I know, I know—my recently-adopted poodle, Sylvie, has taken over not only my social media, but practically my entire life. And for good reason. Sylvie and I are a match made in rescue-dog heaven, and here’s why:
Sylvie loves walking, hiking and climbing mountains
She loves cuddling, snuggling and when I give her a massage
Sylvie the poodle does a mean downward-facing dog
Like me, she enjoys being outdoors
and…as much as Sylvie likes the action, she also enjoys sitting calmly with me on my meditation cushion early in the morning
I learned about a really cool concept in Okinawan tradition called Moai - a social support group - from Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones longevity research project. (The Okinawans are some of the healthiest, longest living people on earth.)
According to the Blue Zones, “Research shows that social connections can have a long-term impact on your health and happiness. You mimic the habits of your three closest friends. If you share similar values, healthy habits, and life goals, then you’re likely to be less stressed, happier, and live longer.”
I see the influence of my private clients’ Moais in action almost every day. Sometimes, the spouse, partner or friends of my clients are 110% supportive of her journey to better health, and sometimes, not so much…
The truth is, sometimes those closest to you can be threatened or simply confused by your desire for change.
If a friend, coworker, or close family member stands in the way of what you want for your life and your health, I call it sabotage. Think of it as the opposite of a Moai.
Sometimes, other people may see you venture into a healthier lifestyle and make sneaky little comments, or they may rebel against the healthy habits you’re working to implement. People close to you may feel threatened when you embark on this kind of journey and they may even tempt you with food and activities that no longer align with your goals.
“Are you sure you don’t want dessert and another glass of wine?”
You may feel guilty that others feel threatened and sabotage your health and yourself in order to be accepted. Side note: It’s not your fault that they feel bad.
Such reactions boil down to fear: Fear of not being accepted or loved.
Others, who may not have the courage to take such a bold step, may unconsciously hope that you fail on your path to a more vibrant life. Your success may be uncomfortably challenging for them. Maybe it also highlights a gap in their own life. When you take a step towards valuing yourself more, your relationships are forced to shift.
Let me ask you this:
What if you could no longer hide behind others for not having the life and the health you want?
This is why Sylvie’s in my Moai. I’m a good influence on her, and she’s a positive influence on me. We bring out the best in each other.
You can’t have Sylvie, but would you like to be surrounded and supported by the positive energy of a group of like-minded people? People just like you, on a mission to remain relevant, active and vibrant as they age, while having more fun?
Would you like to have your very own healthy aging Moai?
Registration is now open for my new high-vibe, small group coaching experience.
Here’s to your next years being your best years!