From Turbulence to Better Health: How A Flight Helped Me Put My Life and Health inTO Perspective

Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s 2020. It seems like just yesterday everyone was worried about Y2K. I can’t believe that was 20 years ago!

My plan was to write a simple blog about 2020 and setting goals for the new year and decade.  However, after a recent flight, my blog idea totally changed. 

A few days ago, I was on a red-eye flight from San Francisco to Cincinnati.  I was enjoying a game of Candy Crush when it started. TURBULENCE. Looking at the aviation map at the time, it looks like it occurred around Kansas (Okay, Wizard of Oz, this Dorothy wants to go home!) Anyway, I’ve been through turbulence before, but it was quick and not too worrisome.  This time, it was stronger and lasted about an hour. It was the longest hour of my life. Every once in a while the pilot would announce “Flight attendants take your seats,” and “flight attendants, please check in.” Although he said it in a calm voice, I knew it was serious. I’m sure if I asked the pilot to rate the turbulence, he might categorize it as a 5 or 6.  To me, it was a 10+! My daughter, who was sleeping, would wake up every once in a while and look at me with fear in her eyes. I had the same fear, but I tried my hardest not to show it. I held onto her pretty tightly. Little did she know, she was comforting me too. When the turbulence was at its strongest, I started to pray. I pray daily, and have a strong faith, so it wasn’t a surprise I was praying. However, this prayer was different.  I’m not sure if you have ever prayed the “Lord, if you get me out of this, I will _______” prayer. This was my first time. I’ve never been one to pray this prayer because I don’t want to make promises I cannot keep. A few years ago, I stopped making New Year’s resolutions for this very reason. During the turbulence, there was a point where I wasn’t sure I would make it. Besides the “ I promise to..” prayer, I also got comfort in the “Well if it is your will, at least I am with my family.” prayer. 

Anyway, you may be asking, what did I promise God when I was thinking my life might actually end?  Over the past year, with the help of my life coach Kerry Tepedino, I have been working on my emotional, spiritual and financial health. Physical health has been sporadic, but getting better. I started running, eating healthy and drinking less. So on the plane, I promised if I lived that I would definitely speed things up healthwise. I know what to do and how to do it. I just have to do it. In fact, I GET TO take better care of myself because I love myself. Self-Love is the best love, right?  I do believe I was put on this earth for a reason. I believe I am not just here to take care of others. I am here to take care of myself. The better I take care of myself, the longer I will live. I’m ready to be a healthy mom, wife, entrepreneur, therapist, sister, daughter and friend. Like they tell us every flight, put on your oxygen mask first before helping others. 

So, in a few hours I will get back on a plane and head home. You may ask “Are you worried Mpho?”  Nope, not a bit. I have a faith I will be just fine. I realize the importance of living a healthy life. I appreciate an airplane and turbulence for giving me a new perspective on life and my health. 

Looking back at 2019, what helped you put your life perspective? Let me know!! 

Many Blessings in 2020!!

Mpho

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