We are all part of something greater than ourselves. We are born into a family with parents, siblings and relatives. We live alongside a collection of neighbors. We participate in faith communities. We go to places where people who feel the way we do, go as well. When we have problems, we seek the counsel of others to help us along.
On the path to self improvement, we need a like-minded community to cheer us on when we are doing well and to remind us that we can succeed when we are not. We need to hear the voice of reason from those who understand exactly what it feels like. We need the camaraderie and the friendship, the understanding and forgiveness that comes from a shared experience. You don't have to be an extrovert to feel this way. Introverts benefit from power of the group as well.
When it comes to weight loss, we make many of our decisions alone. With 200 choices per day to make about food it grows tiresome. This is why we need the group to keep us going. We need to normalize our experiences and appreciate the fact that everyone trying to make better choices does not automatically make better choices. It takes a lot of practice and a desire to keep moving no matter what happens. It's emotional.
More research is coming out about how important our feelings are when it comes to weight loss. First we think, then we feel, then we do. When we keep our thoughts to ourselves, we believe they are true even if they make no sense. We automatically act on that assumption. However, by sharing experiences and ideas, we can separate fact from fiction and improve behavior.
No single person is an island. It would be too lonely. The next time you feel you need more support or help or advice or just an airing out of your ideas, share them with someone you trust. Get them out in the open and off your back. If you are doing well, kudos. If you are not doing as well as you'd like, then let a friend remind you that you are stronger than you may know.
We never outgrow our need for a pat on the back--a friendly smile from someone who is glad to see us--or a reality check. This helps us keep going, stay focused and on track.
You deserve a great life. You deserve to weigh what you want. You deserve to be happy and healthy. Start right now.
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