The Importance of Listening to Your Body

I wanted to take a moment to share a personal story with you, one that revolves around self-care and truly listening to your body.

It all started back in 2020, during the pandemic. Like many of us, I found myself unable to go to the gym, something I’ve always loved. To fill that gap, my family and I began walking every single day in our neighborhood, Coto. What started as a simple way to stay active quickly became a cherished routine. Walking not only kept me moving, but it also allowed me to connect deeply with my husband and daughters. It was a time for exercise, yes, but also for conversation, reflection, and connection with God—a beautiful blend of physical activity and spiritual meditation.

As time went on, this daily walking became more than just a routine. It was my "me time," my self-care time. I walked almost every day, covering three, four, even five miles at a time. It became a passion, something I looked forward to every day.

But then, about a year ago, something changed. My left foot started to feel sore. At first, it was just a small discomfort, but soon it turned into real pain. My body was trying to tell me something: "Dora, you need to rest, you need to see a doctor." But I ignored it. I kept pushing through the pain, thinking it would just go away. Unfortunately, it didn’t. The pain grew worse, my foot started to swell, and eventually, I could barely walk. Yet, I still didn’t listen.

I’m sharing this story because it taught me a crucial lesson: our bodies talk to us. When you feel a headache, dizziness, or pain in any part of your body, it's your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. It’s telling you to stop, to rest, to take care of yourself.

In my case, I didn’t listen, and it got to the point where I couldn’t walk at all. Even when I stopped walking and switched to the gym, things didn’t improve—they got worse. Finally, I went to the doctor, who diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis. He explained that overdoing any activity, especially without proper footwear, can cause serious harm. With his guidance, I started wearing insoles, changed my shoes, and began physical therapy. Slowly but surely, I started to get better.

The reason I’m sharing this with you is to share how important it is to take good care of yourself and LISTEN to your body. Your body is a temple, a beautiful, God-given blessing. Everything in your body has a purpose, and it’s essential to respect that. If something hurts or doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Rest, seek medical advice, and take care of yourself.

And one more thing—don’t forget the sunblock! It’s easy to overlook, especially on cloudy days, but protecting your skin is just as important as caring for the rest of your body. Neglecting this simple step can lead to severe consequences down the road, so please, make it a part of your routine.

I hope this story encourages you to listen to your body and prioritize your self-care. After all, taking care of yourself is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Here’s to a Vibrant and Healthy body and mind!!