Healthy Living DIY

Then make a quick list of people who speak "health" to you. As you mentally review the people in your world, you may notice that your own mind is beginning to experience a subtle shift. You're starting to attune yourself to the various components that make up health and vitality. This is good!

At this stage, we're looking for role models. A quick word of caution. Your role models do not have to be perfect! It's a tall order to think you must find all of the qualities you're searching for in a single individual. Most likely, you'll create a small pool of role models, each with certain qualities you appreciate.

Some years ago I lived in Detroit. One of our area residents, the late Rosa Parks, was a frequent member of my friends' healthy role model lists for her courageous dignity. Other public figures that express health and vitality include Oprah Winfrey, who almost visibly glows, President Barack Obama, with his calm self-assurance, and endurance athlete Lance Armstrong. There are countless others. Some years ago, gymnast Mary Lou Retton drew fans like crazy with her innate vitality. And if you happen to be a fan of Rachel Ray, you no doubt find her natural self-expression compelling.

Each of the people on your short list will have one or more qualities you'd like to emulate. Let's walk through the process for getting in tune with just one, and you can repeat steps for any others you'd like to consider.

Because she's a well-recognized figure, let's see if we can work out what gives Oprah Winfrey her characteristic glow. What we're looking for is a set of resourceful states. Much in the same way that the element water can exist in the states of solid, liquid, or gas, the element Oprah Winfrey (as well as the element you) has any number of states to choose from.

Keep in mind we're not trying to turn you into Oprah Winfrey! Rather, our quest is to identify the states from which she makes her most empowered choices -- so that you can adopt them and make your own most empowered choices from those states, too. As I consider Ms. Winfrey, several empowered states come to mind -- among the most present are authenticity and generosity. She shares herself openly, and she does so with a humblingly generous spirit.

If you could bring the qualities of authenticity (presenting yourself to the world as the true person you are, rather than trying to be who you think other people want you to be) and generosity (allowing the same freedom for those around you -- even calling it forth from them when they need a nudge), don't you think you would glow, too? I expect so.

Would you like to glow in your own right, much as Oprah Winfrey glows in hers? It's not so hard. Affirm each morning, each evening, and anytime else you think of it, "I am authenticity and generosity." As you become more and more present to that state of being, you'll begin making inspired choices that match the new you.

Your next step is pretty simple. Go back to your list. Identify the states of health and vitality you appreciate in your own role models. Select a few key states to begin with, and create your first affirmation. Practice it several times a day.

One final step is critical to your ultimate success. Pay attention to any insights you may receive about new places to go, people to see, and things to do. They will be inspired by your new state of consciousness. Act on the ideas that ring true, even if they are slightly out of character for the "old you." This is a must!

Then watch what happens. Before long, I expect you'll be noticing a rosy glow and fresh vibrancy in the mirror!