Thank You Headache

Yesterday I had the beginnings of a headache since the afternoon. Usually I can sleep them off if they're small. So when night came, I went to bed hoping it would just go away. It didn't. I woke up around 1 am with a strong pulsing ache in one of my temples. I took some medicine, received a priesthood blessing and a massage, and by 2:00 it had subsided (and I was able to take care of my little baby for another hour who had gone to bed at 5:30 yesterday evening...the joys of motherhood). The headache seemed unbearable at the time, and made me think about how fragile our health can be. One minute I can conquer the world, and the next all I can do is hold my head in my hands, rock back and forth, and breathe deeply.
I'm thankful for that headache last night because now I have so much more motivation to take care of my body better. Stand and sit up straight. Take the stairs. More walks. Walking faster makes me sweat more. Crunchy Nuggets instead of Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch. Eat a banana with those Crunchy Nuggets. Little round grapes can replace little round m&m's. Gummy vitamins taste like candy. Use cream cheese dip to get all the goodness of that apple off the table and into my mouth. Throw in spinach to the lasagna. Eat a little more dinner instead of dessert. Grainiac is delicious and healthier than the last bread I bought...

Anyway, I will be trying to make small changes that will hopefully help me to have a long, healthy, and happy life. I'm thankful for the reminder that my headache gave me to take good care of our bodies, which are gifts from our Creator. What trial are you thankful for?

Click here for some wise words about how to take good care of your body.