Baby Steps

Along with any important transition comes the challenge of resisting the habits of old. How many times have I started a new diet with incredible zeal only to look at myself in the mirror 6 months later wondering what went wrong? Too many times to remember. If it was so simple, nobody would be overweight, right?

As I continue with this Raw Till Dinner plan (which shall henceforth be abbreviated: RTD), I try to remind myself of the awful feeling that comes with falling off the wagon, the sense of regret for letting one binge turn into a complete collapse of willpower. 

A few nights ago, after a successful RTD day, I developed a craving for some cake and custard. It probably came about because of my TOM, and I initially tried to ignore the sweet temptation. I thought of how careful I had been with the plan thus far, and gave myself a dozen reasons why I shouldn't feed my craving. Despite all this, I eventually found myself walking to the kitchen, and preparing myself a nice dessert of cake and custard. And yes, it was good.

The next morning, I hopped right back on the RTD bandwagon without the slightest hint of guilt. It occurred to me that the moment of "failure" isn't when I take the first bite of cake and custard; it's when I don't get back on track AFTERWARDS. It's all in the rebound. If I had woken up and had a big bowl of sugary cereal or bread, fried eggs and bacon or something else that didn't fall in the "fruit" category, then I would have felt that nagging sense of regret. I also reminded myself of how important each step of this journey is, and it takes so many small steps to complete a marathon. I know I can do this. I might need to pause for a few extra water breaks during the race, but as long as I get right  back on the path after those pauses, I will reach the finish line. At my own pace. Eureka!

I must add that the inspiration for this blog post title is my 9-month old son. He has been taking a couple of baby steps on his own here and there since he was 8 months old, but yesterday he well and truly WALKED. As he made his way towards me, giggling with excitement, (both of us), I couldn't help but marvel at the wonder of God's work in creating us and the stages of development we all go through. So here's to you, baby boy, for teaching me the power and significance of taking baby steps. xxx