Cup of Inspiration

Today, June 17^th, is National Eat Your Vegetables Day. Today we consider reaching out for the salad at lunchtime rather than the cheeseburger. Grab that apple for dessert instead of a helping of apple dumpling. While today we consider adding a little more vegetables to the plate, let’s think about how we can incorporate this thinking in other areas of our lives.

It is common knowledge that vegetables are good for us. We know a fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette is much better for our body than a hamburger with a hint of lettuce and tomato. We know a bowl of fruit is better for our system than fruit-flavored candy in the vending machine in the breakroom.

However, when you’re having a bad day at work, it can be rather satisfying to escape the office and head down the street to McDonald’s for a quick, cheap lunch. When that meeting runs overtime, and you’re trying to process all the changes made to the latest project, it can be tempting to hide in the breakroom, look into that vending machine, and buy a treat. After all, you deserve it, don’t you? You’ve worked hard, and your stress level is going through the roof with no end in sight. What’s the harm with a hot, juicy hamburger followed up with a cold, creamy milkshake?

There is nothing wrong with the occasional treat to celebrate. Enjoying a slice of birthday cake to celebrate with loved ones should be a guilt-free pleasure. Making that occasional trip down the street for a hamburger will most likely not make a major impact on your health. However, the harm comes when these occasions become part of a routine.

Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to face the daily grind. The nutrients found in that salad can give your body the strength to fight off illness by giving fuel to your immune system. Foods rich in nutrients, along with regular exercise, can help strengthen your heart and lungs. Over time, a healthy diet and exercise will lead to more energy, less illness, and even less stress. It takes time to develop a healthy diet and exercise routine, but it will pay off in the long run.

In today’s world, we live with a microwave mentality. We strive for that instant gratification. We look for get-rich-quick solutions instead of investing in the long-haul. We’ll reach for what tastes good now without regarding how our health will be impacted.

We should be looking at how we can invest for the next few years. What skills can we start developing today that will help us in our careers in the future? How can we take time to nourish our relationships with our loved ones today that will provide long-lasting memories down the road?

There are times we must work a little late one week to make up for time off to go to that softball game with the family. We may spend a little extra on that unique outfit for a special occasion. There is nothing wrong with going out with friends for a juicy hamburger as a treat after a long week.

We live in the present. However, let us not completely forget that the decisions we make today will impact us in the future. Constantly putting work before family may bring in higher paychecks, but down the road can lead to strained relationships. Continually choosing to binge watching TV rather than taking 30-60 minutes a week working on skill development can negatively impact your chance at a dream job down the road. Eating juicy hamburgers on a regular basis will taste wonderful and bring instant enjoyment. However, it will most likely lead you to a conversation with a cardiologist down the road.

Spend quality time with your loved ones. Take that little time out each week to develop new skills. When you go out to lunch, consider reaching out for that salad over the hamburger. Live in the present, but don’t ignore the future.