As I sit in my office, watching the birds and black squirrel eat from the birdfeeders; it reminds me of how I use to eat compulsively. It is amazing how after eight years of eating healthy and using quantity control it still bothers me watching others eat. I can never forget the fact my disease is doing push-ups in a corner and waiting for the right moment to act out with a vengeance.
I was thinking about this situation and realized I could continue being obsessed with the fact that watching the birds made me feel uncomfortable or look at the situation in a different way. I could watch the birds and appreciate their beautiful colors and acknowledge how lucky I am to have so many different types of birds in my backyard.
As far as the squirrel, named Oscar, watching him gave me motivation and confidence to pursue my dreams. Oscar is very persistent and never gives up until he manages to eat from every birdfeeder until they are empty. He appears early in the morning and gorges himself until he is full. Then he runs around, chasing the birds and disappears until evening. Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with life I think of Oscar, how nothing stops him from finding food and always plays after he eats. I have been working hard this week inputting information into a database and at the end of the day felt exhausted. I got into bed one night and thought there had to be an easier way. I started thinking about Oscar and how persistent he was and always took time to have fun. Made a decision, I would be like Oscar, to continue pursing my dream and also take a mini-vacation every day at 3:00pm.
A mini-vacation is taking at least 10 minutes for myself to do whatever made me happy. By taking the time for myself eliminates stress and is a great motivator. Everyday at 3:00pm for at least 10 minutes I either took a walk, read a book or called a friend. It is amazing how much better I felt and had renewed energy.
What mini-vacation for at least 10 minutes would you like to take everyday? Please let me know.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Helen,
Oscar seems like he has the right idea!
I was reflecting on what you said about watching the birds eat and how it bothers you to watch others eat. I think you should be commended for being able to stay in control over something that you are so concious of on a daily basis. I have trouble staying in control of other things, such as staying organized (I'm so badly unorganized that it affects almost every area of my life). I would love for you to share what you did in order to gain that kind of control over your life.
Have a great day!
Hi Lisa:
Thank you so very much for your kind words. My eating disorder has been a big struggle for me my whole life.
The only way I keep my eating disease at bay is to plan each day what I am going to eat and tell myself constantly, "One bite of anything not on my plan will open the flood gates." This philosophy has helped me eat healthy and exercise daily. I also work with a coach on living my best life.
Many of my clients are either tired of struggling with food or the clutter in their lives. We work together to create a plan that works for them, eliminate the fears that are holding them back, while taking small steps to reach their goals.
Remember you are fabulous just the way you are and with small steps you can accomplish anything you want.
Helen,
I enjoyed your reflection on Oscar and the birds.
I do live a very blessed life and I feel like most of my day is a mini vacation. With that being said, I do take a break from my work around 10:30 and 4:30 each day. I usually go outside and take a 10 minute walk and get some fresh air. On the weekends I always make time for fun and relaxation. I believe rejuvination is huge. You may have noticed, I usually don't even touch the computer on the weekends.
Love your post today, thanks!
Hi Mark:
What a gift you are giving yourself by taking time for you.
Helen
Helen,
Now that is dicipline! God bless you, your mind must be very, very strong...what a gift. My issues are control and guilt. I don't want a regimented daily plan, because that means that something's controlling me, and if I can't complete what I was supposed to because of the activity in my life (anything can happen with two kids, two stepkids, two dogs, two exes...you get the idea), then I beat myself up and feel guilty. Yet I believe that a daily plan is the only thing that will "save" me from my unorganization! It's a vicious cycle!
Anyway...I really, really admire you! You are amazingly strong. Have a great day today!
Hi Lisa:
Thank you so very much for the compliment.
It is so understandable that you can't live a life that is regimented. Niether can I.
With the food I have no choice because I don't ever want to live a life where the food is alway controlling me. I hated myself daily because I could not stop eating. In order to live a vibrant life, NOTHING comes in the way of my food plan.
There are other areas in my life which I am struggling with. One of them is believing that I don’t have to fix everything and everyone. This is a daily struggle for me and with support from friends and husband my ideas are changing. One of the tools I use is working with a coach.
I am an Empowerment Coach and support my clients in creating a vibrant lifestyle. If you are interested in a complimentary coaching session please let me know.
What little area today can you organize in 10 minutes?
Wow! Helen, you are getting to be downright famous. Nice blog, and nicer articles.
Mike Johnsen
Post a Comment