Comments on: Change is only what you make it

By: seashell

seashell — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:00:35 +0000

Hi K,
Once again, your wise words ring true for me. I am fascinated by this phenomenon about our bodies, eating and our health…..and, I find it crosses over to many areas of life. Personal growth, exploring spirituality, career choices - even ‘thinking positively’ - have led to these familiar conversations with old friends and family. The old friends are a no-brainer. I just ask myself, are they really my friend? Family, on the other hand, is far more hard-wired.

Thanks for your wisdom & post!! Made me think.

By: ctina

ctina — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:23:25 +0000

A few strong words usually does the trick with my friends and family. Words like, “Can’t, I’m training” when they offer me cake or a drink when I’m not drinking.

Or, I eat something healthy before I go to a party, then if there are only unhealthy options around, say “Sorry, I just ate.”

Then, I turn the talk to fitness, or the Olympics, or the amazing legs in the Tour de France. And then, I say I am getting there too - and laugh and show them my “new guns”. That turns the tables.

People don’t really judge you if you don’t give them that window.

By: Brad Hefta-Gaub

Brad Hefta-Gaub — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:26:22 +0000

It’s so funny that you say this… I mean, I hear you, and I agree, this is a common refrain for many people who have a “genetic” predisposition to a particular body shape… the fact is, that your family gravitates toward the genetic predisposition. And so if you are fighting that, you’ll be drifting away from the family.

So here I sit at the lake house with my family. I love them all dearly, and I know they love and support me… but when I was 60lbs heavier, 36% body fat… I was THE SKINNIEST person in the family. Now that I’m 60lbs lighter… and much more lean, and a 2 time Iron distance triathlete… well… they still don’t understand me.

I am looking at photos of me a year ago, at the same vacation house… and I was MUCH MORE LEAN… and much more fit… and when I comment on that “Gosh, look how much more fit I was then…” They’re reaction is “How could you be more fit than you are now?” or “What are you complaining about!?”

So… the fact is, most people, even those who are closest to you (maybe even more likely) are going to have a hard time accepting your goals to change you body.

It might be because they don’t want to see you change… after all most people don’t like change. Or it might be because they are jealous… or it might be a little of both of these… and other issues. But they are 99% likely to be issues with THEM not issues with YOU. So you’re right… you have to ignore them.

Good luck Kate! You can do it!