I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
One of my favorite Michael Jackson songs…I know it’s not on the hit list for many MJ fans or music snobs, but the message is so spot-on!
Not that I am out to change the world…just my little corner of it:) Truth is, as hard as I try, I can’t change anyone BUT myself. Regardless of my need to control everyone and everything, I can only really control the choices I make. And each healthy (body, mind, soul) choice I make, is another baby step in the right direction.
These little victories need to be recognized and celebrated as such. Not by everyone else, but by me. Each win starts to build on the previous one, and begins to resemble self-appreciation. Which in turn, becomes self-like; eventually leading to self-love. What a concept.
Similarly, when I make good choices, even without pointing them out, others tend to follow. Sometimes it starts with me making the choices for them, but pretty soon, they are making them on their own. Little by little, I’m impacting my world in a positive way!
- Get up 5 minutes earlier to make sure I have enough time to blend 3 Nutribullets each morning (2 for me and 1 for the hubby).
- Replace the enriched white bread and pasta with whole-grain and vegetable-based products.
- Substitute lean ground turkey for red meat in 90% of recipes.
- Buy local and organic whenever possible.
- Acknowledge that coffee, pop, and bottled tea are treats instead of everyday staples.
- Have plenty of fresh fruit on-hand at all times, in convenient and easy-to-find places.
- Walk away from the (seemingly) daily array of goodies on display in our kitchen at work (though the smell of warm, toasted bagels is nearly irresistible!)
- Be conscious of my propensity to react defensively to innocent comments and constructive criticisms and instead, take a deep breath and express my appreciation.
These small changes have resulted in some measurable benefits; personal weight loss and improved health, smarter and more thoughtful snacking and meal decisions by the whole family, eager anticipation for trolling farmer's markets and discovering previously unknown fruits and veggies, and the recruitment of 4 co-workers to the Nutribullet program!
It’s a slow, steady process with lots of ups and downs; and I’m not just referring to a number on a scale or sizes on a tag. It’s emotional. Exhausting. Unrelenting. The temptations are omnipresent; as close by as my shadow itself. Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose. Don’t get me wrong…I understand this struggle is not unique. Whether you are battling body image issues, obesity, depression, disease, or addiction, the road to change and recovery is the same. Recognize. Admit. Believe in yourself. Embrace your strengths. Identify your weaknesses. Make a plan. Celebrate your successes. Forgive your missteps. Start again.
That last one is important...always start again. NEVER give up. NEVER give in. When you fall (which you will), get up. Keep moving forward. Stop only long enough to glance back at how far you’ve come, and set your sights on the next triumph. One step at a time. One day at a time. If necessary, one hour at a time. It’s a one man (or woman) competition: you vs. you. Nobody else.
There is no shame in trying. No shame in taking a step-back, re-evaluating, and changing course. No one is judging your journey...and if they are, don't give them the power to affect your path.
So, put down that bagel. Walk away from the buffet. Quit hiding. Cut the guilt. Stop making excuses. Whatever your battle, put on the armor and fight like hell!
The new you is worth it:)