Relationships

There are two types of people. Those we who come into a room and say, "Well, here I am!" and those who come in and say, "Ah, there you are."
~ Frederick L. Collins ~

What a quirky little quote. I almost passed it by. However, a very real lesson is to be learned in this funny little thought.

In your weight-loss journey, there might be those in your lives who try to derail your efforts. Sometimes their attempts are obvious. However, sometimes their damaging actions are so discreet they might not realize they are doing them. You still must be on the lookout.

What your friends and loved ones say to you and in the manner in which they say it can be very telling. They might plant seeds of doubt in your minds, or compliment you in a condescending way.

It also might be in their actions – giving you inappropriate food for gifts or taking you to dinner at restaurants with unhealthy menu items they know you find hard to resist. They might just ignore you and never compliment you on your successes.

Some people find it hard to cope when you are taking charge of your life, getting healthy and looking more fit. Perhaps they are threatened by or even jealous of your new life. People have learned to deal with you at your starting weight and shape. By changing, you are pulling the rug out from under them and some don’t know how to deal with that – especially the ones who walk into the room and say, “Well, here I am!”

Keep in mind, though, that you could very well become that “Well, here I am!” person too. When your body starts changing and you start feeling better physically, a whole new world will be yours. Handle the change with care or you might lose some very important people in your life. Enjoy your success – you deserve it. Just don’t ignore others or rub people’s faces in it.

To be successful in your weight-loss journey, it is essential to surround yourself with the second type of people - the ones who say, “Ah, there you are.” We need friends and loved ones around us who lift us with their spirits. Those special people make our journey so much more enjoyable, fun and rewarding. Seek these types of people out and surround yourself with their love and light.

In addition, you need to BE like the second type of person too. Always strive to be a good friend and give unconditional love and support to others. You will be a role model to many people on your journey, whether you know it or not. While you will have many hours in the spotlight, don’t forget your friends and loved ones have equally important matters in their lives that deserve some recognition too.

Growth opportunity for the day: Which type of person are you – one who comes into a room and says, "Well, here I am!" or one who comes in and says, "Ah, there you are”? Were you like that before you started your journey? If not, what changed?

Now think of the important people in your life and identify which type of person they are. What makes you identify them that way? For those are the first type, what can you say or do to show them you need them to be the second type?