Something Has to Give

Did you reflect on your state of nutrition last week?  Did you take a small step to improve it?  I hope so.  Small steps can turn into big successes!

I ran into an interesting thought this week regarding our small steps, our improvements/changes of behaviors or actions.   The idea is if you choose to add something new or change something old, either way, you have to give something up (either the old behavior being changed or something less important than the new behavior being added).  It’s so hard to “give stuff up,” but when you’re faced with the reality of needing to do so, it helps you prioritize what’s most important and what you want to keep.

For example, I want to spend more time in my day reflecting on a devotion and in prayer.  Surprise, it did not just happen on its own (funny how I almost expected it too).  I realized quickly that something had to move out for more devotion time to move in.  I had to prioritize and be intentional instead of thinking I would just tack it on to my morning or night-time routines.  It’s amazing how few minutes there are in the day when you fill it with work, meals, family time, exercise and entertainment (TV, social media).  One of these things is not like the other (in songJ).  It occurred to me quickly that I easily run into needing to get ready and out the door in the morning or feeling my eyes get so heavy in the evening that I must call it a night (before my additional devotion is complete). Realization = I have to ‘give-up’ some entertainment time to make my devotion (my new behavior) feasible.

In the food world it may be that you need to cut a few calories to promote weight loss, but you are dead set in your routine and food choices.  Surprise!  Something has to give.  You may have to break out of your food comfort zone…maybe have a kick-booty salad instead of a sandwich 3 days/week or start bringing your lunch to work instead of getting the ’too high in calories’ dish from that restaurant where they know your name.

In the exercise world it may be that you want to start incorporating more activity at least 3 days/week, but you can’t seem to leave work at a reasonable hour or you like surfing the web with the extra 15-30 minutes you have at lunch.  Surprise!  Something has to give.  Maybe set an alarm and leave work on time, non-negotiable, 3 days/week to get some exercise or walk for the first 15 minutes at lunch then eat your meal and surf the web with whatever time you have left.  Good health is good for productivity, don’t you know?

"Giving something up" sounds so daunting, but if we do it right, we are really just making room for the things that will truly make us stronger, healthier, and happier.  We just may not see it or feel it until we get there.

8 more daily actions in honor of National Nutrition Month® (had to double up a day, 2 for 1).

March 8 and 9: Get enough sleep tonight and follow a calming routine before bed – dim lights, quiet, etc.
March 10: Have a fruit or vegetable at every meal and snack
March 11: Participate in an exercise that is new/different for you (exercise class at local gym, home video, yoga, swimming, or just dance for 20 minutes to your favorite music)
March 12:  Eat 3 servings of dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese)
March 13:  Intentionally reflect on every blessing in the little moments of your day (smiles, kindness, your family, music, safety, quiet time, the warmth of the sun, etc.).
March 14: Enjoy a small treat…slowly, mindfully, savoring each little bite
March 15: Call someone you have not talked to in a while, but whose relationship you cherish

Have a beautiful week!