4/30 Something to think about...

[Billie]

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I think about about the people who have come to the board over the years, I recall so much growth with them. I am going to pick on Randy here :) for an example. Look at the way he has adapted HIMSELF to the program and not the other way around. Gosh I recall your early days Randy, struggling with desserts, not even thinking about exercising, not really into lots of different veggies, but you have adapted yourself to the program. The task of losing or maintaing or whatever may not be any easier than it was 2 years ago, but your ability to perform has greatly changed.

The task may not be any easier for anyone but successful people have found ways to make the task easier, more convenient, more satisfying. Persistance does pay off.

So if you are a new person on the program it does get easier because we enhance our performance by adapting, by doing things outside our newbie comfort level, by making our health a number 1 priority.

Wherever you are on the continuum---persistance is a great tool to keep and bring with you!

Have a great Sunday! It's cold, rainy and windy in Central Illinois, flowers will have to wait until another day!

[Shadow]

Great thoughts and quote for the day, Billie!

So if you are a new person on the program it does get easier because we enhance our performance by adapting, by doing things outside our newbie comfort level, by making our health a number 1 priority.
What perfectly inspiring words for all of our new members! Shoot - good words and advice for all of us :D!

[Mitra]

So true, Billie. Persistance really is the key. I know it took me many new starts to get to a point where I was really exercising regularly, but over time it really did start to feel easier to get myself onto the mat and do it. Of course, knowing that Shadow would be after me if I didn't have something to report was a big factor, too :D (Thank you, Shadow.)

[Shadow]

Of course, knowing that Shadow would be after me if I didn't have something to report was a big factor, too :D (Thank you, Shadow.)
The pleasure was all mine, Mitra :p!

[Ottawa]

To kind Billie.:o

"Gosh I recall your early days Randy, struggling with desserts, not even thinking about exercising, not really into lots of different veggies, but you have adapted yourself to the program. The task of losing or maintaing or whatever may not be any easier than it was 2 years ago, but your ability to perform has greatly changed. "

I think the change came for me when I saw that it actually worked after a few weeks on program, traded off with the various maladies that accompy mortality/time.

We were short Young Men this morning in passing the Sacrament, so I assisted and someone I know well had to use one hand to assist the other hand in taking a piece of bread. He is not older than I, nor is he as overwieght as I was but I notice these things more and more within my friends and aquaintances. Sure, they will hopefully heal over but it is just so much easier to eat this way, get some exercise in and "live in a younger body".

We entertain almost every weekend and it is always LC/PP with the exception of one of my sons who always brings a bit of bread or mashed potaoes, since he "needs" :confused:, some carbs even though overweight. Last night was my grandson and his mom (Lisa) as well as a new couple we had never met but they had called earlier to remind us that it was Lisa's birthday. We invited them for the surprize and they were amazed at meal of 10-12 ECC. They are also amazed that we know the nutritional levels of what we eat.

I still find it amazing, and will likely always be a Hedonist at heart. I still miss the "mouth feel" of bread and potatoes but that can almost be replaced every now and then with some of the LC biscuits and Faux-tatoes.:rolleyes:

I find to that to keep it challenging or exciting you have to change things around, just like you do with exercise. Lisa is a vegetarian and I have been practicing with Extra Firm Tofu to work around some of the meals. It has almost no soy taste and can be sliced and worked in a frying pan. Last night we had it spiced, along with salmon, with a Thai Curry Sauce and it had the texture of meat with a nice curry bite.

I still have small twinges when I see fresh pastries or donuts but the few times I have "celebrated" they have not quite lived up to their memories and I am always aware of their cost.

[SherryJ]

Ha! Randy! Told ya "you rocked"! :D I, too, am SO proud of YOU, and the example you have set. Way to go, my friend...

Sherry

[gitfiddle]

Randy, you DO rock!

Billie, I can see that quote in action in several physical areas in my life, but I never thought about applying it to PP. Persistance. Follow through. It gives me a new perspective. Even when I slip, I don't go back to the beginning. :)

[Missy]

Persistance, Preserverance, Determination...are all stronger, longer lasting words then, say, willpower. Those are the words that you learn to depend on when willpower up and leaves you.

I'm a newbie...but not "new" to wishing for better health....just a newbie to knowing HOW.

I'm old enough to know better now, yet young enough to do something about it.

A week and a 1/2 ago, I couldn't "do" 2 mins on the elipical, but as of Friday, I've persisted, preservered, and was determined...and I'm up to 9 mins!:D Last time I was on it, I reminded myself of how it felt at the 2 min mark and how NOW I seem to breeze past it.

[Billie]

Missy there you go, persistance is working just fine! I am proud of you!

[Missy]

Thank You!:D Goin for 10 today!