truth three.
Written by: Candi Cylar
I want to be the best version of myself. Don’t you?
In 2018, a song titled ‘Smile’ was released by an artist known as Lil Duval, featuring Snoop Dog. The hook has become a coined phrase and theme for so many folks, “I’m living my best life…” For me, the song, minus the explicit lyrics, reminds me to live up to my highest potential. Living a balanced life is so key, work, play, health & wellness, and relationships. A few years back I started coming up with a word on my birthday for me to live into for the year. Balance was my word in 2018 and it is 2021, I’m still figuring it out. It’s a delicate dance.
Back in 2010, Oprah started her “Living My Best Life Tour” and I went reluctantly, and it was life-changing. (Thanks Robyn Watson for buying the tickets and sending me a bill. Lol) The confirmation, the seeds planted and the charge at that event is still coming to fruition. Oprah’s brand is centered around self-growth, excelling to new heights, and finding meaning in it all.
Making small changes in the way that I eat caused a level of disruption in my life – good disruption. Those changes affected my health in a good way, as well as it has affected my village. It’s a reminder that what we do not only affects us but those around us…those in our village and beyond.
After spending the first quarter of the year changing my eating habits and trying to combat my addiction to sugar, I decided in order to live my best life, I needed to do more. But what was that more for me? I knew I needed to take care of my wellness now or I will be dealing with my illness later. After hearing the hype about cycling, I drank the kool-aide and purchased an exercise bike. (Thanks Tracy Lewis-Williams for pushing me.)
I have never been in a cycling class but I have been intrigued after being introduced to the idea during the Oprah event. I took a leap, along with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. And guess what? I love it. I have pushed myself in a way that I pushed myself in years. Pushing myself to be healthier.
I am thankful for a village of people that have established the discipline to be heart-healthy, it rubbed off. The Heart Healthy crew pushed me to do more through the monthly challenge and the trash-talking, I walked and rode. Having a village to hold you accountable and push you to do more is paramount for me. Thanks, Bry Waller for starting the group and Alvin King for the comedic commentary. People like Karen Reynolds posting her exercises and pushing herself. And of course, the numerous Facebook groups where people share their journey.
So what box are you stepping out of in order to live your best life? Maybe you aren’t creating discipline the same way that I am but is there a change that you need to make for you to live your best life?
