Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Finding Support

Someone Is Always There for You

Stressful situations and trying times
are some of the realities of life.

When you experience them,
you may think they’ll never leave.

But even the most difficult times come and go,
and the strength you need to meet the situation
will be there for you in the helping hand
of a friend,in the compassion of a loved one
who cares,and in the listening ear of someone who knows
what you’re going through.

All you have to do is look up and reach out,
and someone will be there to share your troubles.

~ Linda E. Knight

Sometimes we think we are alone in this world and have to face our challenges all by ourselves. I learned people are there for you and feel honored when you reach out to them.

Terri, name changed, has health problems and her doctor advice was to lose 50 pounds. When she called me she was in despair and did not know what to do. Her first step was to start living in the moment and not think about how she would lose the weight in two weeks.

Together we devised a simple plan she felt comfortable putting into action. Following are the steps Terri implemented:

• Scheduled a family meeting and told everyone she wanted to lose weight and needed their help. They agreed to help and also wanted to follow her weight management plan.
• Cleaned out the kitchen cabinets and got rid of all the junk food. Everyone pitched in and made the job easier.
• Planned healthy meals with her family.
• Walked with her husband after dinner every evening.
• Rewarded herself everyday if she ate healthy and exercised. Terri’s reward was to take a long hot bath before going to bed.

Following this simple plan Terri started losing weight and within a year she was able to lose the 50 pounds and her health started improving. Not only did Terri lose weight her husband and children also lost their extra pounds.

Reaching out for help enabled Terri to receive the support and love she needed to achieve her goal. Not only was she supported her husband and children also received support and love as they were working together.

Now is your turn. Who can you ask today to support you? Remember all you have to do is reach out, and someone will be there to support you.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's an inspiring story, Helen. I am lucky that I have learned to receive the support of my partner - it wasn't always the case.

Cheers - Robin

Helen Burton said...

Hi Robin:

I agree sometimes it is a hard lesson to learn and when we do it makes life so much easier. Helen

Anonymous said...

Wow..This really goes to show that we really need other people to live a full, healthy life.

I'm very fortunate that I have a very supportive family as well. I decided to give up meat during the week and my wife and kids have been great. They've encouraged me, often acting as my watch dogs. And my wife has literally changed he cooking habits to accomodate my new eating life style.

Helen Burton said...

Hi Chris:

How beautiful to have such a loving and supportive family. Helen