It’s About Time…and Change!
Posted: December 20, 2005
Well, it’s that time of year again—can you believe a whole year has already slipped away? Where has the time gone, anyway? Now it’s time to reflect on 2005, and start setting goals for 2006. What have you done with the year? What do you have to show for it? Another few pounds?
As I move into my mid 40’s, it seems like time is moving so much faster. My oldest granddaughter’s five now—it seems like I was just rocking her to sleep as a baby. Now she’s helping my wife bake Chocolate Chip Cookies (not great for my diet, but oh so good…) and I just walked in and caught them sewing the other day!
Like it or not, time marches on, and if we look the other way, we might miss it! I’ve been learning to take time out for the moment, while the kids and grandkids are still around. Once the moment’s gone, it’s lost forever—unless you happen to catch it with one of those cool new digital camera’s (my wife and daughter have mountains of pictures). Even then, it’s bittersweet. You’d like to be there again, but the memory has to suffice.
There are other things that pass you by, too. Time is a cruel taskmaster. It seems like the people that struggle the most with their weight, just can’t seem to make time for exercise. They’re too busy; they’ve too much to do. They can’t change their eating habits either—they don’t like cottage cheese, don’t eat salads, and just won’t eat fruits. And besides, it’s only a couple pops a day. And they should quit smoking, but now isn’t the right time. Each of these are things I’ve heard from people in the last month!
Some things we’ll do without question. If you have to make a bank deposit, you’ll do it. If you have to pick up your kids after the game, you’ll do it. If the doctor says you’re developing diabetes, and if you don’t lose some weight, you’ll need insulin shots, you’ll start exercising, right? Not always.
I’ve talked to plenty of people with onset heart disease and diabetes, that STILL don’t eat right and exercise. Why do we always put our body last? Look at it this way. If you don’t start taking care of yourself, you might not be there for your family. Or worse, they’ll have to take care of you! Is that what you want?
As 2005 draws to a close, here are some suggestions for 2006. Drink more water; Eat more fruits and vegetables; Eat more fish and chicken, and a little less beef and pork; Eat only one starch per meal, and eat much less junk food; start exercising 3-5 days a week—it only takes 45 minutes to make real changes! Over the next few weeks and months, I’ll give you some ideas on how to get your bodies in balance. It’s not that hard, you just have to… do it. Make a decision. 2006 could be a great year for you!