Commitment

I've been thinking a lot about commitment lately. I'm reading the boards and mailing lists that I take part in and I see the same thing from people over and over again.

I just got back from vacation. I didn't stay on program, and I gained weight. I don't feel bad about it at all because I had a great time.

At the same time, many of these people talk about commiting to the program...about making this a lifestyle change.

Actions speak louder than words. Are you making a lifestyle change, or not? Are you committed, or not? You can't have it both ways. You have to decide that you're committed to a lifelong healthy lifestyle...or not.

That doesn't mean that you can't have an occassional splurge. That doesn't mean you have to drink carrot juice and eat wheat grass sandwiches and pretend to love them while your friends enjoy ice cream on a summer day. But it does mean you learn how to do this within your program.

If you're truly committed to good health, you live a healthy life every day. How do you take a day off from a lifestyle change? Do you do that with other commitments? Do you say "Honey, I love you...'til death do us part, except on vacation. Then it's a free for all...is that good with you?"

Do you tell your kids, "Mama loves you and will protect you every day of the week except Sunday. Sunday is my day off and you're on your own. Quit yer whinin' junior. You're three. Buck up and be a man!"

Do you commit to a new job with the admonition that you'll be happy to accept the job, but the boss must understand that two hours a day during work hours, you're taking time off to contemplate your facial moles?

Of course not!

So why would you break your committment to yourself? Why would you shortchange the most valuable, important person in your life?

Oh I hear you...you're sputtering like a missing motor. "But Tory! It's vacation! I want to have FUN! I want to be able to eat what I want!"

I remember eating what I want. Yeah, it was lots of fun. I especially enjoyed the bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and the size 22 shorts. I looked smashing in those shorts with my tree trunk legs woggling out of the bottom, my back fat peeking out seductively from under my tank top. Those were the days, my friend! Those were the days! When I go on vacation I want NOTHING more than to relive the wonderful sensation of getting ready for a day at the beach by struggling into a swim suit, then covering up the suit it took me literal days to buy, with a sexy pair of size 24 shorts with leg holes that you could sail a schooner through, and a big XXL shirt. What was the point of the swimsuit in the first place?

You know how I had fun on my vacation this year? I went to the beach and wore a swimsuit sans sailing vessel shorts. I ate frozen yogurt while holding hands with my honey on a park bench on a hot summer day. I wore short shorts and posed for lots of pictures and, if I do say so myself, looked damn good. I indulged in the summer's offering of wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables. I rode every ride at Disneyland and California Adventure two or three times, never having to squeeze into the seat because I was too big and I am no longer too heavy for ANY rides in the parks! I swung my leg over the back of a horse and rode for an hour, something I haven't done since I was a child because I always felt I was too fat to ride. I indulged on some old favorites by splitting them with my husband, journaling every point, and filling out the meal with healthy salads and grilled vegetables. I walked EVERYWHERE we went (within reason, obviously) and never tired. I never tired.

Let me repeat that...I never tired. I used to be so worn out by the end of the day that I was practically sleep walking and my feet would hurt so bad that I'd be miserable the next day and the rest of the vacation. Not this time, it was wonderful! Even last year, when I was only about 30 pounds overweight, I tired out much faster.

But I digress.

I challenge you, gentle reader, (hee hee, I always wanted to write that) to truly commit to better health. I challenge you to go on vacation and stay on program as best you can. I promise not to flog you if you have an off day, but I might have to get the belt if I hear you took the entire vacation off to have fun!