Alissa and I moved yesterday (just within the same complex), so I’m writing from a different desk in a different (and nicer) environment. It’s 65 and the sun is shining brightly into the window. It’s a great way to start the day and talk with you about another situation that came up when our Arizona friends were here this weekend.
Of course, when friends are in a town they have never visited, you take them out to the best places to eat, right? Well, we did the same thing and took them to one of the “trendy” places here in Palm Beach Gardens. We had a great time, had some great food, and some great conversation.
Now, to elaborate just a bit, this couple originally started as one of our clients in Arizona. So, it’s no big deal for Alissa and me to order something healthy and have the server alter it to our health needs. Our friends are quite accustomed to it.
But, I have to tell you, the situation really got me to thinking about how different it INITIALLY is for someone that starts to make a change in their eating habits.
Initially, there are 3 sources (or more) of discomfort, especially in the beginning, when you are developing new, improved, healthy eating habits:
1) Family members who eat poorly and choose and expect to continue to do so.
2) Friends in the same category.
3) The server at the restaurant.
Quickly, let me encourage you to immediately dismiss being "uncomfortable" with asking for what you want to eat from the menu, and asking them to prepare it the way you prefer. Restaurant servers and chefs are quite accustomed to taking "special orders", so don't worry about that!
Next topic! ;)
Friends and family are a completely different story, aren't they?
I want to help you handle this situation. Believe it or not, the best example I have actually came from a couples conference Alissa and I attended about 10 days ago.
At the conference, there was a unifying theme. I don't know if they originally intended for it to be a common theme, but after reviewing everything, every single speaker mentioned it as a primary source for a successful relationship.
(Don't worry, I'll tie this back into our eating situation quite soon!)
Every speaker basically said this: in order to GIVE the most in a marriage, we must BECOME the most we can be.
In other words, we must work harder on changing and improving ourselves, so that we can truly help and love other people.
Can you see how this concept helps at the restaurant, especially for those who are literally just starting out on a new, healthier lifestyle?
You see, by being strong enough to fix yourself, first, you will begin building a strong foundation. Not only will that foundation help YOU stay strong, (and here is where everything ties together...) but it will become a foundation that others can lean upon when THEY finally make the right choices.
Become strong first. It is initially uncomfortable; I understand that. But it will forge a path that helps and provides valuable experience to OTHERS, especially the ones you love the most, to make their own personal changes...
...when THEY are ready.
As always, I hope this helps give you the strength and encouragement you need to be strong as you begin a new lifestyle.
Take care, and much love and happiness,
Jeremy and Alissa Nelms
The World's Happiest Fitness Couple!
http://www.TheFitCouple.com
2 comments:
This kind of reminded me of the airline instructions to put your own oxygen mask on first so you can help the others around you. When you are strong, you can help others - and this is our ultimate goal to help others, in their health and fitness and in their spiritual lives as well!
Great point.
Everyone, this is my mom! :)
Jeremy Nelms
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