As we continue on our journey, take the time to think about what we want to change or accomplish. All too often our determination to do something different goes by the wayside before we make any real progress. In the back of our mind, we may not really believe that we will be able to keep up with the changes. We may begin to doubt ourselves or become too frustrated to continue.
Once I reached this point of frustration, I learned that first I needed to look at what was causing my actions, whether it is eating, needing approval (those were my two pitfalls) or alcohol, drugs, shopping, and the list goes on.
It is also the time to look at how we see ourselves and address these images. Those voices from the past (and sometimes current) that are condemning or detrimental to our self image and self worth often rear their ugly head, driving us to actions we really don’t want to do. We cannot change what we do not address and we cannot address what we do not know. Therefore, it can take some real courage to look at some of the “truths” that seem scary to face.
As we are making changes one choice as at time in our habits regarding eating or other issues we wish to change, letting them build into long-term differences in our lives, we will start to take a look at our emotional well-being and what is “underneath” some of our current habits.
First, let’s look at and rejoice in all our accomplishments, the blessings we have received and the good things that we have experienced throughout the past year or lifetime (choose a time-frame you want to look at). Take some time to list these items. A journal is a great place to start and can be used as a “work in progress”. Shift into an attitude of gratitude and remember to reflect back to the positive, when the failures and disappointments “show up” in your thoughts (which they will and why a list we can refer to and read is invaluable).
Take the Serenity Prayer –“ accept the things I cannot change” – with you when the things 
you wish you had not done or things that happened that brought you grief and discouragement start rearing their ugly heads, conjuring up memories that bring stress and “drive” you to make bad choices and returning to unwanted habits. Let them go – seeing them in your mind’s eye sailing off in the clouds, thrown into a swift moving river and heading quickly downstream or find something that you can relate to and send those items away. One of my friends sends things off in hot air balloons (in her mind’s eye).
Then return to the good and positive with gratitude – your list of accomplishments and the “good” things / blessings in your life. Listing them as – “I am grateful for ______________.” “ I thank you, God, for ___________.”
Then begin with where you are and where you want to go. Take time to jot down these lists and begin to move in the direction you want to go. Make a “dream” list of what you would like your life to look like. Begin with affirmations to move in the direction that you would like to go. We have addressed this “part” of the whole picture that really makes a difference in the long run. “I no longer choose to overeat”. “I now make healthy choices throughout my day”. State the thing to yourself that you want to become true in your life and as you continue to do this – you will find that you will “follow these voices” and actually start to make the changes you are affirming for yourself. Calling into place what you would like to do or change.
Another thing to help us as move forward, is to practice seeing yourself in a good and positive way so that you can begin to love yourself and let go of the negative voices. Give yourself affirmations in writing and in “self-talk”. I am a good and loving person. I have a lot to give and how I feel matters. Again state things to yourself that you do “know” deep inside or would like to actually “see” yourself being. Calling those things as though they were – though at the moment they be not. (This comes from the Bible and does bring changes when done consistently.
We can and will find the courage together to move into change that will bring joy with accomplishments – as long as we don’t quit. I know, because this was a major part of my journey to change and continues to keep me where I want to be. If I can do it, then I know you can to. Be gentle on yourself and enjoy the journey.
Blessings.
I Can Do This Lifestyle 