Greetings from Austin, TX! I'm here for a chiropractic seminar, and as much as I've enjoyed learning and connecting with others in the field, it's the little unexpected moments that have made this trip so memorable. I wanted to share one of them with you because it reminded me of something important about health-and life.
Austin is famous for its slogan, "Keep Austin Weird." I've seen it on bumper stickers for years but never fully understood it until now. My hotel here is over 30 stories high, overlooking the river, and has the most futuristic elevator system I've ever encountered. You select your floor outside the elevator, and it takes you straight there-no stops, no other passengers. It's efficient but definitely a little…weird.
After the seminar last night, I had a craving for authentic Mexican food. I asked the guy at the front desk-an Austin native who seemed to know every nook and cranny of the city-where to go. He didn't send me to one of the polished, upscale chain restaurants nearby but instead recommended a little hole-in-the-wall spot, mentioning that these guys are the real deal and truly know what they're doing.
Getting there was an adventure in itself. I walked past homeless individuals sleeping in dark corners on the freezing ground, dodging trash cans, and navigating a dimly lit alley reminiscent of something out of a Batman movie. But when I arrived, I immediately knew it was worth the effort-the place was alive with energy.
The line stretched out the door, and the carne asada was cooking on a giant spit, slow-roasting until it was bursting with flavor. The grill was piled high with fresh ingredients, and everything was prepared right in front of my eyes. The sizzle, the aroma-it was an experience as much as it was a meal. And the tacos? Easily some of the best I've ever had.
That little taco spot wasn't just serving food; it was serving authenticity. And isn't that what health is all about, too?
Just because someone gets out of pain or their symptoms go away quickly, it doesn't mean they've achieved true health. Those superficial results might feel good in the moment, but real, lasting health comes from going deeper-fueling yourself with what you truly need and fortifying your health from the inside out.
It's about making healthy choices day after day, getting in the right mental and spiritual mindset, exercising, staying aligned, and addressing the root causes of dysfunction. It's about prioritizing your most important relationships, eating right, staying socially connected, breaking down scar tissue, restoring proper function, and tuning your body so it can operate the way it was designed to. Like that perfectly slow-cooked carne asada, true health takes time, care, and intention.
The quick fixes might look flashy, but they rarely last. Authentic health-the kind that allows you to thrive-requires a commitment to the basics. It's an investment in yourself and your future.
As we enter the new year, take time to be a good steward of the body God has given you so you can have the health and energy to be a blessing to those around you.
Wishing you health, flavor, and maybe even a little adventure,
Dr. Derek "Authentically Yours" Taylor
P.S. If you ever find yourself in Austin, let me know. I'll point you in the direction of some amazing tacos-just be ready to explore a dark alley or two!
