Rumours of Chocolate

It was bedtime and the word had got around that there was chocolate in the house. Chocolate had been banned for a while after several weeks of birthday cakes, party treats and Easter, so when a person who shall remain nameless, brought the groceries home and there was a delicious slab of sinfully indulgent dark chocolate amongst the wholemeal tortillas and rice crackers, the atmosphere amped up to just below a frenzy! I however, was calm.

Part of what I do, is motivate and support women in good decision-making and healthy lifestyle choices so when the choc-o-meter skyrocketed in our household, I knew it was time to rein it in before parts of me could not be reined in anymore!

Plan to Change

So, armed with my Big Salad and my food and exercise plan for the week, I was well on the way to not only staying on track but implementing healthy habits for the long term. Therefore, when the word, 'chocolate' was shouted around the house on the night in question, I was ready for it. Did I calmly say, "No thank you, I'm not eating any," like a 'normal' person? Unlikely. Instead I yelled, "Noooo. Get that stuff outta here!"

The two older children bolted into the room to see what atrocity had just occurred, at precisely the same time as I hurled the offensive object towards the door. For the record, no one was hurt but my actions did leave some bewildered looks on their faces as if to say, "What's your problem? It's only chocolate." But to me, it wasn't just chocolate - it was a distraction from my goal.

Get Some Gumption

The reality is; no one is going to force you to live a happy life. Change is confrontational. Have you noticed when change in coming, there's a prickly kind of feeling on the inside? That's because something is about to be different and we don't know if we're going to like 'different'. Rather than thinking about the negative and unsure things, focus on the positive. Imagine how good it could be. What if the change ends up being one of the highlights of your life?

Make the Right Choice - Not Just an Easy One

It takes a series of good choices to over-write the habit of bad choices but it's entirely possible to overhaul your life and make your end even better than your beginning. After all, life is not a spectator sport - be a participant! Experience the thrill. You be the one others gather around to hear your story.

It'll take every ounce of courage, determination and a good, workable plan, but if its really important to you, you'll find a way to make it happen - if not you'll find an excuse! When your mind is made up and your focus is set, nothing will deter you. Not rainy weather, not a busy schedule, not grisly, unco-operative kids and especially not even rumours of chocolate.

(Revised and re-posted from Oct '09)

copyright 2010 Philippa Vette

NB. My appologies for the line spacing towards the end. Despite numerous attempts, it doesn't seem to want to co-operate! Hope it doesn't distract you either!! PV.