Today's topic I really wanted to post something about support systems. I have said before that you won't make life changes until you are ready. Until every aspect of your life is ready. That includes a strong and steady support system.
If you don't have a strong support system, the people around you can sabotage all efforts to improve your life. All is takes is one negative nelly to ruin your efforts. Especially in the beginning! For me, I am still weak. I have only been at this for 5 months and I am STILL weak! It takes a brief second for me to cram a cookie in my mouth. To have that extra scoop of pasta. To eat that extra slice of bread.
I still have people say "Oh just have one", "If you have a little it won't matter". What they don't realize is that ONE or that LITTLE bit can ruin me! In a brief moment of weakness I can cave and THAT snowballs for the rest of my day! I know not all people realize this, but when I say no.....I mean NO! Stop offering me snacks KNOWING I can't have them. Stop egging me on to eat that one tiny bite when you know I can't do it.
If your support system that surrounds you just can't accept the fact that you are changing your lifestyle and trying to improve your life. You need to sit them down and put it all out there. Tell them that you need their support and encouragement. That when you don't eat a certain thing, or don't have that piece of cake; there is a reason! If they choose to laugh or make light of your decisions....screw them! They are selfish and you don't need to put up with their crap. You also don't have the time!!
You need to surround yourself with people who when you decide to MAKE that change, will support you 100%! When you go to grab that cookie or eat a piece of cake they will have no hesitation speaking up because you asked them to. They will tell you "It's ok. You can do it tomorrow". They will congratulate you when you've done well and they will lift you up when you are feeling down.
I have many support systems. My husband and kids, my parents (hearing them say how proud they are of me makes me want this even more), family, friends (all of my readers and friends who post supportive comments here and on Facebook). I also have my online support system. My My Fitness Pal friends are amazing! When I have a bad day they help me see why and what NOT to do tomorrow. My fellow co-workers for the most part are very understanding. Every once and awhile people offer me food when I am not asking for it. They will learn :)
My one co-worker and I (I feel) have grown closer through our lifestyle changes together. We compare our steps everyday. We look at each others online food journals. She really has been a motivator (she has lost a TON of weight) and such a support system for me! Thanks Eva! You have been wonderful! Thank goodness I love my job so that I never leave. We shall be healthy forever :)
So, thank you to MY support system. You keep me going when I don't feel like I can, and you are always there through the "thick and thin" of my journey. Love to you all and thank you!!!
~ <3 ~
Me
I love MyFitnessPal too! It's great.
ReplyDeleteI have a pretty good support system, but not everyone seems to understand that a slight slip up for is a slippery slope. (That's quite a tongue twister!) But having just one leads me to wanting more, and then I start to lose my grip. I know it's ultimately my responsibility, but having good support buddies makes it easier!