The Other Side of the Story

Work has been overwhelming, your nervous system feels shot. Job stress is sky high. You've had a bunch of birthdays and celebrations. Tempting food has been everywhere. You haven't made it to the gym, you've been tired. You failed. Right?

While this may look like a week of zero progress, even of failure, you've completely overlooked the other side of the story.

Yes, you didn't make it to the gym. You've been exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed. But you went for a walk most days, and you regularly include that uphill portion you previously avoided.

You went to all the parties, ate the cake, ate the food. But you didn't binge on all that delicious food, something you would have easily done in the past.

You turned down your mother's supersized serving for a more reasonable portion. You drew a boundary… with your mother, which for you is no small thing.

We want to change, but forget that change is a process. A series of micro changes that add up over time. Until one day you look back and barely recognise the person you once were. That version of you made choices that feel almost foreign now. Day to day though, change is harder to see. It's often easier to see where we are still going "wrong". The workout we missed, the indulgent meal, the late night. We judge ourselves for it, and often feel guilt and shame for being "weak".