5 Strategies for success at a healthier me...

"Have a positive attitude."  How many times have we heard that one?  While our emotions can not cause some of physical issues I have, they no doubt affect my symptoms. How can I maintain good thoughts when my body feels lousy?  This challenge, of course, does not pertain exclusively to physical issues, but to any time when things do not go as I wish. So how do I find strength to climb back on the health and fitness regimen? I am listing 5 strategies, ideas, or thoughts for maintaining a positive attitude:

1. Expect Bumps! As much as I don't want to admit this, I am at this point right now. I have seen bumps and now I am frustrated with my response to what seems to be yet another failure.  The point is, I need to allow my 'shoulda, woulda, coulda' mentality not sabatoge my over all efforts to be healthy.
2. Track Changes.  Keeping track of my numbers helps to remind me that I am still going down on the weight.  It tells the 'bigger picture' story. Although I hate the process of tracking everything that goes into my mouth or the points value of the foods, it surely teaches me that I do not always tell myself the truth about how much I am eating or if what I am eating is the best choice of foods.
3. Distractions are a must! We all need to keep lists handy of the things that make us happy.  Evidence shows that people who are in physical pain can become engrossed in a beautiful movie, talking to a good friend, or even listening to music - while the pain receptors in our brain are being tricked into leaving us alone for the moment. Why does this happen, because physiologically our brains can process only so much input at a time.  So I have refreshed my list!
4. Shape Perspective.  Is the glass half empty or half full? Am I a loser at weight watching or am I getting it done through persistence. This thought process can be most destructive if given free will to reign on our parade day in and day out.  Be willing to fight through the tough times instead of letting them define you. Don't forget the good stuff. By focusing on the positives in our lives we can be more aware of how many blessings are there and the motivation to be healthy is ever present. I will call someone the next time I am struggling through a decision that seems impossible.
5. Create a new self.  If we hang on to our old self and the attitudes and perspectives that have placed us in this situation, it will be increasingly difficult to be successful. This does not mean we should totally discard our previous conception of self; rather, we need to find a way to integrate the two. In other words, we should seek to find in our new bodies new ways to enjoy and experience the things that we had done before.  Consider all the aspects of yourself that you like, and the things that you most want to do; then step by step, find ways to achieve as many of these as you can.  At the same time, recognize that our expectations must shift so that we can once again meet them. Believe that I can be exactly what I want to become!