a new perspective

You know how you can hear (or read) something a million times and never have it sink in... but then you can hear is from a slightly different point of view and a light bulb suddenly goes off? There is just something about the presentation and context of a message that can make it even more meaningful and possibly life changing.

This happened to me recently while reading the book AntiCancer. I have read a long list of health, nutrition and diet books, newsletters, blogs (I may be a food blog junkie) etc in the past few years, but haven't been quite as affected by any other book. Honestly, this book was a life changing read for me. No worries, it wasn't life changing because I am sick (nope, pretty healthy overall I believe - but did you realize each and every one of us have cancer cells, they just may not be in the right environment to replicate?) but because it put a lot of the same advice I have read many times into a context that makes sense to me. A context that says "come on Colleen make some more positive changes in your life and you'll live a longer, happier and healthier life for it." Pretty darn good motivation.

Let me back up a bit. I did buy the book for a reason (well other than because my niece Nicole recommended it to me) - it seems like every single person I know has a person in their lives facing cancer. In my family there are a couple facing it. And while my Momma never fought it, she did fight the extremely unforgiving disease of Alzheimer's. I can't pin point what might have made that a reality in her life, but I can tell you what predisposed my Pop to lung cancer - yep, smoking and his not smoking for the past 20+ years and exercising almost every single day didn't keep it from happening. I want a different future for myself and feel it is necessary for me to learn as much as I can, take a good look at my lifestyle and make some changes. Yes, I know I can't guarantee that the changes will keep me healthy, but they will help me feel like I did my best. Knowing that can take away the what ifs. And to me, what ifs are the worst! (My mind just doesn't know how to quiet down... especially when it is time to go to sleep.)

I will be sure to share some of the changes and choices I am making along the way - you may start seeing more healthy cooking, exercise and green product posts. I hope that is okay with you :)

And as you can probably tell, I highly recommend this book (there is also a website). It is written by a doctor who fought brain cancer twice - his voice is clear and relate-able. The book provides a lot of technical information in a not too technical manner and offers up a holistic approach to staying healthy. Pretty darn good book for anyone and even better for someone who might be facing cancer right now - I know from family experience that many doctors don't supplement typical treatment protocols with a whole body approach to wellness. And just because it is about cancer doesn't mean it is a depressing book - it was quite the opposite for me, it was empowering.

Do you have any favorite health and/or fitness books I should put on my reading list?

Comments

[Colleen]

I liked Change Your Brain Change Your Body. It's really given me a great perspective.

Hope you're enjoying your long weekend!

[meg]

I just put this on request at the library -- thanks for the tip! Looking fwd to hearing more along your journey to better health (and who couldn't use some of that?)

[Kelli]

This makes me smile. I am so glad you got so much out of it!