Whatcha Thinking?
Posted by Janelle Brown on
One morning a couple of weeks ago I was driving to my early morning workout session. It is a bit of a drive for these one-on-one personal training appointments, so I was feeling resentful and burdened. It was such a chore to get up so early and get my butt out of bed…yada yada yada.
Then, as I sat at the 4-way stop down the street, I realized what I was thinking. Wait, I am the one who chose to make this appointment. I am the one who chose to schedule an early morning appointment at this particular gym.
No one forced me to make these decisions. I alone am responsible for the situation I am in this morning. But wait, was it a situation? Was it a chore? Slowly I realized that I had once again stumbled upon a mental trap I am very susceptible to falling into. Maybe you are too.
I often find myself feeling put-upon when I am doing something that shakes me out of my comfort zone. I know that what I’m undertaking is a good thing to do, and, obviously, it’s something that I WANT to do. However, when I am not tuned in to the inspired part of my psyche that wants to keep propelling me forward, and I am just coasting, I find I feel a touch of resentment towards those same actions. Odd, isn’t it? Experts would say that those feelings were the natural response of your ego. The job of the ego, if you remove all the negative connotations that having a big ego has in our culture, is to keep you safe.
Some would say that the ego keeps you small, it keeps you from achieving greater things, and it helps us to survive.
Do you want to simply survive or do you want more?
It seems to follow, that we need to watch for those little lies our minds will tell us when we are trying to be more than what we currently are. Really tune in to what we are thinking in any given situation that we find ourselves resisting positive changes. Recognize the thoughts, analyze them to see if they are warnings to be heeded, or just see them as the ego trying to keep you in your safe zone. The zone that is the status quo, that is familiar and comfortable. For me, I plan on challenging those early morning yada, yada, yadas, facing my fears, and moving beyond the mental trap. It’s the only way forward.
Can you identify thoughts or beliefs that are holding you back?
Janelle you are an inspiration to all. I’ve struggled with my weight since my youngest of four was born. She’s 13 now and I’m still carrying the baby weight. I look forward to seeing your progress as I start my own weight loss journey.
I am so over the moon proud of you!!!! I was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago and found out 5 years ago…that I have 42 food allergies! I struggled for years with weight loss and emotional weight gain. YOU are what you Eat. I tell people who ask, YOU EAT OUT OF A BOX….YOU WILL BE IN THAT BOX IN THE GROUND EARLY. I love what you are doing for you, and your amazing family.
With love, Sharon…hobby farmer in Indiana.😊
The two shirts I got are amazing! I love to wear them…….comfortable and are now my go to shirts…………..
I’ve had a similar revelation recently when I was moaning that I eat too much chocolate every day while the kids have a nap, someone asked ‘why do you have it in?’ And I went on to explain, I don’t keep it in or I’ll eat it but every day go out and got it. It hit me then how ridiculous I’d become buying something that was ultimately making me unhappy and tired and did not need. I’m three days in to not eating it and feel happier already. Keep up the good work Janelle. I love the programme and look forward to seeing more.
Hi Janelle,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you sharing your journey. I have struggled all of my life with my weight and all the fun side effects of it.
I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) 5 years ago and left with a prescription for metformin after a 3 minute conversation on why my pregnancies didn’t come to term.
I ballooned to over 300lbs last year (I’m 5’1) and after seeing my Doctor she recommended a low carb diet. She was actually surprised I wasn’t already doing it.
I could barely walk, I had trouble breathing, everything hurt and I couldn’t see my knees. I turned 47 and felt like 90.
That was last October, since then I have committed myself to eating low carb. My husband has been amazing, he is the primary cook in our house and he jumped in with both feet.
Within two weeks my breathing had improved, later that month I could walk to and from my car without pain. Every change, every improvement has been life changing, for the first time in my life …the weight loss was secondary. ..but omg I’ve lost 100lbs! I’m hoping to get cleared by my Dr soon to start light weight training..and for the first time I’m excited about exercising.
It takes courage to face your fears ..it’s a whole other level to get in front of cameras and help others. So, thank you!