Katie McDonald | bnourished founder and CEO
I had the “human doing” part down. It was the “human being” part that proved to be so elusive.
Busyness was my business. I had something to prove to maintain my status as a top-performing sales executive for a division of Time Inc. I sold advertising and ended up selling my soul, trading my health for the next sale. Nutrition, relaxation, exercise and sleep all felt like annoying distractions to an otherwise productive day. Just another thing to do on an already bulging, unrealistic, suffocating list.
Inevitably my body whispered, then roared, with disease – ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel, asthma, allergies, depression, anxiety and more. My needs finally had my attention. I took responsibility for my life, one habit at a time. In desperation I chose “being” over “doing” and here’s what I learned.
• Self-neglect is selfish.
• Martyrdom is so last century. Start with self, then serve.
• Bullying ourselves into submission is an ineffective catalyst for positive change. Kindness transforms.
• Self-awareness is our birthright and responsibility.
• Wellness resides at the intersection of compassion and accountability.
• Motivation and emotions are fickle, unreliable advocates for our well-being. Don’t wait until you are in the mood.
• Do what you say you will because keeping your word to yourself matters.
I woke up to the honor of parenting myself. Never again will I underestimate the direct impact of what I eat, think and do has on my creativity, resiliency, vitality and peace of mind. Nourishing ourselves is a wise and worthy pursuit.