“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
I’m a “tell me the bad news first,” kind of girl. The truth is, when someone asks me if I want the good news or the bad news first, I don’t even believe there is any, actual good news. I think you’re trying to play the Oreo cookie mind game with me. You know, when someone wants to point out something you’re doing wrong without you getting upset, so they sandwich the news between two flowery compliments? (For example, Cookie: You’re so knowledgeable about the benefits of garlic. Truth: Your breath is about the melt my face off. Cookie: I bet you are so awesome at picking restaurants that season their food with garlic.)
Especially when I’m talking to myself, I feel it’s best to get right to the heart of the matter. Unfortunately, my no-cushion approach usually results in inner monologues with scripts like:
“You failed miserably today.” “How many times are you going to continue eating off-plan before you finally just quit altogether?” “You’re never going to see your goal weight.”
Keto is all about not sugar-coating stuff, right? (Wink, wink) And, I do believe in accountability. But, constantly pointing out my failings, without taking time to celebrate my daily wins and note my overall success, doesn’t provide long-term motivation. It actually chips away at my confidence and undermines my progress. Heck, it can even undermine my maintenance!
I started my weight loss journey at more than 255 pounds. Today, I am less than 150 pounds. But, on days when the scale says 146 when I want it to say 143, I don’t pat myself on the back for losing one hundred pounds. I have lost that perspective. And, that’s not a good thing.
Now that I have stopped carrying that extra 100 pounds, my feet have forgotten the weight of it all. My joints don’t remember the pain. I don’t remember the headaches. I can’t recall the once, ever-present fatigue. Everything used to hurt. Now, nothing hurts. And, for some strange reason, I haven’t been celebrating that lately.
Maybe you’re like me. Perhaps you are halfway or more to your next health goal. And, because it is taking longer than expected or you’ve tripped more than a few times along the way, you haven’t been speaking very kindly to yourself.
That may feel like the natural response, but it’s the opposite of how Paul suggested overcoming obstacles and setbacks in Philippians 4:8. At the time he was writing this letter to the Philippian believers, Paul was in prison. He probably could have accurately described, in great detail, all the sights, sounds and smells of his prison cell. It would have been true, but it wouldn’t have been helpful.
Instead of just focusing on what’s wrong, look for something that’s right. Take time this week to look at old pictures and see your victory. Visit a clothing store and try on a shirt in your pre-Keto size so you can feel your success.
Remember, how far you’ve come. Maybe you and I haven’t reached the finish line, but we’re also not at the starting line.
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