No One Is Going To Rescue You

In my early 20’s after college, I lived in a flat in San Francisco in lower Haight-Ashbury. That funky apartment in one of America’s funkiest neighborhoods was where my roommate became one of my greatest teachers. She had this unique job: Working at home, knitting prototype sweaters for a VERY well-known clothing company. The only problem was as she sat there, knitting away eight to ten hours a day, her back started to hurt, then constantly ached. She went to the doctor, then a chiropractor, spending thousands trying to find an end to the pain.

It was painful to watch her suffer and to throw away so much of her money in search of relief. At the time, I was already practicing yoga and starting to teach it. I tried everything to get her to join me, knowing yoga might relieve her pain. But she always had an excuse and essentially told me to mind my own business.

So I did. I realized then and there that I should focus on MY body and my business.

In fact, my body IS my business.

Fast-forward more than 25 years later and I still get on my mat six days a week, so I don’t have to throw away thousands and thousands of dollars towards doctors and medicines. I choose not to be a victim because no one is going to take care of me, but me. I am responsible for my own body. It’s true with all of us. Your body is your business and no one is going to care for it, and keep it healthy, but you.

Yes, I occasionally go to the chiropractor or get a massage. I get an annual check-up, but I don’t run to the doctor for every tiny ache, pain and sniffle. For me, yoga and movement are my recommendations. Fresh organic food my prescriptions and rest the best medicine.

No one is going to parent you but you. No one is going to rescue you but you. No one is going to make me exercise or eat healthy but me.

In life, people come along all the time, telling us what we should or shouldn’t do, or to be, or not to be. They are unexpected “teachers” who show us by their example, be it good or not so good. It is up to US to decide if the lesson is learned. Our body is our business and it’s up to us to make the choices that help rather than hurt our bodies, our hearts, our minds and our souls.

Especially now.

Some say “Your best teacher is your last mistake.”

I prefer this one…

“When the student is ready the teacher appears.”

Who are your teachers? Have they appeared? And what are they telling you?

For more great insights and epiphanies sign up for Susan Foxley’s next virtual workshop! We would love to see you.