Shortcomings

Why is it that, when we hear of someone deciding to make a positive lifestyle change, more often than not, we somewhat sarcastically say, "Hey, good luck with that," or, "Yeah, but... you don't need to go on a diet." Whether you're the one who's decided to make a change or the person who's not all together supportive, you've probably experienced what I'm talking about.

The thought occurred to me - Is it possible that when we hear of someone else deciding to make a change for the better, we immediately begin to rationalize why they shouldn't or don't need to because their effort to change only highlights the fact that we are not doing anything about our own shortcomings? Is it possible that that initial impulse to tell your friend that they don't need to diet is not as much about them not needing to diet but more about the fact that if they choose to eat more healthfully it only makes you that much more aware that you are still eating the french fries, double patty whatever, and washing it down with a super-sized-double-shot-mocha-whatnot? You see, I wonder if individuals attempting to improve their own lives tends to make others uncomfortable to the point where, on some level, they're willing to encourage the derailment of your goals simply because if you start making all these self improvements, they might start to think about all the areas where they are stagnant - choosing not to move forward, attempting to change themselves or their lives for the better.

Whether it's deciding to make better choices at every meal, or choosing to go on a walk with your friend instead of watching TV at the end of the day, we all have areas in our lives with room for improvement. Let's begin to encourage one another. The choice to eat better, live better, or love more whole heartedly is made one bite, one moment, one fleeting encounter at a time; and these are worth while pursuits.