Sunday

Day 1 - I used to be that way

I started a new book last night called "100 Days of Weight Loss" by Linda Spangle. It's not a "diet" book, but a book about changing what's going on in your head. You choose your own plan of eating. Each day there are mental exercises that get you thinking about your relationship with food. Today's exercise is designed to get you past those defeatest negative voices in our heads. "I haven't done it yet, so why do I think I can do it now?" This is stinkin' thinkin'. I smoked for 30 years, yet I quit, so not doing something in the past is not a valid reason for not doing it now.
We are to make a list of defeatest behaviors and give them a new ending. Write them as if they are true and they soon will be. Here are some of mine. I will probably add to them as the day goes on and I continue to think about this exercise.
I used to _________________________________, but now I _____________________________.

1. I used to binge eat when I felt helpless, but now I find something that needs straightening and I straighten it. (drawers, closets, etc. - all of these are within my control)

2. I used to turn a slip up into a full-flown binge, but now I forgive myself and just get back on track.

3. I used to snack while at the computer, but now I keep a bottle of water there instead.

4. I used to use food to procrastinate doing tasks I don't like, but now I set the timer for 15 minutes and just get the task started. (I found that getting started was the part I really hated.)

5. I used to punish myself for failures, but now I find reasons to reward myself.

6. I used to be my own worst enemy, but now I am learning to be my own best friend.

The book instructs me to think about these things often during the day. When a negative thought creeps in, it is to immediately be replaced by:

"I used to be that way, but now I'm different."

3 comments:

  1. It sounds like a very potent tool in the weight loss journey ! Enjoy the process.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi, I have followed your blog for awhile now. I am just here to remind you that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as a survivor, I am just going to all the blogs that I read to remind you to do your self breast exams. Have a great blessed day and DONT FORGET TO CHECK YOUR BREAST! Visit my blog for a Breast Cancer giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you, Pink!! That is a very important reminder.
    Hugs,
    Mary

    ReplyDelete