Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back

Plateau. That's a kind way of saying your body has reached the point where you are no longer able to make any changes to it physically. You try in vain to lose that last five or ten pounds and you consider looking into that fad diet you keep hearing about because you're desperate to lose one last inch or two off your waistline.

It's a cruel joke, really. You push yourself and remain dedicated to the cause of being and living healthy and your body, inexplicably, decides that what you're doing is good, but not good enough. So, what can you do about it? How do you reach that next level of fit without driving yourself absolutely bonkers?

Well, one way is to change your regimen. This is something that I have suggested before and feel very confident is a great way to get over that proverbial hump. But, more than that, you have to get over the drama of the new attitude you've acquired from becoming so fit—your ego changed right along with your body. Trust me.

You have to reconfigure your goals once you hit that plateau (or wall as some say) and ask yourself what you want for yourself and your body now? Are you still simply trying to live a healthier life or are you looking for the physical manifestation of all your efforts—fitting into that size "whatever you want" pair of jeans or cocktail dress? It's an important question to ask because, quite honestly, the vast majority of us can always be fitter and eat healthier—these are things that are rarely overdone in today's fast food society.

So you have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask what's next? If you want to get over the plateau, that's easily done, change your workout and/or add something more to it that will challenge you and re-energize your bored body.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something deeper—perhaps an answer to why you are so obsessed with looking perfect or losing that last few pounds—then that journey will take a much more introspective approach and you will need to tap into the side of you that isn't satisfied with being what you are right now.

The only way to do that is to meditate, relax, journal, and seek out the memories that scare you to death. Find out where it was in your life that you first began to feel those inadequacies and make it your mission to correct the negative thoughts so that you can finally focus on the present.

In the meantime, expect setbacks as you tackle new obstacles and try not to get frustrated by the process of making adjustments to what was working so well before now—if you can. Being fit is only half the battle, the bigger challenge is in staying fit and being aware enough of your inner self to understand why that matters so much to you.

Related articles

• The Dreaded Plateau! (hethercrawford.wordpress.com)

Day 23: You Can Do Bad All By Yourself...

There are a high-percentage of miserable people in this world who have one goal: to make your life miserable too.

They don't appreciate seeing you happy, accomplished, blessed, or ambitious. No, it's far easier and more satisfying to them if you fall flat on your face—a complete and utter failure.

Those kinds of people are better left in a boat, sailing alone, in an endless river—towards oblivion. Well, maybe not oblivion, but they definitely should not be allowed to be a functional part of your daily life because they, ultimately, serve no purpose.

While it's easy to understand the nature of a person who is willing to try and build a relationship with such a character—even Judas had friends—it's not smart for your soul. You cannot rely on that subtle instinct within you that says you can be the difference. You can make this person into a better man/woman simply by not giving up on them—showing them they too are worthy of greatness and love.

That's silly. Your job isn't to save them, it's to enhance your life in the best way you can and, chances are, that journey won't go very far if you continue pulling the 500 pound anchor that is negativity and resentment around with you. Let that person evolve by his or herself and not at the expense of your growth.

Now, if said individual resides in close proximity to you, let's say it's your friend, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, life-partner, or what have you, start asking yourself what Y-O-U are getting from an association that's so emotionally stalling—why do you feel you need to have this person in your life?
What purpose do they serve?

If their only function is in making you feel like, by comparison, you are much better person than they—shame on you. However, if they serve no purpose other than to drain you emotionally, physically, and psychologically, then why have them in your life?

Misery can be attained without help...don't waste your life giving it company.

Related articles

• Remove the Blocks to Your Greatness (vanguardngr.com)

Day 14: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say...

Believe it or not, that's a hard concept for some people to grasp. They don't get the difference between talking to somebody and talking at them—trust me, the two are not the same.

It has always been my philosophy to be honest with myself about the point I'm trying to make. Emotions are too easy to get caught up in, and words become like daggers with poisoned tips for you to spew out, rapid fire, until you can emerge victorious—albeit stained with the blood and guts of the person you've disemboweled.

The analogy may seem vivid and violent, but it illustrates just how damaging words can be.

With that said, it's always important to approach, potentially, volatile situations with a plan. Ask yourself where your head is before you engage in an emotional debate with someone you care about. If you know you are angry, hurt, or overly sensitive, perhaps it's best to table the discussion for a later time—when you can be more rational.

However, if you are caught up in the heat of the moment, and the tussle gets harsh enough that the vitriol begins to well-up within you, and make it's way to the tip of your tongue, stop and ask yourself what it is you wish to say—is your ultimate goal to hurt or to educate?

If your aim is to hurt, then it doesn't need to be said. Spite for spite's sake is useless and it causes nothing but more pain in the long run. 

If the aim is to educate the individual about your needs, your expectations, and your qualms, then that's productive. That's a starting point for the healing process and a step towards personal growth for you because you are learning how to communicate your emotions in a more mature manner.

Whatever you do, take care not to place yourself in a situation that you'll be sorry for later and, always remember, words linger longer than circumstances. No matter how your issues get resolved, a person never forgets the way something you said made them feel—don't plant the seeds of negativity that could later spring up and overwhelm you or your relationship.

Neither of you may be able to recover.