Have you recently started eating clean and exercising? How are you feeling? Well? Okay? Not so hot? Are you where you thought you would be at this point? If not, stop and figure out why you are not as far along as you had hoped to be. 

Your health needs to be a daily priority because without your health, nothing else matters. You could win the lottery, but what good would it do you if you drop dead tomorrow? Ask yourself, “what is holding me back?” Unfortunately, many times it’s family or friends sabotaging your success without anyone being aware of it including them.

Many times, our family and friends do not realize what they are doing. They do not know that what they are saying is very hurtful to you or if they do know how hurtful it is, they cannot stop themselves from saying these things anyway. How many times have you heard these comments:

• One piece of cake isn’t going to hurt you.

• Go ahead, just one bite won’t kill you.

• Another diet? How long will this one last?

• Why are you wasting your time trying to lose weight – nothing works for you.

• You lose weight? Ha! That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard this week.

The thing is that people who throw these barely veiled criticisms your way are actually afraid to take the same steps and actions you are taking to get healthier in your life. In essence, you are a threat to them because as you are getting healthier, they feel left behind.

How should you deal with this criticism? It is easier to deal with these barbs when you see them for what they are. It is a defense tactic by the barb thrower to protect themselves for not taking the action you are taking. You do kind of feel sorry for them when you think of it like this, right? Once you understand what is behind these attacks, it is easier to walk away from them and not let them get to you and throw you off track on your progress.

At the end of the day, you and your journey are important and what matters – not these silly comments from others afraid to do what you have the courage to do. Better yet, now that you understand where it is coming from, it has no power over you and it cannot hold you back. Choose to continue moving forward in your fitness adventure or whatever adventure you are working on. The world needs leaders like you to be the best you can be. As Nike’s slogan says – “Just Do It!”

Ready to start your journey to health and wellness? Join us on September 17 for our Balance Body and Soul Project designed to help you balance eating clean with meal prep, exercise, Bible journaling and rest. For more details, please visit CoachBeckySkipper.com and click on the Balance Body and Soul Project.

To your health,

Denise

Denise Sanger is a certified fitness instructor, FXP Hoop instructor and licensed Zumba instructor and co-founder of Family Fitness Outreach Center with Becky Skipper. Their goal is a healthier Suwannee County. Denise may be reached at DeniseSanger.com, 386/292-6105 or denisesanger@gmail.com