Second Chances

It's human nature to be hard on ourselves. This can be beneficial: self-reflection pushes
us to become better versions of ourselves. However, too much self-criticism
chips away at our self-esteem and hinders our ability to look beyond our flaws.
The truth is, we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses, but it takes
practice and dedication to balance our internal criticism with praise. We must
chose not to let recognition of our flaws and mistakes hinder the pursuit of
our goals.

While these lessons are applicable to many aspects of life, I feel that they are especially
pertinent to the discussion of weight. It is too easy to beat ourselves up
about our current weight, or an instance in the past where we have regained
some weight. But in fact, almost everyone has struggled with weight loss or a
similar hurdle at one time or another. We cannot let our frustrations dictate
our future. As individuals, we owe it to ourselves to approach each day with a
clean slate. We must "forgive” ourselves our past slip-ups and concentrate on
what we can control: the now. In truth,
the only time in life that we have any control over is the present. We can't
change the past, and as much as we plan, we have limited sway over the future.
Instead, we should focus our attention and energy on maximizing the now. In
terms of weight loss, this may be as simple as concentrating on one good
decision at a time – and celebrating that decision! Take time to plan one meal
where you feel you have really followed the plan. And then one more, and two
more, and so on.

We must also allow ourselves a clean slate. When we keep a mental list of our mistakes, they
pile up on us. Instead, when you are feeling down, I challenge you to think of
three things that your really like about yourself. Count them out on your
fingers. Why are you proud of them? What do they say about you? Remember that
no one is perfect. I promise you that even the most "put-together” person you
know, struggles with battles of their own.

This discussion is especially pertinent now that Easter has passed. The Easter bunny brings
chocolate, and with that, challenge! This week, we must make a conscious
decision to accept past slip-ups (Easter-related or not), and concentrate only
on "the now”.

So, instead of fixating on our flaws, we need to remind ourselves of our strengths, things we
do well and successes of which we should be proud. They are what make us
individuals. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "What lies behind us and what lies
before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” and I believe he
was right. So for this week, focus on the good, take life one step at a time
and most importantly: know that you can and will do it!

Good luck,

Dr. Doug