Your Carrot
If you dangle a carrot in front of a horse, you can probably get them to at least move in the direction of the carrot. This concept, when applied in other circumstances outside of the corral, implies trying to persuade someone to do something in hopes of getting a reward.
I have been very interested in helping people create healthy habits for a long time and it's become even more of a mission over the last year. What I know is that it doesn't really matter what I think or suggestions I might make to help someone. What causes people to decide to make some changes is to see something they really want (a reward), that is right in front of them, but they can't get to it until they do something different.
Last spring, I recognized that I had fallen into some patterns that were not serving me. It showed up in many ways, but the one that bothered me the most was a weight gain. Little by little, for the last few years, I'd exercised a bit less and not been as mindful as in the past of how I was eating. I had a ton of excuses. None of them were going to help me get back on track. I had gained almost 40 extra pounds and I needed to make some changes because what I wanted was:
To be able to get dressed easily, no matter where I was going and to have anything in my closet fit. Easing that stress alone was huge.
To feel comfortable moving and exercising. I was able to get around without any difficulty, however something like yoga made me very aware that my body was often getting in the way.
To not question everything I put in my mouth or even considered eating. Food took up too much space in my head and kept me on edge.
To not hide if pictures were being taken. I had always loved the camera and had fun with it since I was a child. Now I was avoiding photo ops.
To return to my old feeling of expansion. I was starting to feel contracted.
To address my rising blood pressure. As a travel nurse, I sometimes have up to two pre-employment physicals in a year. I had always had not only normal, but often low blood pressure. Now, it was rising with every exam.
To just feel better, in general.
Those were some of my carrots.
A year later I've shed nearly 30 pounds. My mind has calmed down. My blood pressure is normal. I'm building up my activity level and getting more fit again. I feel great and more committed than ever to help others get there, too.
What are your carrots? What would you like to change and how would your life look if you succeeded? This is the first step. Spend some time figuring out what you want. Never mind what anyone else says you "should" do. You deserve to be all you can be. Go for the carrot!
I didn't do it alone and you don't have to either. Let's have a chat, cummingsbarbara@gmail.com. It often helps to just talk it out and ultimately you have the final say. Clarity is a wonderful thing -- and so are root vegetables, LOL!
Sparkles and Love,
