This week’s blog is going to be a bit different from my usual posts.
I just returned from vacation, and it dawned on me that my backpack (Cliff) will turn 30 this December.
Cliff was a Christmas gift to me my sophomore year in high school.
This backpack roamed the halls of West High School with me daily.
He went on to 4 years of college at FSU and is now used for every single trip I’ve ever taken or will take until he ceases to exist.
Funny story about the backpacks name….
Years ago, one of my boys was walking behind me at the airport and proceeded to have the following conversation with me.
Son: Mom, who’s Cliff?
Me: Confused, I turned around and said I don’t think I know any Cliff’s. Why?
Son: The backpack you always use says C.L.F. Cliff. What does that mean?
Me: (Laughing….finally catching on)
C stands for Christine.
L for my middle name.
And F for my maiden name. You know like Memaw and Papa’s last name. That’s the name I was born with. It changed when I married daddy and took his last name.
Son: Oh, that backpack is old! 😆
From that day forward I have referred to my backpack as Cliff.
On my most recent trip I looked down at Cliff nestled under the seat in front of me and recalled the story of how his name came about. It brought a smile to my face and made me realize that my backpack is now almost 3 decades old. In this time, he has taught me a few lessons.
Lesson #1: Recognize the Value
Cliff still functions like new and has been a constant in my life since I was 16.
In my younger years, I didn’t always take good care of Cliff. I overstuffed him, toss him around with little thought, and most of the time didn’t think about him much at all. He was just there, and I called upon him when I needed him.
It got me thinking that this is a great metaphor for health, wellness, and the power of consistency.
In your younger years you don’t give much thought to your body. You are born with it, and it gets the job done so what’s to think about. Then as you age, you realize your body (and 30-year-old backpacks) are precious and this is where the lessons begin.
Lesson #1 is recognizing the value of things and understanding that to maintain optimal condition you need to improve how you care for the important things in your life whether that be your body or your 3-decade old backpack.
Lesson #2: Stay Consistent
Surprisingly, my faithful companion doesn’t come in the form of a gym buddy who is always there to keep me consistent and hold me accountable. Instead, he is a humble backpack that has been by my side since 1994 ready for anything I throw at it (or in it).
Cliff is always there for me when I need him. I know right where he is, and anytime I’m getting ready for a trip he is one of the first things I grab to start packing. It’s just a part of my normal travel routine. It’s easy, consistent, and has become second nature. However, as he gets up there in age, I am realizing I need to be more consistent with taking better care of him.
In the realm of health and wellness, consistency is often THE key ingredient for success.
Whether it’s maintaining healthy eating habits, sticking to a workout routine, or nurturing mental well-being, having a reliable support system and routine in place can make all the difference.
The things we consistently do day in, and day out begin to show. Will your daily habits show in positive or negative ways? It’s never too late to start fresh!
Lesson #3: Be Prepared and Ready to Adapt
Much like embarking on a wellness journey, traveling requires preparation, resilience, and adaptability.
Despite being subjected to various climates, terrains, and adventures, Cliff has never faltered. His sturdy construction has allowed me to weather all types of situations, much like the resilience and adaptability required to navigate life’s challenges. Just as I’ve adapted my health routines to fit different environments and circumstances, my backpack has risen to the demands each journey has placed on it.
In essence, my backpack is more than just a practical accessory—it’s a metaphor for my journey to health and wellness through each stage of life.
Final Thoughts:
I’ll leave you with this thought.
Imagine if you begin something today and made it a constant in your life for the next 30 years.
What might that look like?
Better yet, ask a trusted companion to join you in your efforts. What will the 2 of you look and feel like in 30 years’ time if you eat right, exercise, rest when you need to and consistently do whatever it takes to take care of yourself from this day forward?
Simple in concept? Yes!
Easy to implement? Not really or we’d all be doing it with ease.
I know I have a tendency to let life get busy and complicated at times.
I’m willing to bet you do too!
So, I challenge this community to get back to basics.
Slow down.
Evaluate your current situation.
Make observations and recognize the value of your health.
Then decide what you want your future to look like.
If it’s not what your current life looks like, that just means you have some work to do.
Do the work!
Stay consistent, be prepared, and learn to adapt to changing circumstances.
YOU are worth it!
I don’t know about you but over the next 30 years I’d like to be a healthy, strong, confident woman who travels with her husband, is an active Grammy to my grandkids through all stages of their life, and someone who doesn’t rely on a bunch of medication to live a vibrant, active life.
If you have similar desires, let me be your guide!
How to Work With Me:
Ready to work with me? Sign up for coaching here.
Not sure yet? Sign up for a free week on my app which includes a free consultation in the form of a video call and begin (or maintain) your health journey today!
Want to get to know me a little better? Read the welcome page of this blog or sign up for my newsletter to get the inside scoop about what is going on in my life and the Small Daily Habits Community.
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
PS: @llbean, your backpacks stand the test of time! Thank you for providing me with 30 years and counting worth of memories with Cliff!
