"Getting support from others involves give and take" The book talked about how we need to willing to talk with others about our goals, and to share stories of our progress that are not related to the scale. Discuss ways youre succeeding such as not going to mcdonalds, exercising regularly, etc. It also says to take compliments and don't downplay when people compliment you on your accomplishments.
I really like the fact that I have Meghan as my buddy in this whole thing. We talk everyday about weight loss, and what we're doing. Now that everyone is trying to live a healthier life, we're all bringing our food in and eating together. It not only is good for us healthwise, but it's great as far as team building. Meghan has some excellent insight (as she's been dieting for waaaaaaay longer that I have) and she's been really helpful, encouraging, and eye opening. It's been great having her and I really like having our team take time to eat together. It's kind of special :)
On a second note, I keep weighing myself compulsively every day, and getting discouraged because the number is going down at the rate I'd like it. I know you're supposed to weigh yourself at the same time once a week, but I want to see that I'm progressing every day....which I need to learn that I am. For almost two weeks I have gotten up every day and exercised, blogged, and eaten healthier. That's a HUGE shift in my life and is progress. I think starting out with a 7-8 lb loss might have ruined me for the 1-3 lb losses that I know are in my future. But I'm not going to let it. I'm going to be realistic about my weight loss and not let small bumps in the road completely derail me, cause me to stop, and make me want to drive into oncoming traffic :)
"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, bird, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:5-8
Holy moly. I've read this verse before but for some reason I never realized how...descriptive this verse is concerning the tongue. I think this is another lesson that's God's been wanting to teach me. I've been having a lot of thoughts about "words of affirmation" and encouraging people and saying positive things. I was thinking that it is one of my love languages, but as I've thought of it more, I realized that touch and time are my dominant ones...so why are "words of affirmation" flying up and becoming so relevant now.
I think it's because of what I told SMART girls this past Tuesday...people very rarely sing the praises of others, complement, or say positive things about others. We point out faults. We make fun. Or we say nothing at all. But complements and words of encouragement are few and far between. I've been encouraging them to say one nice thing about someone every day (we did an exercise where the girls had a paper on their back and people had to write a compliment or what makes them a good friend. They LOVED it). I think God may be trying to develop and "tame" my tongue. I definitely can be one of those people who rarely compliments and is somewhat negative with me words. I think that he's working on that...especially reminding me that words bring life AND death. Very powerful. I think it's going to be very instrumental in my new job where I'm working in a 'supervisory' role with staff and dealing with children in program. Having a tame tongue. I like the ending to this chapter:
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." vs.16-18
I want and need that wisdom.
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