Across the world, Christians have entered into a period of preparation for Christmas called “Advent.” In
my own faith tradition, Catholicism, we use a wreath to
count down the four weeks. Children often use Advent calendars, which come in
many different formats but typically involve opening a window or door on a
paper scene every dat. Advent is intended as a time for us to get ourselves
spiritually ready to welcome the Christ Child on Christmas, but more often than
not, it becomes just a time of intense busy-ness as we run ourselves ragged
with all the preparations for the holiday, shopping, baking, cleaning, etc. As
we get closer to Christmas, the messages proclaimed at Church become more
hopeful and more urgent that “the time is now!” I’m not an expert in world religions by any
means, but I’m guessing that other faiths have a similar period of spiritual
preparation for their major feasts and celebrations.
I’ve been thinking about Advent and what it means to me
personally and spiritually, but I’ve also been reflecting this week about what
it could mean for us in this group, namely for any of you that have yet to
start a serious journey to wellness (however you define wellness.) I’ve
received dozens and dozens of emails from individuals around the world asking
for my help and telling me that he/she wants to change their life…..but have
yet to start. (But I want to…I’m going
to….I’m determined…..I don’t know how…Please help me…etc. is a familiar theme.).
That is awesome!!!!! That’s the first
step…..recognizing that there are things that could be improved….recognizing
that you may be a bit “out of control” in some areas of your life….recognizing
that there are some not-so-healthy habits that you’d like to change. For those
of us on a journey…recognizing that we may need to recommit ourselves to our
plan after a period of “coasting” through the holidays may be necessary. For me, it’s a daily thing….recommitting…and
asking for God’s help.
Although any day is a good day to make a change, this time
of year really is extremely difficult to do so. More often than not,
individuals wait until the New Year. In the coming weeks, those of us who
celebrate Christmas and New Year’s will be surrounded with temptations to enjoy
the treats of the season. Holiday parties, family celebrations, Christmas
breakfast and dinner, New Year’s, etc.
are all occasions where feasting, dieting, calories, health, etc. often
get put on the back burner and are rarely thought about by most. Those truly
committed, however, never let these occasions become a stumbling block, but
admittedly, it is really difficult to stay on track. Only those with strong
willpower, determination, commitment, and pre-planning typically make it
through this period unscathed. I’m going to be one of them; are you??????
Many people make a commitment to change beginning in the New
Year. Great idea! I think that as a group, we should all make a plan to
start….to start again….or to recommit to our journey come January 1st.
For those already on a plan…NO, this is not your excuse to “take a break” or
“go off-track!” You keep doing what you’re doing!!!! J
I’ll share some of my strategies later in the week for getting through the
parties, etc. But for those that are
“thinking about it”…make a commitment today…. to put serious effort into
changing your life….come January 1st. If you are serious about this…then
NOW….during Advent…is the time of preparation to get ready to change your
life. Use these four weeks to prepare
yourself mentally, spiritually, and physically to completely change your
life…..PERMANENTLY.
One needs to be mentally ready to succeed. This means…in the coming weeks, start
reprogramming your mind from one of “defeat” or “failure” to one of “success.”
Start giving yourself positive reinforcement….start telling yourself… “I am
worth it”, “I’m going to do this”, “I deserve to be happy and healthy”, “I have
what it takes to succeed”, “This time I AM….going to lose this weight/give up
this habit/beat this addiction/go back to church/save money/make it work/go
back to school….”, whatever it is. Get
rid of the negative thinking…the doubts…the remembrances of past failures, etc….
day-by-day during this advent season so that come the first of the year, you’ll
be CONVINCED and MENTALLY CERTAIN that you CAN…and you WILL Change your life
for good this time! Let go of the bitterness, resentment, jealousy, hurt,
unforgiveness, pettiness….essentially all those negative attitudes that are
preventing you from true peace and joy. True, lasting change begins in the mind
and heart; the body will follow.
This is a great time to become spiritually prepared as well.
I’ve stated many times that my journey, my success thus far, only happened and
continues to happen, because of the grace of God. I am completely powerless to
do this alone and it is only by His power and His strength that I am able to
get through each day. Each and every day I have to admit that I cannot do this
alone and ask God for help to stay focused, to stay motivated, and to stick to
the plan. I also ask Him every day to use this miracle for His glory and to
help others. These four weeks of Advent are the perfect time for you to get in
touch with your faith…your God….your higher power, and ask for help so that you
may truly change and become not only a healthier person, but a kinder, more
loving, compassionate, giving person that reflects goodness to all. Make a
commitment now to go back to church…or find a church/temple/mosque…or spend
more time in prayer/meditation/reflection/quiet time (whatever your
preference). Plan now to become aware of God’s presence and blessings around
you. And begin to practice “gratitude”, saying “Thank You” more often than “I
want.”
Physically, there are also preparations that must be made.
If you are dealing with health issues, now is the time to discuss your plans
with your physician. You may need to be “checked out” before you start an
exercise plan. You may have other health concerns….pre-diabetes…low blood sugar,
high blood pressure, etc. that may require special care in planning your
healthy meals. Make the appointment now…get the EKG now…do it in December so
that you don’t have an excuse to put it off in January. You may need to seek medical help for dietary
supplements, vitamins, etc….if you elect to go that route. You may need to
visit a dietician or nutritionist to find out what are healthy choices for
you. Some of you may want to speak to a
medical professional about those “quit smoking” type patches and such. Start
now to research different diet plans or programs to find one that you are
certain will work for you…..one that you will follow FOR THE REST OF YOUR
LIFE….not just for a period of time until you lose the weight. Check out Weight Watchers, T.O.P.S.,
Overeater’s or Alcoholic Anonymous groups, or other popular support groups if
you find you need that weekly accountability and interaction. Make a commitment
to post more to our group or read fitness/health blogs online. Put your plan in
place now so that you are ready to go!
Also, you need to physically prepare your environment for
success. Make a plan that you will get
rid of all those things in the house that will be a temptation to you. Make
sure all the holiday treats are gone (No, don’t eat them all between Christmas
and New year’s! J)
Send home “care-packages” or “leftovers” with your guests. Bring the extra
cookies and goodies to a lonely neighbor or senior citizen. Start buying
healthy foods each week…so that when Jan 1st comes, you’ll have all
you need to succeed. Get rid of the junk food in the coming weeks. Shop for a
new pair of sneakers if you are planning to start walking; purchase a calorie
counting book and start reading it now; clean off the treadmill; pull the exercise
equipment out of the basement or garage when you are getting out or putting
away your holiday decorations. Use these
weeks to get ready….get your equipment ready….make a plan….check out the local
gym or community swimming pool, so that
you will have NO EXCUSES to put it off a few more weeks into the New Year.
I guess in all my rambling, I just simply want you to use
these weeks of advent to not only prepare your hearts and homes for the holiday
festivities, but also to prepare your mind and body to Change Your
Life….beginning today…or January 1st….whatever you decide works best
for you and your life. For those who are
already committed…..ABSOLULTELY NOT is this an excuse to “take a break!” You
keep going…keep on track…keep on keeping on! There is no reason why you can’t
continue to lose weight during December. Certainly, you can at minimum, stay at
the same weight. All of us CAN DO IT……I
BELIEVE IT. You have to believe it too.
After all…they say that “CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR MIRACLES.” Believe that your miracle can…and will happen
to you!
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