- It's okay to feel sad, lonely, angry, whatever you feel. I think over the years I felt those were "bad" thoughts and tried to avoid them.
- You don't have to become a better person or accomplish some goal(s) (such as losing weight, improving your health and fitness) in order to be happy. Some of my best role models for happiness live in very unhealthy bodies. This was was extremely liberating for me. As important, accomplishing your goals does not necessarily make you happy.
- the meditation books tell me to face my fears. I realized one of them is leaving the healthy diet and losing my health again. The reason for this fear is that I would like to be a health coach---so I have to be a good example, and that makes me fear I'll blow it. I explored this fear and realized it's okay if it happens, because of point #2 above. I can still be happy. I'll just do something else. Then the fear loses a lot of power.
- Finally, I had a very important realization about work and my goals for the future. I'm not ready to talk about this on my blog but it explains a lot about my recent malaise. Just knowing this makes me happier. I can make a plan now.
- and today, from the Fuhrman forums, someone noted that a lot of people seem to struggle and this person asked if there are examples of people who love eating this way and find it easy. That gave me a nice perspective jolt. I do love eating this way and I enjoy all the food prep and have it down pat. In truth, I can't imagine eating any other way (making my fear in #3 start to seem more silly). On vacation I saw more up-close what most people eat---the free breakfasts and "fresh-baked" cookies in the hotel, the food in the gas stations and fast food joints. It was so fake-looking and ugly. And it's harmful effects are evident in the people eating it.
I also noticed that hippos are nutritarians:
He was at a wildlife sanctuary, the only non-native species, but given a special pardon by the governor to live out his life there. very cute.
