Back Up on the Horse You Go

When I was a Weight Watchers leader, I remember talking to many people who’d fallen off their personal wagon because of various life stressors, family issues, unexpected upheavals.  And of course, I always counseled getting back on the horse, as soon as possible, before overeating became one more issue in a long list of issues that would need solving.

You can think you’re solid on local whole foods and mega fruits and vegetables and gallons of water, but life can throw things at you that make you yearn for the simple comfort of a hot (white) roll dripping with butter.   Why are useless carbs and fats so comforting?  I have no idea, but there it is. 

It just happens.  I am there now, trying to deal with issues that have no answers aside from endurance and acceptance.  No wonder garlic breadsticks look so good... they take little effort to digest, the salt and garlic wake up my senses and the bread is like a soft pillow upon which to lay my heart. 

Broccoli isn’t doing it for me right now. 

So I’m enlisting the WW Me to counsel the beleaguered Me.  The WW Me says, “I understand.  You’re overwhelmed.  And weight is one of your least concerns right now.”  Phase I... empathy.

“Are you happy with your body weight right now?  Do your clothes fit comfortably?  Do you have sufficient energy with which to face each day?  Are you sleeping restfully?”  Phase II... reality.

“What do you need to do to be at peace with your body so that you can deal most adroitly with your life at the moment?”  Phase III... brainstorm.

“So you’re saying that if you get exercise every day, drink at least 6 glasses of water and have at least 5 fruits and vegetables every day, you will feel better?  If you make your own physical self a treasured and finely cared-for instrument, then all the other challenges in your life might be best answered?  That the genuine love and nurturing you spend on your very own self is perhaps exactly what you’re looking to the hot roll and butter to provide?

And for today, only today, the next 24 hours, you can exercise, get water and fresh produce and give yourself a dollop of self-appreciation?”  Phase IV... commitment.

Alright then.  Get out there and do it!  Because only you, in the whole world, know what you know, can carry what you carry, and can appreciate the entire cost and effort of your life.  So go be truly, extravagantly good to yourself.  Get back up there! That horse is going to take you where you want to go, even if you can't see it yet.