26. September 2009 by Patricia.

It happened again. I’m riding along our hike and bike trail and see two dogs off leash – the owner oblivious of others on the path. I slow down and ring my bell in advance to alert her and she moves over to let me pass. The dogs disappear into the bushes and it looks like I am clear to move along. Suddenly one dog dashes out right in front of my bike, I brake suddenly and fishtail on the sandy path.

What to do? I cannot enforce leash laws. I could have confronted her with anger, but that would not be helpful. How could I handle this situation without feeling like a victim? In a neutral tone and direct manner I said, “I encourage you to keep your dogs on a leash.” Empowered by that statement, I moved from victim to victor.

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19. September 2009 by Patricia.

A prominent weight loss “expert” says she cuts up vegetables to eat when she’s cooking dinner as a ploy to not overeat.

I disagree with this approach. Consider asking yourself the question “Am I truly hungry?” If you’re hungry, nurture yourself by taking a moment to sit down and decide what would satisfy your hunger, given that dinner will be on the table soon. If you’re not hungry, then explore what is going on when you eat while you’re cooking.

In an earlier, unhealthy relationship, it was my “role” to cook dinner.  I ate while I cooked as a passive aggressive reaction to feeling manipulated. Eating cut up vegetables while cooking may work for some people but those of us with a history of overeating need to be aware every time we put something into our mouth when we aren’t truly hungry. The insights gained from that simple exploration may propel you toward a healthier and happier life… diet free.

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12. September 2009 by Patricia.

The problem I have with weekly “weigh-ins” at weight loss clubs is that a person has only one chance each week to demonstrate weight loss. I have found that my weight can increase by a pound, then decrease by two pounds just two days later! Within a weight club setting that 1lb increase might be recorded as 1 pound of weight gain. It’s written in ink. No going back. Doesn’t matter that in two more days the scale weight dropped. No acknowledgement of that. As a member of a weigh-in weight loss organization this scenario repeated itself time after time….. and I allowed the “apparent” weight gain to make me feel like a failure. How insane is that!

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5. September 2009 by Patricia.

Are there times when you want to do something different to shake up the routine? I felt this urge recently.  I decided to try a hip hop class. The music was too loud, I didn’t care for the dance moves and left after half an hour….. but I felt expansive. I next took a total conditioning class, but the gym was swamped with people. I felt stressed… so I left. Even so, this investigation led me to new classes and instructors I really like.

How would you change your routine today? Take a different route to work? Get up 15 minutes earlier? Walk in the rain and allow yourself to get soaked…. just because?

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