Excuses, Excuses

   Hello Friends! I've been thinking lately about excuses, particularly those excuses we use to deter ourselves from becoming the best versions of ourselves. You see, recently I was struggling with my health. I had been sick a lot, and this threw me out of my normal routine of exercise and healthful eating. But as time wore on, I was getting farther and farther from the healthiest version of myself, and instead of picking myself up and beginning the journey again, I made excuses. I know you would never do this, but mine went something like this. "It's just so expensive to eat healthy." "I just don't have the time to prepare good food and work out." "I'm just so tired all the time." 

  The problem was, deep down, I knew these were just excuses for not doing what I needed to do to care for my body. And as is often the case when we make excuses, I was getting frustrated with myself. But of course, we don't tend to place the blame where it belongs, and so we start to blame other people. (Not you, of course, I know. But speaking for myself.) I blamed my family for taking up my time or being on the TV when I wanted to do a workout video. I blamed our busy schedule for not eating the way I should, all the while, knowing the answer was actually in letting go of those excuses and getting back on the path. 

  Excuses can derail us. Not only that, but they tend to make us pretty miserable. And here's the reason. As long as we deny responsibility for our circumstances, we also deny ourselves the ability to make them better. That's right. We have to own up to grow up. The moment we begin to take responsibility for where we are, that's when we gain the power to change where we are going. You see, the truth is, we all have a finite amount of time and resources. And maybe it's true that you don't have as many options as someone else. But that doesn't mean you're without any options. It's time to put down the excuses and start taking the steps you can, no matter how small they may seem at the time. 

  This week, look for areas where you are making excuses and placing blame. Then take some responsibility, knowing that by owing your circumstances, you are empowering yourself to make them better. Cut through those lies you're telling yourself and get back on the path toward the very best version of you, one little step at a time. I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.L.W.