Check-Ups

We have check-ups for a lot of things in our lives that we want to preserve.  The key phrase or word in that sentence is preserve.  We take our cars for tune-ups to ensure that we get the best out of them.   

To preserve the engine, transmission, suspension, drive-train, etc. to ensure our safety, and make sure that the vehicle is functioning within specified parameters as well as prevent any unsuspected problems is the goal.

We also go to the doctor for a physical or medical check-up.  The same is also true for our bodies as the above except the body parts are different.  Our heart, lungs, eyes, limbs, and blood to name a few are checked to ensure that they are functioning correctly.  We accomplish the same purpose when we visit the dentist’s office; there is something to be said for good dental hygiene.

We give attention to all the above, but is some cases of which I believe is all too true, we neglect our mental hygiene.  I believe a Mental Check-Up has become necessary, if not critical.  There are so many pressures that we deal with on almost a daily basis and with the pace of life, in some cases moving at the speed of light, this type of preventive care should become common place just like our medical check-ups. 

 

Every three to five thousand miles we’re taking our cars in for a maintenance check-up, why not our minds.  We put just as much, if not more stress on our minds and bodies as we do the tools that we use in life that are supposed to make it easier.

There is a public outcry for mental health as much as there is for physical health.  In our country, I believe that this issue is nearing the tipping point to where we as individuals and as a nation will have to address it head on.  For me, I’ve decided as to what this should look like.

I’ve recently returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. My last deployment to Afghanistan was March 07 to March 08.  The emotional roller-coaster that I experienced upon return was more volatile than I expected.  I eventually went to see a licensed professional counselor about my issues and worked through them.  This time I will preempt the situation by seeing a professional for a “Mental Check-Up” on the front end.

In our culture, subcultures, or ethnic groups mental health/mental illness is a taboo subject; however my prayer is that with this article I can shed some light on the subject and show others that this issue needs to be brought to the light and dealt with head on.  This subject should be thrust into the bright light of scrutiny and addressed and not left to the shadows of denial and indecision.

Another strategy that I plan to employ is every 90 days or so is to take a mini-sabbatical of one maybe two days over and to include a weekend for a total of three or four days to re-center, re-balance, and rejuvenate my mind, will, and emotions (soul).   

We only get one shot at life; make it a great one.  No one can take care of you like you; it’s your responsibility not someone else’s. The above approach may or may not work for you, but please employ what does.  A true vacation or staycation may be your cup of tea; whatever it is you owe it to yourself, your family, and friends to remain healthy, functioning in tip top shape to enjoy as much of this life as humanly possible.

This has been you 80 seconds of encouragement.

Tims2Centz

PS:  A little long today, however an important topic.