me that I expect perfection and immediate results but that life isn’t like that.

Her prescription was not to be stressed over that.  Go out, have fun, avoid situations that remind you of the pain. Try new things, go to places you have not been. In other words, keep looking FORward to things.

Talking with her made me realize that I really don’t want to quit. I’m very passionate about my health,d and I hate conflict, but I can’t fix everything. I will continue to move FORward with my life.

Donna Ryan is the author and editor of the blog 50plusstickingtogether. To read Donna's blog, click here.