Why?...And ISO Dynamics

Greetings Friends~

There are lots of "why" questions about the world and myself that I can ponder. Why did I let myself get into this condition? Why do I make the wrong choices? Why do I need to change? Why did I decide to take control of my life NOW?

In my mind, I can come up with multiple explanations for each question. Some answers are accurate...some are not...some are emotional reasons...some are not. In brief, the answers (for me) are as follows.

I let myself get like this because I was raising a family, working a job, trying to juggle family and work...(but, the real reason is that I always felt I had more time).

I make the wrong choices because it is comforting, because it is easier than doing the right thing, because I am lazy, because I like to blame others and MOST of all, because it is a learned behavior.

I need to change because I am 52 years old, I'm scared that I might not have much time left, I want to be a grandfather and not just any grandfather but the kind that people remember forever, because I really have a lot left to contribute to my friends and family that I love and care about.

I decided to take control of my life now because of...well...I've had this concept in my head for about ten years worth of struggle...I decided to take control of my life now because of ISO Dynamics. I came up with this a LONG time ago and I believe that it is central to change in my life.

ISO Dynamics is simple...ISO means I'm Sick Of (fill in the blank). Having been an addict and abuser my whole life...food, alcohol, cigarettes, diet soda and the insidious nicotine gum, I know quite a bit about my weaknesses. The conclusion that finally hit me like a grand piano is that I don't ever decide to change (and actually carry it through) until I'm Sick Of being something.

I'm Sick Of wearing the same 4 shirts to work because they are the only ones that fit...and they don't sell 5X at my store.

I'm Sick Of having a whole closet full of nice clothes and suits that don't fit.

I'm Sick Of the way I look in that picture with Governor Gregoire...my stomach looking like I am 11 months pregnant...Gosh, there is a picture that my grandkids can be proud of.

I'm Sick Of watching the Biggest Loser season after season...wishing I could get those breaks...wishing I could have Jillian as my trainer...wishing I had the money and time off from work so I could do that.

And, most of all, I'm Sick Of sitting on the couch eating, sleeping, watching TV and at the end of the season of Biggest Loser, sick of them losing all that weight...even the ones who are at home like me...and I'm still FAT and unhappy.

I think you get my point. As they say at Alcoholic Anonymous, a drunk is not ready to help himself to change until he has hit his absolute bottom. When I think that there is no place to go except up. Then, and only then, will I decide that the cure is better than the continuing illness.

I know that there are a lot of us that are struggling right now. I wish that I could do it for you. I wish that I could be there to physically hold your hand and walk beside you. But I can't. I have hit my bottom. You have to find and recognize your own.

Only when you have decided "I'm Sick Of (fill in the blank)...and I mean really sick of it...will you be able to convince yourself that there is an easier way. Sure, it will be hard at first but let me tell you that it gets easier. It gets to be routine. It gets to be rewarding. So, for your own sake, be honest with yourself and get with the program. Your life, and mine, really does depend on it.

Inspiration of the Day

No one can cheat you out of ultimate success but yourself. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, American Poet and Essayist

Shopping Tip of the Day

Fred Meyer has the following items on sale through next Saturday; Honeycrisp apples (these are delicious) for $1.29 a pound, whole chicken fryers for $.69 a pound, frozen chicken tenders (3 # bag) for $6.99, canned tomatoes or variety beans 2 for $1, asparagus for $1.68 a pound, hot house tomatoes $1.29 a pound and Lean Cuisine frozen entrees 6 for $10.

Recipe of the Day

Craving a french fry? Try this healthier alternative.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Low-Fat-Oven-Roasted-Peppered-Potato-Wedges-193370

I know that right now it seems like part of you Travelers took the route across the Rockies and things are slow while others are making faster progress. You've heard it all before. We didn't get this way over night. If you can remember that this is a lifetime journey, One Step at a Time, and you surrender yourself, I think you will find that things do get better. I wish you strength in your struggle and if I can do ANYTHING to make your burden lighter, please do not hesitate to ask.

Happy Trails!