Sneaking up on 2010
by Maureen on December 30, 2009
A weird thing happened during Christmas week. My jeans shrunk. Every pair. I know, because, like Johnny Cash looking for his “cleanest dirty shirt” I had to try on nearly every pair I owned to find one that fit right. I don’t guess it happened overnight. But while I was being social and munching Christmas goodies, my jeans were shrinking. That is going to change.
I think sneaky is the way to get it done. There are some people who can leap into a swimming pool, regardless of the temperature. Not me. First the toes, then stand on the top step, then I ease my way into the water.
I’m going to ease my way into the traditional “I’m going to eat healthy this year” diet. But if I leap into it, still in sugar overload, my resolve won’t last long. So I’m going to back off the carbs, drink more water, and by Friday I can skip dessert without feeling deprived.
Smart horse trainers know that “sneaky” can be a good way to teach a horse something new. Begin with the familiar, then add a few steps and a reward. Want a really cool hips-over movement? Begin with a relaxed but forward walk. Then, at just the right moment, pick up one rein and the horse will turn his neck softly and swing his hindquarters over. Release…You did it!
It’s important not to let frustration defeat you or the horse. Sneak up on the changes you want to make. Celebrate the successes, and don’t let the “not so much” moments throw you off track.
If you get stuck – as we all inevitably do – remember God is cheering for you. He knows the road ahead. So, for 2010, let’s try sneaking up on it.
A weird thing happened during Christmas week. My jeans shrunk. Every pair. I know, because, like Johnny Cash looking for his “cleanest dirty shirt” I had to try on nearly every pair I owned to find one that fit right. I don’t guess it happened overnight. But while I was being social and munching Christmas goodies, my jeans were shrinking. That is going to change.
I think sneaky is the way to get it done. There are some people who can leap into a swimming pool, regardless of the temperature. Not me. First the toes, then stand on the top step, then I ease my way into the water.
I’m going to ease my way into the traditional “I’m going to eat healthy this year” diet. But if I leap into it, still in sugar overload, my resolve won’t last long. So I’m going to back off the carbs, drink more water, and by Friday I can skip dessert without feeling deprived.
Smart horse trainers know that “sneaky” can be a good way to teach a horse something new. Begin with the familiar, then add a few steps and a reward. Want a really cool hips-over movement? Begin with a relaxed but forward walk. Then, at just the right moment, pick up one rein and the horse will turn his neck softly and swing his hindquarters over. Release…You did it!
Sneaking a bite.
It’s important not to let frustration defeat you or the horse. Sneak up on the changes you want to make. Celebrate the successes, and don’t let the “not so much” moments throw you off track.
If you get stuck – as we all inevitably do – remember God is cheering for you. He knows the road ahead. So, for 2010, let’s try sneaking up on it.
{ 1 comment }
Thats, funny, all my jeans shrank too, even some of my shirts did! I like your idea about sneaking up on the diet thing, as well as in horse training. I train my horses that way, why don’t I “train” my self that way? With our busy fast paced world, we exect that we can lose weight fast, and that we all need to look thin and trim and wear a size 0 jeans, within a week. I’m going to tryto do just as you say, take it easy and slow, sneak up on it.
Thanks for the inspiring words!
God Bless You
Mary Jeppsen
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