Lessons Re-Learned

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things: schedules, the amount of time spent at home, stress levels, and eating habits. For me, the last one has not been for the better.

We’re only human and most of us are not perfect at everything. It is normal to get sidetracked when trying to eat healthy. However, eating processed food has consequences. Sometimes small consequences, and sometimes big ones.

It happened. I accepted it and I am doing something about it. I knew that the best thing I could do is leave the past behind and focus on moving forward. The rest of my life is still ahead of me, so I don’t look back, I look forward.

I revisited what motivates me and I am getting back on track. My best motivator - fear works very effectively.  Since the doctor told me that I am a good candidate for Type 2 Diabetes I immediately resumed better compliance with eating for health and weight loss. One huge plus to my method is that I see weight-loss results quickly.

A good friend of mine, who always tells the truth unless battery runs out of juice, is very supportive by delivering results with a 0. 2 lb. / 3 oz. accuracy displayed on LCD screen daily.

Another thing I re-learned is that staying on track is crucial to my success, but it’s not always about perfection as much as it is about consistency. I don’t have to be perfect to experience real change and improvements in my health. I am amazed again that so much can change in a short span of time.

Falling off the wagon doesn't mean having to stay off. Life happens. Lesson learned. 

Listening is a key

Listening is something we all do and something we can do more of.  Becoming a good listener is a learned practice. People can learn it. \

There is a difference between listening hearing. One is more active and requires effort, while the other is involuntary and natural. To master learning and communication, it takes both hearing and listening.

Reflect on an occasion when you had something to say, something important or vulnerable to share, and you knew you had the full attention of the other person. That level of attention, when you know the other person is really listening to you, makes you feel valued. 

Now think about a time when you had something to say, but you didn’t get that level of attention. The other person was distracted or disinterested, and you felt ignored, diminished, and inconsequential. 

A good conversation can be a learning opportunity but when we interrupt our conversational partner, we lose a valuable chance to learn. Some people are impatient and they only pretend to listen. 

When we listen, really listen to what others have to say, their insight may surprise you. When we don’t interrupt, but wait, allowing others to finish sometimes we learn that we can’t anticipate what they will share.  

No matter how good a listener we believe we are, it is possible to listen more closely. 

I know I could improve my communication skills to be a better listener.