Weight Loss Programs & Weight Loss Support

Staying Connected to the Weight Management Center - September 3, 2009

How to climb a mountain

“Make no mistake. This will be an exercise in staying vertical.
Yes, there will be a view, later, a wide swath of open sky, but in the meantime: tree and stone. If you’re lucky, a hawk will coast overhead, scanning the forest floor. If you’re lucky, a set of wildflowers will keep you cheerful. Mostly, though, a steady sweat, your heart fluttering indelicately, a solid ache perforating your calves. This is called work, what you will come to know, eventually and simply, as movement, as all the evidence you need to make your way. Forget where you were. That story is no longer true.
Level your gaze to the trail you’re on, and even the dark won’t stop you.”

- by Maya Stein

A patient sent me this poem today. It came as a post script on an email she sent me, and I almost missed it. After reading it a few times, I decided it was the perfect frame for what is happening in my life right now. Truth is I’ve been rushing from one activity to the next this week and all I can make out are trees and stones. I can’t see the vibrant blue sky or even much of the path in front of me, let alone the wildflowers. I’m worn a bit thin by the demands of the first week of school and trying to create a new routine, dragging along a couple of resistant teenage boys.

I don’t feel alone in this struggle as I have gotten many emails from patients recently stating that they want to get to a Living IT class now that the kids are back in school. Some have complained that they have lost their commitment to their exercise program after an indulgent summer vacation, while others tell me they have lost control completely and want direction. We’re all here, somehow, struggling with the same stuff. Apparently, no matter how long we are on this path, it continues to be “an exercise in staying vertical.” Meaning, it all requires effort, “a steady sweat, your heart fluttering indelicately, a solid ache perforating your calves.” Otherwise, we’re flat lining or worse, heading in the opposite direction.

Yes, it is true, “This is called work, what you will come to know, eventually and simply as movement, as all the evidence you need to make your way.” That’s inspiring to me. The fact that if I’m feeling the pain, if I’m connecting with what isn’t working, and looking for ways to make it work, then I know I’m on the right path. I’m moving. Not towards a finish line, or a place where I don’t have to think about eating right, exercising or getting the support I need. No. I’m making progress by making space in my life for these things every day despite the stones, the trees, the kid’s schedule, work demands or the weather.

Each day I get to choose. I have the option to forget the past, “That story is no longer true.” If I accept that all is not lost even if I went off plan yesterday. I can choose to try again tomorrow to move in the direction of my goals. I can “level my gaze to the trail,” keep moving and then “even the dark” will not stop me from finding a way to live the healthiest, most satisfying life possible. Nor will I ever let anything prevent wildflowers from keeping me cheerful.

We hope to see you in class soon!
 

Stefanie C. Barthmare, M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor
Weight Management Center
The Methodist Hospital
6501 Fannin, NB1-001
Houston, TX 77030
713-441-4944
Email: sbarthmare@tmhs.org