My motivation for establishing this goal is mainly due to the fact that I feel really unhealthy! It seems like I know a lot of people who love to watch what they eat and make sure they exercise. I feel like the complete opposite, and sometimes it makes me feel guilty... just sometimes. I think there has to be a balance between enjoying the (maybe unhealthy) things you like and respecting your body. I don't hate eating healthy or exercising, but they just haven't been on the top of my list lately.
I know that staying active, exercising, and eating healthy is important for me! Especially since both sides of my family have a history of health issues (stroke, cancer, etc). I would love to have more personal experience of incorporating healthy foods and fun physical activity into my lifestyle. I think that once I have made these things "my own," I can later try to influence my family and friends to eat healthier and stay active. I care about them, too and want them to live long, healthy lives!
Lastly, as an occupational therapist I feel that I should practice what I preach! I feel like we are constantly telling our clients and patients to be healthy... but are we really being healthy ourselves? I can't answer this question for everyone, but I know the answer for myself... and I don't really consider myself a "healthy person." So in order to be a better occupational therapist for my clients, I need this personal experience and change!
My clinical doctorate of occupational therapy project also focuses on how children who have/survived pediatric cancer can stay healthy and active. So I am looking forward to trying new and fun physical activities and yummy healthy foods that I could later use in my project and share with these kids! :) If you have any ideas of things to try, let me know!
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