Uncovering the real issue
A couple years ago I did something crazy in an attempt to deal with the turbulence that I was experiencing…I got a tattoo. I thought long and hard about where to put it and what it should be. I wanted something to represent a new phase in my life…I chose this butterfly with a woman (me) inside to represent coming out of my cocoon and being Tiff, with no hang ups and full of joy like God intended me to be. I knew that somehow out of all the stress and confusion, I would emerge a better person for it.
Although the turbulence has lifted for the most part, l am still struggling with a 20 year old issues, mainly my weight. This has recently weighed me down and has become a form of constant frustration for me. So…I decided to tackle it before I hit the big 40. Fit by 40!
All the fitness gurus say the number one step in the fight is to get your thinking straight…develop your “why”. This morning I had the opportunity to speak with Freda Mooncotch and Annika Schahn on Freda’s Fireside chats. They speak and coach on Principle Based Psychology and Mental Well Being. I love this topic because I am convinced that our thoughts really control our reality. Not a new concept, the Bible talks about taking captive every thought and being transformed by the renewing of your mind.
The conversation was extremely helpful in connecting some dots!
The realization is that my weight is a symptom of a deeper thought. As I spoke with Freda and Annika some obvious issues surfaced in my mind. I want to be Fit by 40 in order to enjoy life…doesn’t everyone want that? But the fact that I have no clue what to do with my life keeps me in a constant state of agitation. This effects my weight in a couple different ways…
1. I eat to “self medicate” and to quiet my thoughts. I am guilty of the late night binge just so I can go to sleep.
2. I don’t exercise because I feel the need to work towards being productive. Somehow taking the time to exercise is not productive and therefore not enjoyable.
Turns out excercise could have given me time for clarity…I should have listened when I got the slight urge to take a walk. It could have been the very activity that would allow me to slow down my thoughts enough to have some realizations about my life. So, this morning I took a long walk with my husband. I am blessed with an extremely supportive and patient husband! I’m already having some insights!!!!
I am excited about this journey. I’ve heard it described as peeling back the onion. I don’t have to deal with this issue by doing something radical like getting a tattoo or commit to some fad diet (which is an outward - in approach). I can work from the inside out. I will continue to quiet myself down and uncover the underlying thought that is making me agitated. And I believe I will emerge with less hang ups and full of joy!
good for you tiff, i know you can do anything you set your mond too.