Sympathizing

I saw a video clip today of Kirstie Alley and I could totally sympathize with her. You see, she's put back on a lot of the weight that she'd lost on Jenny Craig and she's doing an interview with Oprah (to be aired on Thursday I think) and in it she apologizes for all the people that she's let down.

First and foremost, I'm certain she feels she's let herself down.

That is why I harp so much on things like I do. Only improve yourself because YOU want to. The pressure you put on yourself is too much otherwise. And I don't support one program over another because I'm not sure you learn all that you need to about yourself when someone else is dictating what and when you eat.

I'm very proud of myself. Make no mistake. And I'm tickled to death that other people look at me and see something they can do also. But I'm glad for them, not because they want to be like me, but because they want to better themselves and see it as an attainable goal. The whole "if she can do it I can do it" thing.

I've said before that I fully, though incorrectly, thought I could do this and no one would notice. But now that losing 50 pounds is out there, I can see how Kirstie feels she let people down by gaining it back. I'm constantly watching myself and hoping I don't mess this up. Not because anyone else is putting pressure on me, but because I am counting on me. And I'm glad that I can be a positive role model and an example of what can be done if you apply yourself.

But you can see how easily you could slip back into old habits. Roll over in bed a few mornings instead of getting up to exercise. Tell yourself that one little piece of cake won't matter. Have just a little more pasta for dinner.

In her case, a new spokesperson came along. And I've said that Valerie Bertinelli looks fantastic - even though you'll not catch me in a bikini. I'm sure that lead to some of Kirstie's backsliding - she wasn't the one being watched all the time, wasn't the one with an exciting new goal. She'd met her goal and just needed to maintain it. I'm sure that was hard to deal with and the emotions got the better of her.

So I go back to my original statements:
Improve yourself for yourself. If no one is watching, so much the better.
Use your brain. It is the most important weapon you have in the battle for better health. You can think your way through situations instead of making emotional decisions.
Accept and love yourself. Better health is a constant effort that takes time. You have to love yourself at all stages. That doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to what you are - you can be better. But acknowledge that you are a work in process and some phases of construction go more quickly than others.
Follow what works for you. I will probably never run a marathon. But I can walk to work just about every day. I may never play anyone in tennis other than my family. But I can give that match my best effort every time. I'll never, ever be a vegetarian - vegetables are not my thing. But I can watch what I do eat and how much.
Educate yourself. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Surround yourself - with support and knowledge and all the things you need to be a success.

Now, go have a great day!