I regularly walk by a pretty Crepe Myrtle tree with dark pink blossoms. At the tree’s base, there is a layer of smooth grey rocks, which obscure the ground from view. Peeking between these rocks are about a half-dozen Crape Myrtle sprouts. The odds are stacked against these baby Crape Myrtles. Unless someone transplants them, they are stuck in the environment they sprouted in—wedged between rocks and under the shade of a full-grown Crepe Myrtle tree. Still, these baby Crape Myrtles are surviving.

Just like plants, we all need certain things to thrive. Some of us are faced with more challenges than others. Maybe you are a cancer survivor who is still struggling with the side-effects of your treatment. Maybe you were injured years earlier and, because didn’t heal well, you are scared to move at all. Maybe you have many relatives who suffer from chronic conditions, and you’re worried that you’ll become sick no matter what you do.

Thankfully, we have more opportunities than plants to overcome our challenges. If we aren’t getting the things we need where we are—if we are just surviving— we can change our environment. We may be able to change how often we exercise, which type of exercise we do, where we exercise, and the way we do those exercises. We may be able to change where we eat, what we eat, and our relationship with food. We may be able to change our bedtime routine, our sleeping environment, and when we go to bed. We may not be able to change everything, but small healthy changes add up.

If you need some help creating an environment that helps you thrive, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A health coach can help guide you in the right direction. 

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a safe and healthy week.