4/28: Something to think about...

[Gaelen]

"To know that you have contributed to changing one life is to have succeeded." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This quote always meant to me that I should always bear in mind the effect that I could have and the part I could play in changing a life. It's the kind of motivation statement that is often quoted in manuals designed to train trainers, teachers, volunteer community workers, medical personnel, and everyone whose job involves helping others in some way.

But today, after I wrote the wrap-up for the April challenge (http://www.proteinpower.com/forum/showthread.php?t=534), this quote occurred to me in a different context...what if changing that one life was about succeeding in changing OUR lives? You may not have participated in the April Challenge (or you followed along without posting), but the thoughts about self-esteem, emotional and stress eating, thinking like a winner and building a new positive habit are all about our potential to change one life--our own--and succeed on the most vital level.

What contribution will you make today to changing something in your life for the better?

TGIF, everyone...enjoy the day for what it is--another opportunity to make a difference in your life! ;)

[Mitra]

I like that way of looking at it, Gaelen - that the "one life" we contribute to changing could be our own.

Some days the contribution is not actually doing something different, but doing the same things moves them one step closer to becoming a habit. I suppose you could view it as a small step in the direction of long term change. I've got a cold at the moment, so don't have the energy for novelty, and am falling back on the good habits I've built so far to carry me through.

[Missy]

If I read it in the first text....I think "you all" :D (this board) can feel a sense of accomplishment! Because "you all" and your comments, opinions, advise, enthusiasum, knowledge have successfully changed ME! :D and that is no small task either! lol

In the other text of reading that statement, yep, I'm in charge now of changing me...and in doing so I feel impowered. Impowered because I have new knowledge. I have, with the exchange of information found here on this site, know what I must do and why! I'm rerouting the river, and now I know WHY it's important to go to that effort, because the final effort will be worthwhile.

I'll gladly be an example...just as those are before me being my example.

What an outstanding forum this is! My hats off to all in charge!

[cmcole]

I'm changing myself through continued commitment to healthy eating and exercising.

I'm changing myself by focusing on the positive, rather than the painful habit of berating myself over perceived failures.

I want to be a good role model for my family, rather than having their memories of me as being a cranky, negative person.

[SherryJ]

YES, the "one" can be "me"! In fact, right now, I'm working really hard on THIS one! ;)

Oh, Lynn! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to see your transformation... in process, and completed!

Uh... one HUGE NOTE: It's not those "in charge" who make this forum successful; it's EVERY, SINGLE, INDIVIDUAL, I promise! Yep, YOU!!!, So, thank YOU! :)

I want to be a good role model for my family, rather than having their memories of me as being a cranky, negative person

RIGHT on the money, cm, RIGHT on the money! In fact, just last night, as I was about to tell my boys something, I thought about THAT (the above quote), and took a different approach. Turned out wonderful... not the "blech!" that it could have been...

Let's rock!
Sherry

[gitfiddle]

I want to be a good role model for my family, rather than having their memories of me as being a cranky, negative person.
Me too! Actually I'm okay at home, but here at work I'm the person who lays down the law (Accounting) and yet have everyone's co-operation. It's an art, and I work on it as hard as I do my marriage.

[Missy]

Thank you Sherry, I'm not shy....lol....(case you haven't noticed!:D) ~ so, you'll all be kept WELL informed at my progress. lol

This forum is THE BEST hands down! :D

Except for it could use SOMEMORE "smilie" selection...and more quanity of them allowed per post. But....that's just a minor thing...other then that this place would be PERFECT! lol :D

[SherryJ]

Uh, I DID notice that about you, Lynn... I sense a "kindred spirit" here! ;)

I, too, would like more smilies... we've talked about that... I'll see where we are on it... :)

Sherry

[Shadow]

Pat - What a great way to look at it :D! Thanks for the new look on it!

Lynn (Missy) - You are so sweet :)! But I agree with Sherry - you and all the people here are the reason this board is so great! So rock on, all of you :D!

Janet - Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon!!!