Stay Enthusiastic

We must learn to empower our minds with enthusiasm. Without this, we will slip back into negative thought patterns which may lead to poor food choices. If you look for it, you can find the good that is present in every bad circumstance. To every disadvantage, there is a corresponding advantage that you can reach for. You need to take a dispassionate, cool attitude and do some factual thinking. I'm not suggesting you deny trouble; more, that you re-examine it. Meeting a roadblock is your chance to strengthen your character. We learn from our mistakes. We all have our ups and downs. The downs give us an opportunity to practice staying turned on & tuned in.

Also, we must create our own happiness. Happiness is a concept in the mind. Start every morning by affirming your enthusiasm. "It's great to be alive”..."Finally, I am doing something constructive about my weight problem”..."Yesterday is over. Today is a brand new day, with new challenges and new victories (no matter how little) in my weight control effort.” Stop feeling sorry for yourself, and at least start THINKING about the brighter side. Surely as day follows night, the proper emotional response will ensue.

Use the power of words. The right words at the right time will often work like magic. Start using words such as fantastic, wonderful, marvellous, amazing, fabulous, exhilarating, dynamic, exciting, delightful, great, superb, etc. If you say them often enough and long enough you will begin to think that way. Once you start thinking that way, you'll soon begin to feel that way.

You must re-educate your thought pattern to one of exuberance instead of self-degradation and self-renunciation. Begin to think of yourself in terms of self-control, self-determination, and self-esteem. If you put enthusiasm in the "top-priority” category, where it rightfully belongs, your mind will (in time) begin to accept the conviction of an undiminished supply of energy. We are all capable of doing much greater things if we will only free ourselves from the artificial, self-imposed shackles of self-limitation. As you paint your self-image, so you will become. If you program the right positive thoughts into your mind, feelings and actions will follow in their wake.

Last week I wrote about the powerful brain chemicals (hormones) released when we exercise. You can also create the same effect with powerful, positive thoughts. No harm can come of thinking about yourself and your situation positively. In point of fact, if you allow yourself to continually think in negative ways, then you will create a helpless person. Empower yourself with good thoughts. Keep it going; work at it.

You can do it - just don't ever give up trying!

Dr. Doug