Because I want to know about the tipping point. That moment when suddenly the status quo is intolerable and change is inevitable. Lots of people try and get started on a lifestyle change before that, and that's ok - it's part of the process. Often those false starts are motivated by anger (I can't stand being this way for another minute!) or fear (the doctor says I'm going to die unless I fix my lifestyle!) or feelings of hopelessness (I can't do this on my own...please, please do it for me!) and although I NEVER think those attempts are wasted, they usually don't stick. Still, they are opportunities to educate, to support, and to build a relationship (and the relationship is something that does usually stick) so that that person has the tools at hand when the tipping point happens.
And incidentally? People who are doing the false-start thang, and there are LOTS of them, are the ones that assholes like Dr. Oz prey on. People who are looking for a quick fix, who are overwhelmed by the enormity of what has to happen in order to feel good again. Well, boys and girls, you know what the closest thing to magic is?
That tipping point. That's the moment when the pain goes away. When all the frustration, guilt, resentment, fear, anger, shame, and all the other nasty feels melt away and all that's left is ACTION.
Wanna hear something cool? My tipping point happened the other day in the parking lot of the Bonton bakery. Right there, when those pricks threw a wrench into my plan - to go into a complete tailspin - by not being open on Sundays. When I had to stop and let the quiet little voice of reason whisper, "pssst: this isn't you. You don't really even LIKE white floury sugary stuff. What are you doing here?"
What was I doing there indeed? The answer to that question is of course, it doesn't matter. I was there and it was time to change direction. I had my doubts, as you were all witness to...but after that moment there was no point in feeling bad about it any more. It was go time.
What's also cool is that lots of you wrote in to tell me that you were in the same place (mentally - not physically or we'd still be stuck in a traffic jam in that tiny little parking lot) and offered up your support and accountability. Seems to me as though we can all use this to our advantage. Are you in? Drop me a line!
It's GIDDY UP time.
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