UNACCEPTABLE!
Hello LWA Seekers of Greater Well-BEing!
LWA is all about getting closer to that amazing version we were created to BE.
Which leads me to a word we should all ponder: UNACCEPTABLE!
Think of things you find unacceptable. It could be something your friends or family or coworkers are doing. It could be an unwanted or unexpected event. Think of something you find unacceptable right now. For example, it would be easy for me to say the current documented health decline and decreasing life expectancy in the United States is unacceptable. But, the truth i.e. reality: It’s happening! I have to “accept” that it is occurring. If I do so, I then have the opportunity to look for more TRUTH – What IS the answer to this problem? What can I do? What is under my control? I’m now dealing with reality (the problem) by looking for opportunities (the solution). If I’m arguing with reality, I’m frustrated, disappointed, stressed, and a whole host of other negative emotions. If I’m looking for the answers, I am more apt to be in a state of peace, joy, and love.
I believe there is a place for using “unacceptable”. I came to the realization that I could reserve “unacceptable” for things I AM DOING that do not serve me or others well. Example: Say someone does something that I really do not agree with. It may be unkind, harmful, or even illegal. I get really upset, angry. What’s unacceptable? My angry, upset reaction is unacceptable! I can’t control what others believe and do. I have the CHOICE to control what I do, how I react. I can tell myself: “I’m better than this!”
Last month, I found myself a bit stressed out one day. I had several upcoming presentations to diverse groups, a video script to write then shoot, paperwork to turn in for a speaking engagement, a course to complete – the list went on and on with deadlines approaching. I’ve now gotten accustomed to Paying a Visit to Myself, especially when I’m in a negative state. I told myself: “This stressed state is UNACCEPTABLE. I don’t belong here! It’s not me.” I got into a positive state of gratitude, even being thankful that I got stressed which was humbling for the Wellness Queen! I needed a reminder that we can all fall victim to life events and negative beliefs. With no BS (Blame/Shame), I labeled the negative emotion (stress) for what it was – a thought. I knew it could be replaced with a more productive, positive thought. I discussed my situation with the Wellness King, my amazing husband. He helped me come up a strategy to get everything done. In a positive state, I became incredibly creative and productive. In a stressed state, I was anything but that. When I get out of my Ego (which often has difficulty dealing with reality) and get into my Inner Spirit (which has the answers to help me deal with any situation), I’m much easier to live with! I have to look at what I am doing that is UNACCEPTABLE.
Understand me! Our children need to know right from wrong. We need to help them develop qualities that constitute living well AWARE. And, I’m not saying we ignore wrong doings. We are called to act responsibly. When people are unkind, when atrocities are committed, there is so much we can do. We can voice our opinions and act dutifully with kindness. Arguing with reality (what happened) won’t get us anywhere. That difficult person, that challenging situation, may be the ideal opportunity for us to elevate our well-being. It can be our teacher.
Rather than constantly focusing on what we think is “unacceptable” in others, let’s all ask ourselves what WE are believing and doing that is UNACCEPTABLE in our own lives. It’s humbling when we do so. What’s it for you? It’s all about living WELL aware! Let’s continue the journey.
THANKS to the groups who have scheduled us to speak. Here are just a few:
- Jones Walker LLP / Ochsner Health, New Orleans
- EOAC of Waco
- NPACE, Phoenix AZ
- BSWH School Nurse Conference
- Central Texas Christian School
- Itasca ISD
- BSWH Internal Medicine Conference, South Padre Island
- Texas A&M Dept of Engineering, College Station
- Redeemed Christian Church of God, Killeen
- Texas A&M Aggie Moms
- Your school, business, organization. Contact Us!
LWA 2023 Webinar Participants: The August 8 webinar will be a REVIEW / Highlights of this year’s webinars along with a Q&A. Mark your calendars and make plans to attend LIVE!
ATTENTION SCHOOLS: Drs. Sulak and Waxman and the LWA Adolescent Team have developed and implemented their unique approach to health and wellness for schools culminating in Living WELL Aware: My Choices, My Life – The Guide to Adolescent Wellness. LINK to INFO
THANKS to the many school districts who have or are set to implement the just released 6th, 7th, and 8th grade adolescent health curriculum including Killeen ISD, Belton ISD, Temple ISD, Troy ISD, Gatesville ISD, Connally ISD, Manor ISD, Taylor ISD, Boerne ISD, Lampasas ISD, Navasota ISD, Azle ISD, Cherokee ISD, Comal ISD, Comanche ISD, Shallowater ISD, Ozona Schools, Central Texas Christian School, Kirbyville ISD, Seguin ISD, Gordan ISD, Channelview ISD, and many more in the approval process for 2023-2024. The list keeps growing as more schools become aware of our easy to implement online curriculum with components for parents covering the critically important topics of drug abuse, violence, bullying, trafficking, digital dangers, sexual abuse, emotional difficulties, communication skills, healthy relationships, nutrition, physical activity, and much more. LINK FOR MORE INFO For more information about Living WELL Aware: My Choices, My Life, contact us at info@livingwellaware.com to schedule a meeting. Check out the info videos at livingwellaware.com under the Adolescent Wellness TAB. Let’s stop the epidemic of adolescent and adult health decline with doable strategies that work!
ONWARD!
Patricia J. Sulak, MD / Jeffrey A. Waxman, MD