Chuck Norris passed away this week, and I saw a video he posted on March 10th. In the video, he said, "I don't get older. I level up." If he wasn't already an icon before that statement, he sure as hell is after it. In our lives, we should not worry so much about striving for perfection. I've said it before, and I mean it. Perfection is unattainable. Look at the number of people who turn to plastic surgery rather than focusing on just being the best version of ourselves possible. I have nothing against plastic surgery, but most people get started and then don't stop with it. I can help you save a few dollars. Learn to embrace every imperfection you have because that is truly what makes you uniquely you. Easier said than done, right? YUP!
What exactly is Leveling Up? To me, it means always striving to advance and improve on yourself on a soul level. Taking what you have and focusing on making that the best it can be. Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally,
I have never had the pleasure of saying I was the prettiest, smartest, skinniest, funniest, or anythingist person on the planet. I'm terrified of any type of cosmetic surgery on my face, so it is what it is, folks. Fortunately, there is plenty we can do naturally to improve every aspect of our lives. When my husband was sick, I was super stressed out. I knew it was affecting my health, so I went for some hypnotherapy sessions, and the therapist suggested I go get a massage, you know, practice some self-care. I had never gotten a professional massage, so I made an appointment. When I arrived, I was instructed to disrobe as much as I was comfortable with, and I lay on my stomach on the table covered by a comfy, warm blanket.
She started on my upper back and shoulders. I'll never forget it. She began to run her hand on my shoulders, and she pulled up and ran her hand up to my neck, and I could feel her pulling the knots. Tons of them. She said, "OMG," I said, "Pretty bad, huh?" She said, "In the 20 years I've been doing this, I'd say you are one of the top 3 worst backs I've ever worked on." Not exactly what a person wants to hear. I knew one day I would be the best at something; I just wasn't planning on it being this. But I knew she wasn't exaggerating. My husband was terminally ill. He was in denial. I could never have a real and honest conversation with him because I couldn't bring myself to try to get him to face the truth. Stress and holding things in will not only age you, but it will also take years off your life.
I absolutely love the movie Gone With the Wind, and over the last couple of years, I have developed what I like to call my East Coast Scarlett O'Hara Mentality. If something is going on in my life and I have no control over it, I don't give it my energy - I'll think about that tomorrow. Cause Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn.
Life is short, and I want to spend the rest of my life leveling up. Not because Chuck Norris says so, even though that's a pretty good reason. Not striving for some type of perfection, I will always struggle to maintain. I'd rather spend my time and effort taking what the good lord gave me and making it into the best version of myself. He doesn't make mistake you know. We do, but not him.
A good portion of my life I have spent wound up tighter than a girdle on a Baptist minister's wife at an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Wow, that's tight, whew. When you stop being a slave to negativity and just go with the flow, life becomes so much more enjoyable. Put your effort into Leveling Up. Everything you need to do is right inside you. Don't take my word for it. Chuck Norris said so!