Day 5: The Joy of Weight Loss

It's an important point to understand: Most people are just like you, insofar as they are trying their best, struggling, sometimes spinning their wheels. Life's hard for everyone. That's why we all need each other. No one can do it all alone. Once you realize this, you are free to reach out for help, as well as to reach out to help someone else. That's the way you begin to rise above your own misery and become a bit more compassionate.

Everyone has some problem to cope with and learn from. One of ours just happens to be weight related. While it's not the worst thing that could happen, it is serious. Obesity can contribute to a variety of problems, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers. It's good that you're taking action now and practicing prevention.

In order to help yourself, it is helpful to help someone else. Getting outside yourself, even if only for a few moments, will help you. Paying attention to another's problems, and just being available to listen, will greatly help both of you. Funny thing-allowing yourself to get your mind off yourself, is very liberating. Try it today.

TODAY

1. Keep up your new practices of finding joy, appreciating your good things, and giving gratitude to God.
2. Find time to pray and be silent today.
3. Help someone. It could be a little thing like holding the door for someone at a store, or carrying an extra bag of groceries for your spouse or partner. Or, call a friend and ask them to go on a walk with you, a visit to the park, or for a cup of tea or coffee. Then, get them talking; be genuinely interested in what their challenges or problems are. You don't need to offer advice or try to "fix them" (unless they ask you to). Listening is a lot, and few of us get that these days. I also suggest getting a "buddy" to do "The Joy of Weight Loss" program with. This could be a friend, or someone on the Beliefnet discussion board.

See you tomorrow!

Norris Chumley is the author of "The Joy of Weight Loss: A Spiritual Guide to Easy Fitness" (Lantern Books 2001). Visit his website.

No single approach to weight loss works for everyone. We urge you to consult with your physician before making any significant changes in your eating habits or physical activities to ensure that what you propose for yourself is nutritionally sound, safe, and healthy.