Setback?

As I sit in the waiting room of the ER, I can’t help but feel responsible for my friend’s currently broken ankle. She has struggled with weight and I enabled it. We were headed back from the corner gas station with some snacks when she slipped on ice and snapped a bone. If we would have just stayed in, instead of getting snacks, she wouldn’t have had to go through the physical pain of a broken bone or the emotional pain of getting extra people to help her into the ambulance. Perhaps the break wouldn’t have happened if she were lighter. I have been such a bad influence on her. But the only thing either of us can do now is be better. She proved today that she is one of the strongest people I know. I couldn’t be more blessed to have her in my life and I can’t wait to make a difference for both of us. Do you use setbacks as a reason to improve or does it make you pity yourself and become more lazy?

Things can’t be fixed…

…until you figure out what part is broken. It is one thing to know something needs to change, but it something completely different to actually make changes. It is easy to think in an all or nothing sort of way and try overhauling every bad habit one takes part in. However, sustainable change is made through small improvements and better decisions, daily. For instance, I have an addiction to fast food – it is so convenient – I know it is horrible for my body, it makes me depressed, it makes me tired all the time yet it keeps me up at night. Fast food does nothing good for me or my well being – it is just like an abusive relationship that I can’t get away from. Everyday I have the power to make a change for the better. Every time I reach for a Mountain Dew, there is an option for something better.

Quit saying “starting tomorrow” you do not need a new day to make a better decision. Every blink of the eye and drawing of the breath is a new chance to make the right decision. As humans, we will screw up. Just remember, one mistake doesn’t define you and it is not the end-all, be-all sign of failure. Your next opportunity for change will happen soon. Stay strong and believe in yourself!