Keep Sharp & Self Care March 29, 2021
I try to read two to three books a month, depending on the volume, and recently I just finished reading KEEP SHARP by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, MD. Now, you must know that Sanjay is a neurosurgeon and a journalist. I have been following his work for quite a long time so it is easy for me to listen to him and absorb his teachings. I do not see him as a celebrity. A father, a husband, a son, a friend, (not to me directly but to the people in his world) he has proven to be an invested researcher, practitioner and a clear communicator. He manages to reach the world with a sharp ear for listening, a keen eye for seeing and readiness to share knowledge and findings. He claims that KEEP SHARP is a book for anyone who believes that their brain can be better regardless of age and that the brain is resilient. The brain can be trained and made equipped for any of life’s challenges. This however, can only happen if you self-care.
As I read this book, I thought Sanjay was writing my biography. I found myself in everything that he spoke to and I even passed his SELF ASSESSMENT TEST with flying colours. He positioned his lecture with the underlying message of the importance of self-care which is a strong belief system of mine. I believe that “You owe it to yourself to be well.” I believe that if you can’t take care of yourself, don’t pretend to know how to take care of others. Clearly, if one needs and wants to live a long and high quality life, one must begin with knowing and wanting to self-care. I often say to the people in my world that if you make the choice to live, you must try and be the best that you can be within your circumstances.
So many of us get caught up with the day-to-day routine and forget to thank and celebrate ourselves for being a provider or caretaker. We forget to appreciate and commend ourselves being able to do what we do for others. We forget to show gratitude and praise ourselves for being able to do what we do for our partners, children, aging parents, friends and community large. We give of ourselves. We empty our containers and often don’t know how to refill or replenish. We are repeatedly left hungry, unable to eat and don’t realize it. We can do better. In fact, we must.
In Sanjay’s book, he spoke about the miracle of movement, the power of purpose, the value of rest and much more. When I speak to the value for self-care, higher quality life and longevity, I am bringing attention to all of these pieces and more.
Take a moment! Whoever takes the moment to read this blog – join me in the movement to care for yourself FIRST. Take the time to fill up so that you will be able to love, share and support others.
“You owe it to yourself to be well.”
~ Dr. Roz