Friday, March 6, 2015

"Back Packs Are Life!"


This week Glenda and I introduced one of my favorite lessons taught at The Healthy Weigh. I learned about "Back Packs" 15 years ago, and it was life changing for me.
Learning to control what you can and let go of things you can't control is not only freeing, it's smart!

At first look, clients wonder what "back packs" have to do with weight loss. It doesn't take long to begin to understand the concept. The more you understand about self-control, personal responsibility and emotional ownership, the easier it is to make choices for yourself regarding your weight loss program and your health.

As we begin to look at the 12 things we are responsible for, in control of, and are to take ownership of, I can't help but think about my personal life at present time.  Just a couple of years ago I married off my only son. I've been been referring to my "back pack" list often lately!  When I first learned about back packs, my son was 10 years old!  I thought at the time that mastering the art of "staying in my own back pack" was the key to raising an independent young man.  I was right, but now, I am keenly aware that "staying in my own back pack" will be the key to not only me moving on and embracing a new season of life, but also allowing my son and his new beautiful wife, to grow and become who they need to be! Back packs never wear out...they just take on a new look! I love it!

Over the years I've seen clients, friends and family, using all their time, and energy on things out side of their control. Those things appear to get bigger and bigger, because we have no control over them, and we appear to get smaller and smaller. The things that we DO have control of...the 12 things in our back pack are the ONLY things that will help us become the women and men we were intended to be. Strong, healthy and full of love.

I gave some fun examples of "back pack violations" and had Glenda respond to them.  We discussed everything from having a flaky Team Challenge partner to worrying about what others think about your weight loss program. The key to living out your very best life always comes back to owning and being responsible for what you CAN control, and leaving the rest alone! 

We looked at the difference between feeling responsible TO others and feeling responsible FOR others. I encourage you to look at the chart on the back of this important control guide and work to become a person who is responsible TO others. We had some great discussions in the after class about children and back packs all the way up to the elderly. Glenda again, helped us all understand appropriate boundaries there too.

This is a lesson that you will want to share with your children, your spouses and everyone you spend time with. I pray that it will be as life changing for you as it was and still is for me. I did say, with much passion I might add, that the key to our healthy eating and our control of this "food thing" all comes down to what we talked about this week...back packs, and what we'll talk about next week...coping skills!  for that reason...

Your Challenge for the week:
  • Download and listen to week # 4 "Coping Skills ~ Feeling Your Way Through Life" and do the homework provided. 

  • Get in three 30 minute walks in the sunshine ( I HAD to throw this one in!!) 
Congratulations to our winning teams of the week!

Noon:  Team "Asian Fusion" Elayne and Margie with a 1.69% of weight loss!
6PM: Team "Full Nelson" Erica and Carrie with a 1.99% of weight loss!

Great job Teams!!

Glenda ended our lesson by showing us a plaque she received as a gift...it fit so perfect with our theme for the day. Here it is;

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the people
 I cannot change, the courage to change the ONE I can,
 and the wisdom to know it's ME!"


Always encouraging you,
Letha

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