Bob.
I had the good fortune a few weeks ago to win tickets to see Bob Harper (Trainer Bob!) from The Biggest Loser speak in Rockford. It was a fundraiser for one of the Junior League's projects, but I signed up to win one morning out at breakfast and won! Woohoo!
I love The Biggest Loser. It's my little late-night inspiration on Tuesdays before bed (and after my weekly LOST viewing with Julie and Dan!). I'm a big sucker for a triumph-against-all-odds stories, and it usually makes me cry - it's a nice emotional release. :)
So, I wasn't sure how good this whole Bob speaking thing was going to be, but I have a huge crush on him, so I figured it would be awesome to see him, anyway. He was more inspiring than I hoped. He talked a lot about change, making changes, and tearing down the blocks we put in our own way. He talked a lot about how contestants on the show have decided they can't be happy, that they think it's meant for everyone else around them, but not them - for whatever reason, weight or otherwise. And basically said, none of those reasons were legitimate or impossible to overcome. In fact, some were easy, if you just realized how you considered yourself and recognized that your neighbor is no more entitled to being happy than you are.
Something about the whole thing struck me, since I've definitely found myself adapting this attitude that "that's for everyone else" and not me. Not necessarily happiness, but just a general outlook on the world, health, food, etc. I can be pretty hard on myself for not achieving some things I want. And he talked about making the changes you can make today. Which means, for example, not starting an intense workout program and changing your diet to all healthy foods tomorrow - but it does mean, eating a banana instead of a candy bar, or walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Small changes add up to big ones eventually.
All in all, it was a good reminder that I am not and don't need to be everything-to-everyone. Hard to accept, but...true. I'm so glad I got to hear him. I'm still inspired today, and even making those small changes - like eating breakfast(!), and walking a few miles a day - just grabbing my phone and going out for a chat and walk. Nice.
I love The Biggest Loser. It's my little late-night inspiration on Tuesdays before bed (and after my weekly LOST viewing with Julie and Dan!). I'm a big sucker for a triumph-against-all-odds stories, and it usually makes me cry - it's a nice emotional release. :)
So, I wasn't sure how good this whole Bob speaking thing was going to be, but I have a huge crush on him, so I figured it would be awesome to see him, anyway. He was more inspiring than I hoped. He talked a lot about change, making changes, and tearing down the blocks we put in our own way. He talked a lot about how contestants on the show have decided they can't be happy, that they think it's meant for everyone else around them, but not them - for whatever reason, weight or otherwise. And basically said, none of those reasons were legitimate or impossible to overcome. In fact, some were easy, if you just realized how you considered yourself and recognized that your neighbor is no more entitled to being happy than you are.
Something about the whole thing struck me, since I've definitely found myself adapting this attitude that "that's for everyone else" and not me. Not necessarily happiness, but just a general outlook on the world, health, food, etc. I can be pretty hard on myself for not achieving some things I want. And he talked about making the changes you can make today. Which means, for example, not starting an intense workout program and changing your diet to all healthy foods tomorrow - but it does mean, eating a banana instead of a candy bar, or walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Small changes add up to big ones eventually.
All in all, it was a good reminder that I am not and don't need to be everything-to-everyone. Hard to accept, but...true. I'm so glad I got to hear him. I'm still inspired today, and even making those small changes - like eating breakfast(!), and walking a few miles a day - just grabbing my phone and going out for a chat and walk. Nice.