On my rant the other day, I did say one regrettable thing (and Amber at The Long Hard Road Out of Hell... was the first of several who called me out on it): I suggested that the couple I was writing about that day might be too far gone to change things for themselves.
Here's the thing: I don't really believe that.
There are folks out there who are absolutely up against it, who seem to be faced with an insurmountable challenge against unfathomable odds, but I don't truly believe they're too far gone.
There are people who look in the mirror and convince themselves that all hope is lost, that the mountain they must scale is just too high and too treacherous. They may be far from their goals, but they're definitely not too far gone.
Too far gone is stretched out in a casket or mixed up in an ashy urn. I'll even accept a doctor's note that proclaims you unfit for fitness, but barring that, I'm going to assume otherwise.
If you're up and on your own two feet, you're miles away from too far gone, my friend. If you're willing to work, willing to make a sacrifice or two, willing to take a leap of faith, then you're definitely not too far gone.
Because that's what it takes, you know.
A leap of faith.
A belief that there's a better life out there for you and that this is your time to engage and pursue it. I think that's what thwarts a lot of people, and I know it's tripped me up on more than one occasion. I wanted what I wanted, but I wasn't willing to do what it takes to make it happen. It wasn't like I didn't know perfectly well exactly what it takes to make it happen either. I just didn't do it... didn't take that leap.
A diet without true commitment is a promise made with your fingers crossed. To me, that commitment... that concept of buying in and owning your actions and your expectations... that's the key to the kingdom, the glue that holds all the other parts and pieces in place.
You may not have the wind to run a mile today.
You may not have the resources to join a gym or the free time to plot and plan each meal to the most healthful specifications.
You may not want to push yourself so far outside your comfort zone that you're... well... uncomfortable.
But make no mistake about it, inside each of us... whether it's just below the surface or deep within our souls... each of us has the drive and determination to make this magic happen for ourselves. It's within us all.
Too far gone? Not even close...
Thanks for the reminder, Amber.
