The Things We Miss

Monday Health & Wellness

I think a lot about missed cues.

During the workweek, I listen closely—to young people finding their footing and to elders who’ve lived long, layered lives. I hear what they say, but I also pay attention to what’s underneath it. Often, I wonder if there’s more to the story than what’s being shared out loud.

I think about signs I missed in my own past. Things I brushed off. Things I told myself were “normal” or “just part of life.” I’m far more in tune with my health and wellness now than I’ve ever been, and that awareness came from learning the hard way—by paying attention.

What I’ve come to understand is this: many serious health issues don’t arrive loudly.

They arrive quietly.

High blood pressure is often called the silent killer for a reason.

Mental health struggles can hide behind smiles, productivity, or exhaustion.

Poor sleep, balance changes, gut issues, oral health concerns, or persistent fatigue are easy to dismiss—especially when we chalk them up to aging or stress.

Too often, the small things get minimized.

And sometimes that leads to delayed care for very real conditions—heart disease, diabetes, kidney issues, depression, neurological changes.

I don’t believe in living in fear.

But I do believe in paying attention.

Mood changes matter.

Sleep matters.

Balance matters.

Feeling “off” matters.

Our bodies give us information every day. The question is whether we slow down enough to listen.

These days, I listen differently—to others, and to myself.

Because missed cues don’t mean failure.

They mean we didn’t know yet.

And knowing now?

That’s power.

What’s one small sign your body gives you that you no longer ignore?