Letting Go

"If someone shoots an arrow into my chest, I can let the arrow fester while I scream at my attacker, or I can remove the arrow as quickly as possible."  This is another quote from a book I am currently reading by Pema Chodron, Taking the Leap.  I have been asking myself - and God - lately how to let go of anger and bitterness I feel toward a certain person in my life, and the more I have focused on how to let go, the more I have stayed stuck. 

After reading Pema Chodron's book, I realize now that the focus is part of the problem.  If you read my post from a couple of days ago, you will understand what I mean when I say I am feeding the wrong wolf.  I am screaming at my attacker (figuratively, of course) instead of feeding the kind and understanding wolf, or removing the arrow.  

Deep stuff, especially for 6:30am in the morning!  What's the connection with my South Beach journey?  Simply put, I can stop moaning and groaning about what I can't eat and celebrate what I can - and the fact that the scales are showing progress!

Take care, and as always, I welcome your thoughts.

Which wolf am I feeding?

I was told about a book today by Pema Chodron entitled Taking the Leap.  The following is quoted from the first chapter.

"A Native American grandfather was speaking to his grandson about violence and cruelty in the world and how it comes about. He said it was as if two wolves were fighting in his heart. One wolf was vengeful and angry, and the other wolf was understanding and kind. The young man asked his grandfather which wolf would win the fight in his heart. And the grandfather answered, “The one that wins will be the one I choose to feed.” *

When I read that this afternoon, I said to myself, "Well, I know which wolf I'm feeding."  Not the right one.  I hate to have something bothering me and not be able to shake it.   It certainly made me stop and think.  Am I attracting negativity by feeding the vengeful, angry wolf?   Wouldn't I rather feed the kind and understanding wolf?  How about you?  Which wolf are you feeding? 

Take care, and as always, I welcome your thoughts.



*Chodron, Pema (2010-09-14). Taking the Leap

Give me an inch . . .

I know why SB Phase 1 works - at least for me.  When I have strict parameters to work within, it is easier to do what I am supposed to do.  When the rules relax, unfortunately, so do I.  I need the structure in order to be successful.  While I haven't gone totally hog wild with my food choices, I also have not be as buttoned up as I should have been.  Case in point - I succumbed to some ice cream yesterday as I was leaving the grocery store.  I knew I shouldn't do it, but I made a conscious decision to do it anyway. 

So the question is this - what now?  Do I go for broke, throw out the whole plan because of one ice cream sandwich?  Or do I acknowledge that the slip was a choice, and the choices today are back on track?  Here's what I think.  Is it realistic to believe I can go on forever without a slip?  Of course not.  I think that the benefit of a habit change like the one I am working on that it is a lifetime behavior change, and yes, there are times when I will eat something that is not on the plan.  But as long as those choices are the exception rather than the rule, I'm okay.

Take care, and as always, I welcome your thoughts.