Second Nature

They say the hardest part about weight loss is the maintenance. They say the hardest part about getting healthy is the first few steps of making a decision to BE healthy. I agree with both these arguments. The problem in both cases is habit. Breaking a habit and reverting back to a habit.

On the breaking a habit point, the thing that hurts the most is self judgement. When taking the first baby steps to a healthy lifestyle, one becomes hyper aware of themselves and the way that people might perceive them. I've been known to tone down a work out or two or eat something I shouldn't because I didn't want to be seen as the girl on a diet. I didn't want that judgement to weigh on my shoulders because I was already judging myself.

Once you meet a goal, the issue moves from judgement to complacency. Lets face it, our most unhealthy habits are the most comfortable. Like slipping into a threadbare t-shirt and sweats. Does it look good? No. Does it feel great? Sure. Because it is easy.

Change is always a struggle. So it is important not to see the journey in terms of failure or success. It shouldn't have a beginning or end. There shouldn't be an accomplishable goal because that is simply setting yourself up for failure. Instead change should be part of a metamorphosis. A new way of life, that you are continually growing and learning about.  You can never admit to yourself that you did a good job, because the result will be complacency. Instead, I am learning that the journey is unending and the further I go the more I will understand and the more I will realize I still don't know. This is the heart of dedication.