Accomplishment

I came across a great quote this morning "We must do the things we think we cannot do" Eleanor Roosevelt. This quote was in a story about a very successful and much loved U.S. university football coach that has accomplished many amazing things in life even though he was born with no hands. NO HANDS! Just amazing. He has played college football, played the trombone, he was a high school teacher and now coaches football. Makes you feel alot less sorry for yourself, doesn't it?!
So back to the quote. How true. Isn't it human nature to sometimes say, "oh I can't do that, I'm not that talented" or "I don't have the patience" or "I don't have the time". Those 3 lines are famous in my vocabulary, mostly I'm afraid of trying for fear of failing and looking like a fool. But when I look back through everything I've done over the last 20+ years, I've really accomplished many things that I never thought I could ... I got my Grade 8 RCM certification which involved alot of study and discipline, opened up my own teaching studio in my home and became a successful, loved teacher to many students. Hunky hubby and I have been running our own very successful carpentry business for the last 5+ years, and I handle all his bookkeeping, other than his yearly corporate taxes (know NOTHING about that, safer for an accountant to deal with that stuff when it involves the government!) I have my own very successful Avon business, with many devoted clients whom I'm proud to say have become my friends. I have taught myself how to use a computer (with only a one hour lesson 12 years ago to get me started on the basics). I have raised 2 beautiful children who are very successful in what they are pursuing in life and careers. I have learned special care for animals with cancer (holistic care) after having nursed my old yellow lab though cancer for 4 years (she passed away 3 years ago this past Thursday, she lived to be almost 12, diagnosed at age 8) and raised a beautiful little yellow lab puppy from 8 weeks to her current age of almost 3~a very HYPER Lab puppy I might add!! She is a daily joy to me, and I have to admit a challenge sometimes!! And the accomplishment I feel most proud of: being married for 22 1/2 years ... to the same man! And I still adore him, I love him more every day :)
So, why do I struggle so much with weight loss? Discipline? Willpower? I wish I had the answer. I love good food. I love to go out with friends or family and have a couple of drinks, a nice meal, dessert, and some good laughs. I love to cook big dinners ~ I'm really good at turkey dinners with homemade stuffing, gravy, and all the fixings!
I guess each time I start a new diet I'm afraid of failure. Or it's almost like I expect failure. I've dieted so many times for so many years, only to gain back what I've lost. I can count calories, fat grams and fibre like a pro. I can decipher any nutrition label you give me. I know how I need to eat, I just have so much trouble sticking to it. It's a mind set. Been doing it for so many years it's engrained in my brain!
So I really, really need to overcome this fear of failing again. Working at changing my lifestyle, keep trying new recipes and doing what I love - cooking, but cooking healthier. When I look at some recipes I think "oh I won't try that, too many ingredients I don't have, too complicated" but once I put my mind to it, I know I can do it. And it will taste just as great as the "bad" foods I cook. And it will become easier, to the point where I won't even have to dwell on it everyday. No more waking up everyday thinking about losing weight. I have to change my mindset. I need to think about all the delicious, healthy foods I will cook ... new recipes I will try and succeed at! Become obsessed with healthy cooking and eating, and the rest will fall into place.
I WILL succeed once and for all at this weight loss thing!!!!! I WILL add this accomplishment to my list this year!! Do the one thing I think I cannot do ...

Healthy recipes most welcome in my blog comments!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading,
XO