“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Life is a series of changes, and it is human nature to crave structure. We like our routines. We like waking up at the same time every morning, having a stable place to lay our heads at night and having a set schedule we can follow. If you were to wake up one day and your routine was flopped around you would likely be a bit upset—demanding reason as you try to mentally adjust to the sudden change.
The problem is that life is full of these sudden changes and disruptions. As you create goals to lose weight, you’ll have to accept even more of these changes into your life.
Accepting When Change is on its Way
The first step to accepting change is acknowledging that it is going to come. You don’t need to know the changes that are ahead to acknowledge something will come. Change is part of life, and so with every step you take forward you are climbing one step closer to further change.
When changes occur in your life, remember to:
- Breathe.
- Find perspective by talking with friends and loved ones.
- Process your thoughts completely. Journaling is often a good way to do this.
- Acknowledge what you can and cannot control and release the tension that comes with trying to control everything.
- Finally, give it a try. Sometimes change is only scary until you try it out.
You might feel content with your current workout routine. You have a good gym membership, a nice water bottle, a new pair of running shoes; you might even keep a gym bag in your backseat for when the urge to exercise arises. But how long has it been since you were at the gym? And for all of those healthy food blogs you follow, how often do you find yourself sitting at home with a bag of French Fries dreaming about spending more time cooking dinner—maybe tomorrow…
As you embark on your medical weight loss program, poor habits will be called into question, as will many other aspects of your life. Things like your TV time, your daily errands and your bedtime might be subject to change so that you have more time to engage in the healthy habits you are adopting.
These are positive changes. These are the types of changes that will help you develop a healthier lifestyle and reach your weight and wellness goals. But that does not mean these changes come without stress. Try using strategies like those above to cope with changes as they develop in your life. Remember that change is part of growth and do your best to embrace it as a sign of progress.