Thursday, September 15, 2011

In with the good, out with the bad

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, or maybe it's because I'm getting smarter. Either way, whatever I am doing right now, seems to be working.
In the past, whenever I would think about DIETING and EXERCISING, I would immediately get pissed off and bitter and stubborn and overall immature. The problem was, that my approach was all wrong. I would lay in bed and envision myself doing all these wonderful things. I would eat fruits and veggies and lean meat and whole grains all day and just be in a perfect state of mind, no problem. I would exercise everyday with a huge smile on my face and just watch the inches melt away. So...I would fall asleep with images of myself totally motivated and driven with complete control of the situation. Then...I would wake up...
For some reason, I would expect myself to change everything from day one. And, not only that, I am in the mindset that it will be easy and I will love every minute of it. But, once I get my reality check, and realize how absurd that is, I give up. It's too hard, and I don't like pushing myself.
I have always labeled myself as an Unrealistic Optimist. And being married to Mike, who is a Realistic Pessimist, it works out great. We balance each other out. But, when it comes to setting goals for myself or anything, for that matter, I am always disappointed. Sure, I have a "go-getter" attitude, but I don't always think things through. I underestimate the difficulty and the time needed to do whatever it may be. So...I am working on being a Realistic Optimist.
I love fast food, I love junk food and I love soda. I don't love exercise, I don't love vegetables and I don't love cooking at home. So, instead of being an Unrealistic Optimist and eliminating all the things I love and doing all the things I don't love 100%. I am allowing myself to be lenient and patient.
The idea of incorporating good habits to weed out the bad habits, is genious. I have been exercising most days and by doing this one good habit, I have lessened several bad habits. I am eating less fast food and less junk food and drinking less soda and I am cooking home more. I still don't like vegetables though, but I'm working on that! :) It's amazing how the body reacts to certain things.
My attitude has also been better because I am not so hard on myself. One thing I know for sure is, that I am more willing to work hard for someone that is encouraging than I am for someone who is always negative.
I still don't have a scale and I am fine with that. Because sometimes the numbers are discouraging and right now I am enjoying the feelings I have with the changes I've made. Don't get me wrong, I still want to see the pounds go down, but right now I am ok with not knowing.
Don't worry!!  I'm not being too lenient on myself. I still want to get rid of this weight within this lifetime! But, I recognize that I am also quick to throw my hands up and I don't want that either. So, it's like walking on eggshells with myself. POOR MIKE! Now, I know how he feels. Sooner or later, I'll grow up.  :) In the meantime, Hakuna Matata... 

2 comments:

The Bennett Family said...

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog! I have a lot of the same feelings and unrealistic expectations of myself. I do love veggies though! I find steaming veggies lets them keep a good flavor. Then add a little salt and pepper and you are good to go. When we eat out I try and get a salad then I will steal a few of the boys fries! That way I don't fill my pie hole with all that fat, but I am not depriving myself of the salty, fatty goodness. Lol!

Michele said...

I love you Billy!!! Your post is like having you right beside me. :) I'm the unrealistic optimist... so we could really make the world a better place!! On that note I'm very realistic that you are on the right path to making life changes that you will be happy with.( and your family too). I love to be able to visualize you joy!!! Keep it up!