This word keeps popping into my mind – vitality.  I am intrigued by the level of energy that the word carries, so I decided to consult the dictionary to see what I would find.  Vitality is defined as “the capacity to live, to grow, or develop”.  The synonyms that I found for vitality are vigor or energy.  When I think of one’s vitality, I picture the life force pulsing through one’s body.  It is interesting how certain individuals are vibrantly alive and make a big splash; whereas, others kind of float through life trying not to make waves.   What kind of individual are you?  Are you satisfied with the kind of impact you are making in your own life or in the lives of others?

Did you ever consider what influences your level of vitality?  Actually, there are a multitude of choices that have the ability to either support or weaken one’s life vigor.  Let’s focus in on three of those aspects: food, thoughts, and physical activity.  The emphasis here is on being conscious about the food one eats, the thoughts one thinks, and the physical activity that one does. All three of these processes affect one’s capacity to live, to grow, and to develop as a healthy and happy human being.

Food – The food that we eat carries a level of aliveness or the lack of it.  When you hold a piece of fresh fruit in your hand, you are aware that it is alive.  Biting into a fresh carrot or a fresh slice of watermelon awakens the senses in your mouth.  Your body intuitively knows this nourishment right down to the cellular level.  One’s cells benefit and grow when fed naturally fresh foods.  In contrast, some foods go to processing labs where chemicals are added in order for them to last longer on grocery shelves.  Although these foods may be quite tasty, they lack the necessary nutrients to assist the body in thriving.

Thoughts – The type of thoughts that run through the mind have a definite affect on one’s level of positivity.  If one is both positive and goal-directed, there usually is an accompanying inner drive for exploration and accomplishment in life.  Despite internal doubts, one can overcome these by choosing to think more positively.  The longer one continues to entertain pessimistic, doubtful, and self-sabotaging thoughts, the more one is likely to stay stuck.  One’s thoughts can be re-programmed or re-wired “to get in gear” for new growth and development.  Say “good-bye” to the past and “hello” to a more vibrant you.

Physical Activity – The more one moves, the more energetic one feels.  Sitting on the couch with the remote tends to reinforce depression and lack of motivation.  Getting out each morning for a brisk walk get the endorphins in the brain moving and is a prescription for a better day.  A regular and consistent exercise routine improves one’s mood, physical health, and overall outlook on life.  It is no surprise that when one is physically active and is increasing one’s level of physical strength, a sense of competence develops over time.  Jump into life by moving or merely stay inside watching life fly by.

Be conscious of your own vitality and know that you can make choices every day to either strengthen or weaken it.  It’s up to you….