Staying Connected to the Weight Management Center - December 17, 2009
December 17, 2009 – 2:17 pm
The thing about the holidays is that they bring up all kinds of stuff. Sure, there’s a certain amount of excitement, anticipation, and magic. Right? Once a year foods, gatherings with family and friends, gift giving and sparkling lights make this time of year ever so special. And then, there’s the inevitable the reality: moments of disappointment, overwhelm and exhaustion. I’m not sure which part causes us to overindulge more. Is it our happy, “oh, what the heck, it’s the holidays” mentality? Or is it the “I can’t do this anymore, hand over the canolies” (ok, so I’m Italian) attitude that pushes us over the edge?
I’m not sure. What I do know is that I hear the same thing from patients every year. I feel it too. The holidays are hard for a number of reasons. And the reality is most of us want to put off looking at what we need to change during the holidays or any other part the year as long as possible. There’s always Monday. Or next year.
Or we can start now. Today.
Here’s what I know about getting started: nothing changes if nothing changes. I know that in order for something to change permanently we have to keep chipping away at our fears, despite their tenacity. I know that change and growth have to have a permanent home in our hearts in order for us to stay open to the many gifts (I call them opportunities) that life offers us all year long. These are life’s way of saying let go, move forward and try something different. I know we have to nurture the relationships that provide us with the support and encouragement we need to withstand the challenges and inevitable disappointment and overwhelm that surface during the holidays and at many other times in our lives. I know that year round we need sleep to avoid exhaustion.
I know, with complete certainty, that the painful path of continuing to take actions that we know cause harm, causes more harm, not less, despite the delicious taste or warm feeling of such things initially. I know the most amazing excuses, rationalizations and justifications for continuing to engage in behaviors that bring about temporary relief. I have tried many of them myself. I know many people who will agree with me that their reprieve is truly short lived.
So, it is with the deepest sincerity that I ask everyone to ask themselves, “How can I live so that every moment of this holiday season energizes me? How can I align myself right now with what I say I value all year long? How can I live my ideals: feel great, look great, be happy? Ok, so I don’t have a million dollars or have the height and weight of a super model, so what? What can I do to take care of this moment so it will bring forth the future I desire? What parts of this holiday season can remind me of what is most important today and every day?”
This is your one precious life. Start now.
Happy Holidays and love,
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
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