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Years ago, my husband had an unusual stake calling — stake basketball chairman. Now, we are not really sports or competitive people, other than as a friendly, passing interest when our kids play. He was reassured by the stake priesthood leader who called him that to be a basketball expert was not his responsibility. Rather it was to make sure the games and refs were lined up, the building was open and to provide general supervision for the Saturday morning program. OK! No problem! It quickly became a very enjoyable calling.
He’d come home from the stake center on Saturday afternoons with a wide range of entertaining stories about different wards, games, and players. To this day the story that still makes us laugh is about a Young Women leader that I feel a strong kinship to. She knew absolutely nothing about basketball, but she was there for her girls. Over the top in her vocal encouragement and enthusiastic admonishment, she shouted and screamed as basket after basket went to the other, much more skilled team while her girls wandered in mass confusion. With the clock ticking and game all but over, wildly waving her hands in frustration, she shouted helplessly to one defeated and motionless, girl, “Oh, Vicki! Vicki, honey! Move around! Just do something!”
I’ve been Vicki more times than I can count in the game of weight loss. Maybe it’s true for you, too: For whatever reason, whether it’s a personal wake-up call or to please someone else, we decide to play. We have a pretty good idea of what to do and jump into the game with fresh enthusiasm.
Well-meaning people, as well as opponents, shout conflicting messages. Sadly, good intentions and moderate personal desire are not enough to win the game and, with the clock ticking against us, we find ourselves frozen and unmoving. As the buzzer blasts to mark the end of the game, we leave the court to eat whatever isn’t nailed down for an indefinite period of time.
Yes, I’ve been a Vicki.
Dr. Gardner’s recent articles confirm how terribly confusing the whole weight loss challenge is – without even adding the big IF factor: What IF we’re not motivated to even join the game or begin to “follow a program”? What IF our Standard American Diet feels comfortable for us and the family and is affordable? What IF it’s all just too much effort? Even when you know your very life and health require that you, as the Young Women leader advised Vicki really need to “do something,” what IF you just don’t want to?
What do you do then? A beloved quote may be the answer for you as it has been for me for many years.
”Start with the necessary. Move on to the possible. Soon you’re doing the impossible!”
Doesn’t that just glitter with comfort and promise?
And it works! I’ve applied it to countless dreary tasks: For example when tired and facing a messy kitchen, I choose one simple task that must be done first — emptying the dishwasher, or clearing the table. It’s remarkable how just clearing out the sink or the dishwasher inspires the next necessary simple steps. It’s no different with laundry or computer paper work.
The trick is to take that first baby step! Thankfully, unlike a basketball game, there are no spectators, timed quarters, winners or losers. Even a so-so job at the “start with the necessary” baby steps usually provides visible results.
It’s amazing to see how after following through on the necessary, the next layer of “necessary” is exposed and somehow newly manageable. With the encouragement of the previous successful baby steps, it feels good to once again, just do the necessary.
With a little time, it’s a joy to look back and realize that something that seemed impossible a few hours, days, weeks, or months ago, is quietly being achieved.
Maybe Vicki’s Young Women leader has the best approach of all right: Even without all the facts or knowledge in place, to “Move around! Do something!” is plenty to get started, no matter if you’ve started a thousand times before.
Will that first step be enough to win the game? Probably not. But it will inspire further action to keep you in play. It is what ultimately helps us finish the game, and even endure to the end, perhaps the most oft-repeated scriptural counsel ever.
What is your “start with the necessary”? Rocket science and private expensive consultation, though at times required, are surely not prerequisites for doing something positive right now. Say a prayer right here at the computer and that wonderful spirit will whisper what you can do right now, today.
Perhaps it’s to prayerfully address and release a false body image or unrealistic ideal weight or exercise schedule. Perhaps it’s to toss out the chocolate chips you are eating on the sly, or to sign up for a strength-training class you know will both energize your spirit and strengthen bones and muscles.
Prayer will tell you your “start with the necessary.” Small, but measurable results (even it it’s in attitude or activity rather than in pounds or inches lost) will reveal the “move on to the possible.” And your success will soon show everyone that “you’re doing the impossible”!
Frequently it’s some upbeat music that helps us get and stay in the mood. Here’s a good
one: Hum along with a hymn we all know and love:
Have I Done Any Good? (Hymn #223)
Have I done any good for my health today
Have I helped my dear body in need
Have I taken a walk, done more than just talk
If not I have failed indeed
Will my body’s burden be lighter today
Because I was willing to care?
Though perhaps sick and weary, t’will be on its way
For when it needs help I am there
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of my good health to come
Doing good is my pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.
There are chances for health all around just now,
Opportunities right in my way.
I don’t let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But I go and do something today.
’Tis noble of me to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps his own body live.
To God each good work will be known.
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of my good health to come
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.
God bless Vicki, her devoted leader and us. We’re on our way again!
Don’t forget to check out the Kyani Nitro FX and the other Kyani products at www.Kyani.info! If you have any questions, you can reach me at Ca*****@Ky***.info or call me at 571-643-9295.