Getting Past What Holds You Back with Baby Boomer Weight Loss Expert Scott 'Q' Marcus
Image ©2009 Scott “Q” Marcus
Give room for others for to do the same with theirs.
We are all going in the same direction. However, we might take different paths.
Especially during this time of year, take time to understand other cultures and beliefs. It will enrich your own life and give you greater understanding.
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Ramadan Mubarak. Happy Kwanzaa. Peace.
You might think I’m a little old to be crawling up on your lap; and after a bulging feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, and uncountable red and green cookies, you probably don’t want me weighing down your knee for too long. However, my inner child never grew up; he simply became wrinkled; so I still like some gift requests I have not had answered. I figure, who better than you to help?
I promise I won’t take too much time; I understand you’re busy and have a few things on your mind. If you prefer, I can email or text my list to your phone; I’m all about the convenience.
It is way wrong that when I’m upset, everything I desire causes a weight gain. I get stressed so I eat something comforting. I get fatter — and that stresses me out even more. What’s that about? How fair is that? If you can’t deliver non-fattening comfort foods, I’ll consider the option of modified lettuce that tastes like chocolate. Just a thought…
When I look in the mirror, I want a flat profile looking back; one that doesn’t require me sucking in my stomach so deep my voice jumps two octaves. I know, I know; fifty-somethings don’t look like 18-year-olds; don’t bore me with logic. But in all fairness, I never had the flat, rock hard look as a teenager either, so I’d appreciate seeing what it feels like to have six-pack abs without having to forego the six packs — if you catch my drift. Please don’t misunderstand; don’t give me a gym membership or sit-up machine; those involve exertion, and who in their right mind wants to wake up Christmas morning to a present requiring sweating and groaning? Yick! I just want to go to sleep chubby, and wake up slim. You figure out how please.
As you gather with family and friends, remember this is a time to give thanks for what you have – including your history.
None of us would exist without so many before us. Find out who they are. Learn what they did.
Realize you are the culmination of all their hopes and dreams.
When I was seven years old, in 1962, my parents moved to California. (It seemed appropriate for me to go with them.)
Recently, I was speaking in the Great Lake State and had a few spare days, and the assistance of my cousin Steve, who still lives there; so I wanted to revisit my first elementary school and the last house I remember from early childhood. We clambered into his green panel van and headed to Livonia, a suburb.
While Steve slowly drove by Botsford Elementary, giving me plenty of viewing time to prompt old memories, the staff began studying us through the school’s windows. Realizing this was no longer 50 years ago; it dawned on me that two middle-aged men driving sluggishly around an elementary school in a panel van could be misinterpreted.
We moved on.
Of course, any vehicle listlessly rolling down a street with its residents studying every house will attract attention anywhere; so as we passed “my” house, the resident studied us from his front porch. Not desirous of another misinterpretation, I approached the young man and reached out to shake his hand.
“Hi, my name’s Scott. I lived here from 1958 through 1962. I’m visiting from California and I wanted to see where I was little. Would it be okay if I looked around?”
“Wow! I wasn’t even born then! Sure. Feel free.”
Emboldened, I took it another step.
“Would it be too much to ask if I could go inside?”
“I’m a trusting guy,” he replied, “Come in.”
It may seem “silly” but many of our behaviors started when we were children. Our parents – who were doing the best they knew how to do – passed along what they had learned from their parents, who passed along what they learned, who passed along what they learned…
If what we learned as children is still helpful to us now, it makes sense to continue to believe it. However, if the result is painful, it’s time to release it and move on.
However, do it with grace and compassion. Blame will not help.