Posted 1:36 am Sunday, July 01, 2012
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Fake It Until You Make It
Revolutionary Way to Be Healthy No. 19 states: "Don't yet see yourself as a super-healthy person? Experiment with doing a little of what you'd do if you were already supremely healthy and fit. As often as you can, act as if your commitment were unwavering.
This message reminds me of when staff writer Vanessa Pearson recently wrote about losing the shame while aiming for your goals. It also crossed my mind when a friend said, "I'm not seeing results. I may as well do what I was doing before."
Some people can make a small change and lose a lot of weight, while others work extremely hard to see only a pound come off. There are many reasons for that, but that's another column.
Weight gain takes a while to happen and weight loss takes even longer. A lot of what bothers us when attempting to lose weight is that we allowed ourselves to get to that point. That's a hard pill to swallow. It sometimes leads to discouragement, and in some people's minds, the objective to be the epitome of health is unreachable.
But you don't have to look a size smaller or reach every goal you've set for yourself to enjoy life as you would if you were healthier, younger or slimmer.
Personally, I enjoy interesting ways to exercise. Walking, running or a treadmill won't do it for me so I sometimes end up in a class where the instructor is doing an intimidating yet ridiculously fun activity.
I recently participated in a group fitness class during a weekend trip in which everyone else was slim and toned, half-dressed and appeared to be a professional. I was, however, limber and able to carry out the tasks put out by the eager instructor.
My friends and I kept saying, "Oh, we're gonna be able to do that one day." Inside, I'm screaming, "When will I reach my goals? Why aren't I like these other ladies already?"
But I still smiled, feeling confident and enjoying the new experience. The point of an active lifestyle is to get around and move -- and enjoy it -- regardless of fitness level, size and age. Don't wait until you fit your idea of health to start living life. Find new and creative ways to reach those goals. Wellness truly is a journey, not a destination. In the meantime, fake it until you make it.
