Here we go again. “Again?” I make this New Year’s Resolutions list every year. Heck, almost 10 times a year and I notice that same items keep on showing up over and over: lose weight, establish healthy habits, exercise more, sleep more, be more productive, make more money, spend more time with family and friends, travel, improve self, etc.
Lose weight, be healthy, exercise, etc. Really? What does it mean when it shows up over and over again on my list? Is it lack of self-discipline, lack of will power, or lack of Knowledge? I don’t think so. I have all of three and more. Believe you me, I have so much knowledge about diets and health that I can write the next diet book. I have in fact, designed my own diet which is a combination of some and then some cheating. Hey, that works for me.
I look at my life and I have enough self-discipline and will power. So, why is it still on this list? Perhaps, deep down I don’t really want it, or perhaps, it is not that important to me? But, how could that be? We all know it is good for us. I have at least 35 lbs. And but all means, after 35 lbs. lighter, I would not be skinny! Just to be healthier, not to be near diabetic, or having cholesterol problem (don’t have them yet, thank you.) One part of me wants to buckle up, go on one of those “everyone doing it, lose 30 lbs. in 6 weeks guaranteed” diets, and lose it all and then try to maintain it. The other part says: No, statistics (don’t you love them?) indicate these diets don’t last long, they are not realistic, and you will bounce back. It also says: try to eat in moderation and take baby steps, so it is rewarding and becomes part of you. But, I don’t want baby steps. I even didn’t care that much to walk baby steps with my own kids, although I did so lovingly, I couldn’t wait for them to start walking themselves so I don’t need to be bending on one side and walking all day and smile.
So, the professional analyst in me decided that I don’t believe in losing weight only to look good. I have known myself enough to see when everyone jumps on the wagon, I get off it. I am not so trend thirsty! I do believe however in being healthy because I just don’t want to spend my time being sick. So, what is a woman to do? I will work on my belief system. I will fix the cause and not the symptom. I am a professional over eater. I even eat the food that I don’t like or hungry for, just to make others happy. I eat emotionally too, when sad, bored, and in between. Sometime I eat for no reason at all and just because it is there and I know one thing to do with food; eat.
How am I going to work on my belief system, you ask? I will get to that place in my brain (if I can find it,) that sees me 35 lbs. lighter and happy. Then I will hold on to that feeling. I will practice checking in with that feeling every time I see food, or every time I am prompted to eat. I will ask the question: is eating now in harmony with, or enhancing that feeling? Yes, no, maybe? No matter what the answer, if I want to eat, I will! Notice, the key word is practice! I believe that brings the awareness in forefront of my conscious, rather than sitting there as an item on my list. I will do the same about exercising. In fact, I have already started and it is working. When I am done with exercising and feel great like I am on a top pf the mountain, I will register and anchor that feeling. When I feel lazy about exercising, I practice checking in with that feeling as if I have already finished my exercise. Then I do whatever. Same goes for sleeping more. This one has been an issue since I like staying up late, waking up late, staying in bed and read. I also like waking up early to go for a walk or fresh air. What’s a woman to do?
As I post this today, it is January 11th, and I have lost 4 lbs. by just doing that. Go me!
lose weight, establish healthy habits, exercise more, sleep more, etc. check √
Now, down to the rest … stay tuned.
With love, Sonia
Sonia Shafazand
Life Coach & Mentor to Individuals Who Want a Better, Happier Life NOW, Not Later!
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Disclaimer: I know this text may have lots of grammatical errors. Sorry about that and I try to do better. But! If you can, focus on the message. If you can’t, then read about perfectionism. In fact, I will be writing about that soon. Let’s face it, you don’t have to learn Chinese to go to China and enjoy all it has to offer!