March 4, 2004
AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
While last Monday marked my Motherís XXth birthday (again, not to worry, Mom, I wonít divulge what the ëXXí stands for), it also marked another significant and important milestoneÖ Week 20 and the end of 'Phase One' of the Lifestyle Strategies of Central Indiana's medically supervised weight management and counseling program I've been enrolled in. During the 20 weeks spanning from October 13, 2003 thru February 23, 2004, I lost approximately 60 pounds, and started what I believe will be a lifelong commitment to a specific set of health and weight management goals. Last night marked my first Phase Two class, which is more of the sameóweekly sessions aimed at providing education, structure, and accountability towards my goals, all in a supportive group environment.
From an overhead presented during last nightís classÖ
Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in. It's a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault. I get out immediately.
Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter V
I walk down another street.
That piece is better known as "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters," and is included in Portia Nelsonís classic and well-thought of book, Thereís a Hole in my Sidewalk. I share it here because Nelson's words speaks eloquently to the many things going on in my life where health and weight management choices, i.e. food, diet, and exercise, are concerned, and because I suspect that the analogy will seem amazingly timely for things going on in other people's lives, also. It's all intertwined, this 8th grade world of ours, and the more attention we choose to focus towards what we're really up to--and conversely, what we're capable of--the easier and more enjoyable life can be for all of us (myself included). It's a constant struggle... choosing the right street, the correct path, or recognizing and avoiding the potholes along the way... but once you do--oh, once you do--it can slowly or quickly (depending on your perspective) becomes so worth it. In at least one area of my life--20 weeks and 60 pounds ago--I didn't know this. Today I do.
Posted by Mikal at March 4, 2004 5:55 AM
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Change is hard. Thanks for mentioning this book. I'm going to go out and get it today. I can definitely relate to the "Five Short Chapters" where my "career" is concerned. I have had the toughest time trying to figure out what I want to do. Everyone thinks I should know it by now, but I really don't know. It's not something that I can specifically name, but I'll know it when I see it. But, I did go to an interview on Monday (not for anything remotely interesting) and I knew when I pulled up to the building and I knew when I was speaking to the interviewer that I didn't want anything to do with the job. I knew it when the placement agency presented it to me, but I went anyway for the practice. I hope I can figure it out soon, and stop falling into the same damn hole. At least I know what I don't want, that's a start. :o) Congrats to you on the weight loss and diet/exercise regime!
Mikal,
Great job on the weight loss...Coach Winasockie would be so proud. Does your program include "H" drills????
Keep hittin it outa the park brother !!!!
