I am great about self-care when it comes to things like meditating, making time for the important people in my life and going to bed early (most of the time anyway). But, maybe like some of you, I sometimes have a hard time doing good things for myself that I feel might stretch my budget. 

About a year ago my knee started bothering me. I went to the doctor and he took x-rays, gave me a shot and signed me up for physical therapy. He told me if things did not improve I may need an MRI and possibly surgery. My knee got better for a while, but then started bothering me again. I suffered for a while because honestly I did not want to pay for the MRI. Also, I did not want the cost AND pain of surgery. One day over coffee I casually told a friend my reasons for putting off an appointment.

She kindly reminded me that nothing is more important in my life than my health—no matter the cost. She told me I deserved to feel better and the cost could be worked out later. What solid advice.

Long story short, I went back to the doctor and only needed a gel prescription. No MRI, no surgery, not even any more physical therapy. While I know things may not have gone so favorably, I was reminded after leaving my physician’s office that nothing is more important than my physical and emotional health. 

Emotional health, like physical health, is essential because it affects every other area of our lives. When I lose my peace, my focus and especially my joy, I lose all quality of life.  Just showing up to the visit made me feel better—knowing I was being cared for. And, of course the treatment helped too.

If you are experiencing stress in your life, making an appointment with a mental health counselor is the first step to rediscovering your emotional health and finding peace and balance in your life. You cannot put a price tag on finding real, sustainable joy and contentment in your life. Most things we spend money on fade away with time, but good therapy is an investment that lasts a lifetime. If you are in need of some excellent self-care please call Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to make an appointment.