Disease Doesn’t Happen Overnight: The Impact of Our Habits on Our Health.
We often underestimate the power of our daily choices and actions. We think short term. We are stuck in our believes!
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that disease happens suddenly, but the truth is disease takes years to develop. Our habits, whether good or bad, all have consequences.
In just one day, however, everything can change. That moment of realization can hit us like a ton of bricks, leaving us wishing we had taken action sooner. This is a message of urgency, a call to create healthy habits now, not wait until it may be too late.
My best friend, my soul friend, waited until it was too late. In December of 2023, he finally took his battle with cancer seriously, but by then, it had spread too far. No pill, no chemo, no radiation, no healthy habits could save him.
We didn’t need to say much to each other. Our unspoken understanding spoke volumes. We were close, sharing laughter, bickering, love, and deep respect for one another. He knew I was always here to help, but he was set in his ways. No exercise, addiction to processed carbohydrates, regular alcohol consumption, and holding onto regrets and traumas shaped his daily life. I had to respect his journey and love him as he was, even though he didn’t want to change. He trusted the oncologists and the medications for years, not because he had any concrete proof, but because we often hold onto beliefs without truly understanding why.
When I traveled to Slovakia to see him, I knew he was nearing the end of his earthly journey. It’s been a few years since his diagnosis. He finally took his battle with cancer seriously, realizing that nothing else has been working. I went to the kitchen and changed all the food, creating a plan for a healthier lifestyle. I knew it was too late, though, when he grabbed my hand and held it tight, letting me know how scared he was of leaving; I’ll admit, I hoped for a miracle, too.
For two weeks, it was a beautiful experience. He started eating again and even felt a little better. But after those two weeks, things took a turn for the worse. He couldn’t eat anymore, and started to feel worse ech day. He had been living with cancer for a few years, enduring a long and painful journey.
In February of 2024, Joseph (Jozef/ Dodko as we called him in Slovakia) passed away. It was simply too late. The opportunity for a different outcome was gone.
I share this story not to dwell on the sadness and loss, but to serve as a wake-up call. We all have been affected by cancer one way or the other! You can not control what others do, no matter how much you love them and want to be there for them. Don’t wait until it’s too late. YOU can take control of your health now. Create habits that nourish and protect your body.
Make your health a priority for yourself and for those who love you.
Are you willing to take control of your health journey today, before it’s too late?
Let’s start building healthier habits together.
Adriana
I miss you, my truly one-of-a-kind friend!
