This was a beautiful weekend – the sun was out, the wind was cool, and basically it was just a great day to be outside. Despite the great weather, I still found time to get my customary four-mile run in. Unfortunately, a year ago, I was a couple of pounds heavier and always seemed to find an excuse for skipping the gym in lieu of something else. Now, I won’t lie, I have always kept in “pretty good” shape. However, sometimes life can start getting a little busy and missing one workout turns to two, to three, and so forth. However, one day I woke up and while getting ready for work realized that my belt loop was no longer where it used to be. For me, that was it.

I had to prioritize my time. Missing multiple workouts was not something I would tolerate any longer. Looking back, it wasn’t just missing the workouts that bothered me. It was this new standard of making excuses that really bothered me.  In that instant, I decided to reprioritize my workouts. This meant that I had to start working out in the mornings and I had to start preparing my meals. After several months, the belt loop had gone back down. Ten months later I am still at the same belt loop (maybe I should set a new goal!).

What I learned in this process is that there are some things I must do and demand in myself to start seeing change. I needed to raise my own standards. This was not the first time I reassessed my standards. I hope it won’t be the last.

Whenever I perform a self-assessment, I start this way:

I develop a list of all the things I will no longer accept in my life, things I will no longer tolerate, and the things I aspire to become.

Working on this process alone can be cathartic and liberating.

However, if you feel like you might need some encouragement, please feel free to reach out to a counselor. At Amy Wine Counseling Center, we believe:

There are solutions.

We construct solutions together rather than discover them alone.

The process or processes can be articulated and modeled.

The client is the expert.

If you have any questions about Amy Wine Counseling Center and our therapeutic services feel free to call us at 832-421-8714 or contact us here.