Getting Back in the Game

There's only one thing that is more difficult than making a decision to change your life... that is doing it. For weeks now... okay... months, ahm, I mean years now I've been starting a new diet or a new exercise program or a new diet and exercise program. I've joined fitness clubs, I've done Curves, I've done Weight Watchers (x2 or 3), I've tried the South Beach Diet, I've tried counting calories, I've tried pills, and I've tried hybrids of all of the above. I get so far and then for some reason I peter out. I can't seem to keep it going.

Truth be told, it's the voice inside my head that talks me out of it. "It's just one night. You don't have to go for a walk tonight, you've worked so hard today. You're already exhausted. Just sit. You can even have a second helping, and desert. You deserve a treat after your long day. You can start on the plan again tomorrow."

What I want to know, is who invited that voice into my head? I don't remember saying, "Oh sure, come on in!" Someone reminded me of the Lost Boys movie the other day. And I started to think about the part when the vampire told the kid that a vampire can not come into a house unless he is invited. The kid proceeded to tell him that he wasn't invited tonight and stabbed the vampire through the heart with a wooden stake. I know this is kind of a drastic comparison... but I'm pretty sure it's time that I uninvited that voice in my head and vanquish it forever.

It's not just about getting rid of the voice forever, but filling that void, that space with positive. This is where the exercise and the healthy eating choices come in. Once I've done them. I feel better. Telling myself, "Good job!" I need to stop rewarding myself with physical things (desert or a night on the couch) and start looking at my reward as my Atta Boy that I will feel when I look at the scale and I'm 2 more pounds lighter, or when I try on my pants and they fall to the ground.

I need to stop looking for excuses not to do it. And remind myself of the reasons I should. Invite others to do it with me. And even when they turn me down. Go anyway.

Take it one day at a time. And Forgive myself when I slip.

It's time I get back in the game.