I just started a diet (Weight Watchers) in January. I know, I know, lots of people begin diets in January, don't they? And then, many times, they go back to their old ways and may end up gaining even more weight. Been there done that!
With so many weight-reducing programs to choose from, which is the "right" one'? There are low carbohydrate/high fat programs, and then there are the low fat ones, the super low calorie ones, etc. You can wrap yourself in saran wrap, sit in a sauna, exercise like a fiend--I've tried them all, yet I found my waistline (and the country's) expanding! Eek! There seems to be a missing ingredient!

My diet is different; it's called a Mental Diet. I am taking a break from negative thinking. Focusing on the good. Taking in nourishment that promotes my well-being. Giving myself a good dose of self-love, turning it all over to God and releasing that which no longer serves me. Isn't that the only diet there really is?

So, I'm giving it up to God. I don't have to always clean my plate to help starving children in the world that I was told about as a kid: "Clean your plate, there are children starving in Africa!" Now is that a good reason for me or any of us to add on and carry around extra weight, be uncomfortable, and possibly unhealthy? I think not.

This happens to be the time of year where many Christians celebrate Lent. They give up something they like (duh, why suffer?) and then after the 40 days of Lent, I assume they go back to eating it, drinking it, doing it, etc. So, this year for Lent, I am giving up negative thinking. I figure that's something I can give up that I won't want back! For me, LENT stands for, "Let's Eliminate Negative Thinking". I may as well give up something that is not for my highest good anyway!

How about letting go of the idea that I am not good enough? How about giving up the thought that I can't have my heart's desires? How about releasing those beliefs that stand in the way of me experiencing more joy? These limiting thoughts and beliefs are blocks to my own good. I am coming to see that my body is a vessel for spirit and that these blocks (represented by extra fat) are inhibiting the free flow of spirit through me. Besides, spending so much time losing and gaining it back again has been a real distraction to my spiritual growth. I decided I am ready to get over it and let it go!

It is food for the soul that nourishes me. This is what sustains me and gives me what I need to flourish. I am able to nourish my mind, body, and soul by being on a Mental Diet. Then, the Weight Watchers program (or any other one I choose to follow) will work because I am dealing with my consciousness first, and allowing the physical manifestation (the healthy, fit body) to follow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Kennedy is committed to assisting others in transforming their lives from the inside out! She is an inspirational speaker and writer. Diana is the author of Living from Spirit website and E zine. She is the Ministerial Assistant at Unity of Tallahassee where she leads the early service, classes and workshops. Diana is a licensed massage therapist specializing in Relaxation/Deep Tissue massage and energy balancing. Diana also leads TeleClasses on personal growth and spirituality. Sign up for a class on how to learn to be your own 'Inner Coach'. To register or to contact her, call 850-878-2130, visit www.dianakennedy.com, or email living_from_spirit@yahoo.com. To subscribe to Living from Spirit –A Breath of Inspiration, email Living_from_Spirit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.