Instructions: This is a letter from you to yourself. Please put your name on the lines; reflect on and address the things you are saying to yourself.

Dear_______________________:

You deserve all good possibilities and one of those is health. Much of the story of your health was determined at birth; you inherited it and it could not be changed. Nor can the fact that you may have passed it on. You can only do your best to be aware of and then deal with that fact the best way you know how and with what is available.

________________________, some of your health story was influenced by the world around you – the environment, including the air you breathe, the water you drink, the struggles with which you have coped. Make yourself aware of the major factors over which you do have control and which will be most important for your quality of life, your health and your longevity. Forgive yourself for any ways that you may now realize could have been changed to healthier ways to live your life. Let go of any judgment against yourself and know that you did your best at the time.

Shift your focus now,_______________________, to a commitment to your own personal health plan. Decide how you will spend your resources – your time, your energy, your love, your intelligence, your ability to see and understand your life. Make goals and adhere to your values. Know that you are in control of yourself – your feelings, your responses, your actions in the face of your health crisis. Know how you will deal with diet, exercise, relationships. Make a point of knowing how to identify and deal with both positive and negative stress.

Support yourself, ________________________, in this challenge. Draw on the strength of your beliefs. Deny fear a place in your heart and mind and choose instead to focus on hope.

With love always,

_________________________

(your signature)