Veterans Day: Focus on Good Health and Well-Being

On Veterans Day 2024, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with dedication and sacrifice. These heroes have displayed unwavering courage and resilience, often facing immense challenges during and after their service. As we celebrate their service, it is also a fitting time to reflect on the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health for veterans and each of us.

Zig Ziglar once said, “You cannot consistently perform in a manner that is inconsistent with the way you see yourself.” Veterans who have served their country with strength and perseverance deserve to see themselves as worthy of care and well-being. The same principle applies to our health: we must value ourselves to take the necessary steps toward healing and thriving.

Physical Health: Caring for the Temple

The Bible reminds us of the importance of caring for our bodies, which are given to us as vessels of service and worship. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV), the Word says, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Just as veterans take pride in their service, we should take pride in caring for our bodies, recognizing that good physical health equips us to serve God, our families, and our communities.

Physical health is vital to every aspect of life, and veterans often face unique physical challenges due to the rigors of military service. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest are essential for sustaining strength and vitality. Zig Ziglar emphasized the importance of physical health by saying, “You don’t have to be sick to get better.” This simple truth reminds us that maintaining good health is a continuous process, not just something we address in times of illness.

Mental Health: A Journey of Strength and Support

Veterans are often familiar with the battles that go beyond the battlefield—the internal battles of mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Mental health is important to overall well-being and should never be overlooked or stigmatized. The Bible offers encouragement in Isaiah 26:3 (KJV), which says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” This peace of mind is found in trusting God, staying grounded in His promises, and seeking support when needed.

Zig Ziglar also recognized the power of mental resilience, noting that “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” Maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on mental health can make all the difference in overcoming challenges. For veterans and all of us, seeking professional help, engaging in community, and staying connected with God’s Word are essential practices for mental well-being. Life coaching can also offer valuable guidance in fostering a positive mindset and building strategies for mental resilience.

Spiritual Health: Anchoring Yourself in God

The foundation of true physical, mental, and emotional health is found in spiritual well-being. Veterans who have faced adversity know the importance of having an anchor, a source of hope and strength that remains steadfast. For Christians, that anchor is Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” A healthy spiritual life gives us purpose, peace, and the wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, whether they arise from military service or daily living.

Zig Ziglar’s life and teachings were grounded in faith, and he often spoke about the connection between success and spiritual health. He said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” This statement reflects the essence of Christian service and the call to live in alignment with God’s purpose. Spiritual health equips us to care for ourselves and serve others with compassion and strength.

Honoring Veterans by Honoring Health

This Veterans Day, as we honor the service of our military heroes, let us also commit to honoring our health. Whether we are veterans or civilians, the principles of good health—physical, mental, and spiritual—are crucial to living a life of purpose and fulfillment. Just as veterans demonstrated discipline, commitment, and courage in their service, we can adopt these qualities as we take steps to improve our well-being.

Life coaching can be valuable in helping veterans and others identify their health goals and take practical steps to achieve them. As Zig Ziglar said, “Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.” Let us strive to maximize our potential by caring for our health and trusting God to guide us along the way.

Veterans Day: Focus on Good Health and Well-Being