Why can't life be like it is on the TV or in movies? Why can't I lose weight, be slim and attractive like celebrities? Why does everything feel like such a struggle?
Welcome to the real world!
Much of what we compare ourselves to is not based on reality but rather a distorted presentation or perception of it. When we lose connection with the real world, we also lose perspective regarding what we can expect of ourselves. This ultimately can undermine our efforts and damage our likelihood of success. It's almost like The Matrix:
Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work... when you go to church... when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else you were born into bondage. Into a prison that you cannot taste or see or touch. A prison for your mind.
Only we're often a slave to those messages and images that surround us. But it is the mind which ultimately holds the key as to whether or not we're slaves to that artificial world.
The first question to ask is whether or not there's a readiness to commit to the plan at hand. It's difficult to commit when the behavioral expectations and ultimate goals are out of reach. Part of effective commitment has to do with being realistic about the things we expect of ourselves.
Once the commitment has been made, we can seek out guidance for how to implement the plan. This can include education about the most effective strategies, the healthiest approaches, and the specific needs for each of us as individuals. There are general principles that should apply across the board but sometimes they need to be modified to address the circumstances of one specific person. Included with the guidance and education can be the support of other people.
Celebrities may have entourages of personal chefs, trainers, nutrition experts, and possibly the doctor/plastic surgeon. We "regular folk" need to pull together our own resources - programs available at the gym, workout buddies, support meetings like Weight Watchers. Don't forget the benefit of online forums, magazines, and cookbooks.
While is great if we're able to turn to other people to help us through the process, it's useless unless we're able to rely on ourselves first. Think of all the celebrities who have teams of people doing nothing but trying to protect "the image" of those celebrities. Even with all those resources at hand, these celebrities are often seen getting their noses dirty. They're falling off the wagon, getting into trouble, or creating some kind of drama. I'm not a religious person, but this reminds me of the idea that "God helps those who help themselves." If we're not able to do the work ourselves, it's unrealistic to expect others to do that work for us.
We may have idealistic ideas about how things "should" be in our lives. Personally, I'm happy that I don't live in an artificial world that's scripted and served to me. I want to make the determination as to what's working and what isn't, based on what's relevant for me. I want the range of experiences and emotions that come with real life, not the expressionless face of a Botox world.
The real world isn't perfect, but it's perfect for me.
Celebrities may have entourages of personal chefs, trainers, nutrition experts, and possibly the doctor/plastic surgeon. We "regular folk" need to pull together our own resources - programs available at the gym, workout buddies, support meetings like Weight Watchers. Don't forget the benefit of online forums, magazines, and cookbooks.
While is great if we're able to turn to other people to help us through the process, it's useless unless we're able to rely on ourselves first. Think of all the celebrities who have teams of people doing nothing but trying to protect "the image" of those celebrities. Even with all those resources at hand, these celebrities are often seen getting their noses dirty. They're falling off the wagon, getting into trouble, or creating some kind of drama. I'm not a religious person, but this reminds me of the idea that "God helps those who help themselves." If we're not able to do the work ourselves, it's unrealistic to expect others to do that work for us.
We may have idealistic ideas about how things "should" be in our lives. Personally, I'm happy that I don't live in an artificial world that's scripted and served to me. I want to make the determination as to what's working and what isn't, based on what's relevant for me. I want the range of experiences and emotions that come with real life, not the expressionless face of a Botox world.
The real world isn't perfect, but it's perfect for me.
Food Log
- Meal 1
- 2 egg whites with onion
- 40g oatmeal
- Meal 2
- 3oz chicken
- Green beans
- Meal 3
- Apple
- 1oz almonds
- Light cheese
- Meal 4
- 3oz chicken
- Salad
- 2 tablespoons light salad dressing
- 40g oatmeal
- Generous tablespoon of peanut butter
Exercise: None (planned)
Today's Weigh-In: 149.4
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