"Be specific in what you want, and use specific words. Empower yourself, and become the person you dream about." ---Author Unknown
I had a woman ask me today, why I have succeeded at losing weight this time over any other time in my life. Then she added, you look and act like a completely different person. Honestly, you will look and act like a completely different person when you lose over 190 pounds. The reason I am succeeding this time, is I recognized the real problem and addressed that. Most people, myself included just use the band-aid approach to weight loss. We go on a diet, only to gain it back as soon as the diet ends. I have learned in my journey, there is an underlying issue that leads to weight gain and retention. Once I discovered my underlying issue, I was accurately able to address it and move forward. Correctly addressing this underlying issue has removed from my behaviors the need to use food as a drug. I no longer reach for food to comfort me or to mask other problems.
Does this mean I have stopped eating bad foods? No, in fact, like all other people I still occasionally eat a bad thing or two. On Friday of last week, I stopped at Burger King and for the first time in six months had a fast food value meal. However, for the first time since I was married, it was the small value meal and I did not upgrade to the larger size. I had this incredible craving for a hamburger and fries and so, I pulled into the drive-through and got a BK Stacker. I ate it slowly and savored it and the craving was gone and over. This is the best part; I worked it off by going hiking that evening. In days of old, when dieting a diversion like this would lead to many more. However, not this time; as I was right back on my routine immediately with craving satisfied. This is wonderful and edifies my belief that if we heal the mind, we heal the body. Healing my mind and addressing the underlying issues, I have healed my body. My body heals more every day and I get stronger every day. It is a remarkable feeling and it leaves me confident, strong, positive, passionate, caring and motivated. It makes me determined to reach my goal and reach it I will.
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." ---Henry David Thoreau
"All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one...characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers." ---Author Unknown
Thanks, Todd, for the great post. I'm so proud of what you have accomplished. Part of me wishes I would have know the OLD you to know even more just how fantastic the NEW/REAL you is.
ReplyDeleteI say that I'm working so hard on my issues, but the reality is that I'm not. I'm stuck, and part of me wants to STAY stuck. How sick is that? I'm tired of the process, and want the quick fix of it just being over with. I don't want to do the work.
I'm traveling the next few days for business - Minneapolis for a press check - and then a few days with my family. After that, I come home for a week of "staycation" here in Washington. Hopefully I will spend some time getting to my "why" and then starting down the path again.
Internet hugs to you, your friend on the journey,
Helen
Helen,
ReplyDeleteHere is brutal honesty of my own journey. The first twelve months were very difficult, then it became easy because it became a way of life. I continued to work on my mind and it helped in keeping me focused. My why kept me working through the difficulties. If you get past those first twelve months... you will be free for life!