Challenges …

Everyone knows it is important to keep our focus on forward progress with those things we are capable of improving – but how do we remain positive, upbeat, and forward-moving when it comes to personal challenges we encounter that we cannot change? What then?

I do not have an answer. It is something I am exploring and puzzling over on a daily basis.

Maybe writing them out would help – like a list of pros and cons, but with the headers of

“I can do something about this” and

“I cannot do anything about this”

I CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS

I can be mindful of what and how I eat and drink: • Being sure I am consuming healthy, nutritious foods • paying attention to my food as I eat it (Not eating while I’m doing something else) • fully chewing and savoring each bite before swallowing it • hydrating adequately throughout the day.

I can move more: • standing more often than sitting • taking the dog for a walk instead of just letting her out to play in the back yard • creating a place to set up my Pilates equipment so it is always ready to be used instead of having it tucked away all the time, unused • scheduling a time to exercise in a way that I enjoy, every day

I can improve my sleep habits: • Having a good night time routine conducive to relaxation and sleep • going to bed at a reasonable hour • not getting up if I wake up during the night (unless to use the bathroom, obviously) • getting up at a reasonable hour • being active enough during the day to be tired enough to sleep at night • avoiding foods or drinks that will disrupt my sleep routine.

I can be more aware of self-sabotaging thoughts: compassionately exploring the source of those thoughts and demystifying them, thereby taking away their power • choosing not to dwell on thoughts that I know will derail what is in my best interest for my health • re-routing my self-talk toward positivity instead of sabotage.

I CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS (or have done everything I can about it but it will never go away)

Incurable Health Concerns that legitimately challenge my ability to lose weight: Graves Disease (Thyroid) • Lipedema (painful, immovable fat) • Arthritis (painful, no cartilage left) • Prescription Medications required by medical conditions that won’t go away, known to create weight problems (topical steroids, blood pressure meds*, thyroid meds) • Autism (executive function issues, information overload, anxiety, and overwhelm)

*if the weight drops it is possible the need for the blood pressure meds will also go away, so this is sort of both sides

I will explore this whole thing more … I think it’s important to be realistic and acknowledge the struggle and challenges. I don’t think we have to dwell on what we are unable to do.