Friend of Julie: Example

Continuing the conversations about the key concepts of Compromise and Sacrifice, these are personal stories, from my survey, about the key concept example.

image source: Each One Teach Won

(Each paragraph is a response from a different person in response to my survey.)

I made one year on maintenance; I hope this is an appropriate example for people who continue to be on this journey to the best of their ability, and that I am a positive example for following correctly.

I remember Julie talking about setting an example for oneself--for one's body. Sort of like showing it what you want it to do, exemplifying a new pattern, that it can follow. I recall being struck by how it was for ourselves. I thought of it in terms of neuroplasticity…. the habits we have fallen into have actual neuronal pathways…sort of like wearing a groove into the road during mud season. When you refuse to go into those ruts any more, and begin to carve a new pathway, new neuronal networks are created, and each time you use them they are strengthened. And as time goes on, the old pathways, ruts, can actually atrophy. So I think of setting an example is sort of like a signpost in the brain saying "This way to sanity and health"--or-- "Detour-old road unsafe - not to be used anymore," that we have to show our bodies how they can function more effectively and healthily.

By staying true to the key program, proving it works, is the greatest example and I live it daily. Being successful is a gift I can give to others. For a few days now lots of off-program foods have been on my mind, making me crazy! I even believe I've gotten bigger just because I'm thinking of them. So I'm looking within for the cause and I know it's because I get anxious when go away. I'm going away for a month and my old tapes are playing "eat for comfort." It's like having food dreams while I'm awake. Thanks to this program I won't indulge, I will do what we do for little kids: divert my attention; maybe take a cue from Jennifer and clean something!!

I remember Julie speaking briefly about example. She suggested experimenting with leaving some primo bite on the plate. At this point, I'm taking baby steps. I'm noticing, but not trying to control my appetite, or limit when and how much I eat-as long as it is healthy. That seems about as much as I can tackle for now. When I am more stable with that and I feel more confident, perhaps once I reach goal, I will take on more. Anyway, the grasshopper is very glad to have something to offer to the master.

As for example, I am looking forward to being that person who is a living testament that a healthy lifestyle is attainable.

To steal a quote from the "12 step" programs "It works if you work it." The key program works, but you need to "work it" the way it was designed. Then we can be an example of hope for those who are still hopeless. We can't pass on the gift of Julie unless we are true success stories!

When I was in Julie's third class, she said it was more than just waiting for results and calling that an example...

The example -- this is the hard one -- but I agree with Eva in how she looks at it EVERY DAY. I've practiced this lifestyle over the past 4 months (today is my anniversary day), I am setting a new example... creating new pathways for me to follow even when I'm out of the river someday. I'm getting good at not eating until I'm hungry. I am ALSO, trying to practice that even though we are ALLOWED something, it doesn't mean I HAVE to have it all the time. I now only have cheese every other day and in much less quantities. When I'm hungry before bed, I no longer eat a whole container of pepperoni. Instead, before I open the bag, I decide how many pieces I'm going to allow myself; 5 usually works. This may not sound like much of a sacrifice or compromise, but at night I used to binge eat; for me--this is example, compromise and sacrifice!! Another compromise is that even though sour cream comes with fajitas, I substitute blue cheese dressing; I'm glad I never liked guacamole. Another example I started: even though they give me tons of cheese and dressing for my steak fajita, I don't HAVE to have some with my steak EVERY bite. It feels good to send the empty steak plate back with most of the cheese and dressing! I'm trying to work up to sending my plate back with one GOOD "primo" bite left on it -- I have a hang up about feeling like I get my money's worth, when I go to dinner and think that's why I don't like leaving protein behind.

I went to a refresher today and she explained each concept:

• free will: do not weigh yourself on a scale
• compromise: meat and vegetables only
• sacrifice: never let anything sweet touch your lips
• example: the examples she used are: eat only when you are hungry and do not eat the salad before your meal

There you have it: real life examples of how people following this program are applying the key concepts of: compromise, sacrifice, example, and - I almost forgot: free will! Where would we be without the free-will component?

What's your experience with these key concepts?

Related Posts:

• Compromise
• Sacrifice