Day 7: The Joy of Weight Loss

Congratulations! You've made a good, positive start on a whole new you. You have focused on what's positive and joyous about you and your life, instead of taking the easy way out and concentrating or obsessing on what's wrong, awful or negative. You have taken time each day to get quiet, be grateful, and to surrender your problems.

I hope you have also taken the time to get up and go outside, to enjoy daily walks, or physical movement in the form of stretches, or even a little dancing or light yoga. Also, I trust that you have connected with others, and that you've found a friend who you can keep doing this new program with.

You have begun a positive, loving daily routine of living, perhaps a new beginning: a spiritual program that can change you from the inside - out. From the ground of your being, reconnecting to the essence of your life - Spirit, God, Goddess - however your Creator touches you - let that spark of essential life energy guide and care for you today, and the days to come.

Let these new ideas and practices become central to your life. This is not only about weight loss, it is about the quality of your life. Living life fully, joyously however it comes, with God's guidance will protect you, and keep you well for the rest of your life. Hopefully, you will slowly become less concerned with food, finding joy and satisfaction from fully living instead.

Now, hopefully you have my book "The Joy of Weight Loss" at your side, and will continue your specific weight loss and management program. There are so many new ideas and practices in it for you; I hope you'll receive the help you've needed for so long. If you don't have the book, you can download a copy immediately at my website, www.norrischumley.com, or borrow it from a local library, or a friend.

Also, by now I hope you've subscribed to and are receiving my free daily "Weight Loss with Norris" newsletter from Beliefnet. So, you know I'm on your side wishing you the best! There is also a discussion board for you to connect with others and get and offer help, too.

TODAY

Continue the routine you have begun:

1. Be aware of what's good and joyful in your life. Keep "counting your blessings."
2. Take time to move and be physical. I call this "re-creation." You might enjoy going for another walk outside, or in a large mall. May be you'd enjoy taking a yoga or dance class today (Many instructors will let you attend at no charge, as a free-trial.)
3. Again, take time for meditation and contemplation. Luxuriate for at least five minutes of silence and peace in your own private sanctuary. Be sure to ask God for help to keep doing what you've begun.
4. As you continue "The Joy of Weight Loss" program, start to be conscious of what you are eating and the physical activities you are participating in: how much, when, and if there are any thoughts or emotions connected with your actions. Begin writing about the food you eat, the things you do, and the feelings you feel. You will find this very helpful. We'll do more of this consciousness-raising in my book and videos together.

Now, as always,
Best Blessings,
Norris J. Chumley

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 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.