LALA: Oh Universe, its been a month now since I’ve been focused on my personal reinvention, and by reinvention I mean weight loss. I’m happy to say that by cutting out alcohol and coffee, eating a pure ayurvedic diet, drinking 16 cups of water, yoga, and walking 10,000 steps a day, I have lost 14 pounds. I’m thankful for such great progress in such a short time, but now I’m stuck. What gives?
UNIVERSE: “Reinvention requires many changes on a global, whole-body scale. What this means is that in order to effect change in one area, you need focus your efforts on all areas of your life.”
LALA: I am! I mean, I’m trying to… Well, on most days I’m able to do all of the things I mentioned, while subsisting on 1/2 the calories I normally eat, and floating up to my eyeballs in water. But jeeez, I have a social life ya know, I don’t really want to change that!
UNIVERSE: “Whatever is included in your quest for change, will determine what you focus your efforts on, but no matter what you’re trying to change, your behavior, your appearance, your habits – this will require modifying certain aspects of the big three – mind, body and spirit.”
LALA: Well duh. But those of us not imbued with all knowing, all encompassing power sometimes have to go out to dinner with people who for one reason or another force us to not only eat, but drink. And by drink I mean dirty vodka martinis. Sometimes it’s because well, you know, girls just wanna have fun… and sometimes it’s because we are forced into conversations with people who’s sole purpose is to test us… and dammit, I’m already taking a math class this semester – I would rather drink than take another test – ya know? I deserve it.
UNIVERSE: “Respect for yourself should also be a key element of your efforts. When you acknowledge that you are deserving of compassion, consideration, and dignity, you are naturally more apt to succeed – to go the extra mile in all you do to facilitate your own personal evolution.”
LALA: Yeah, like Aretha said R.E.S.P.E.C.T… Wait. Seriously?!? Go the extra mile? I’ve worked my way up on the treadmill from barely surviving 3/4 of a mile to 2+ miles; plus I walk that much practically every day…. wait, OH, you meant metaphorically going the extra mile…
UNIVERSE: “But remember, with change comes frustration. To ease this frustration, we can take small steps, and accept that change won’t happen overnight—we may not even recognize the transformations that are taking place that we can’t even see.”
LALA: Transformations you can’t see? Ya damn betcha that’s frustrating. Like when you spend all the available Christmas money on a new hot water heater and furnace repair. The house and showers are comfortable, but it’s not something you can show off, like a new car, or coat, or mani-pedi. I think I’m starting to understand you now. But, back to my original question… I’m stuck Universe, do you have any encouragement for me?
UNIVERSE: “While you may never feel you have reached your ultimate goal, you can make the most of this creative process of transformation, becoming a better person is your choice and is a natural progression in your journey of self-awareness.”
LALA: So this is your way of encouraging me? Great, I may never reach my goal weight, but I should just enjoy the journey and be happy for the little invisible changes that may or may not be happening. I think I need a couple of dirty vodka martinis….
