How Easter dinner changed the way I think about winning and losing.
A few days ago, Christians around the world celebrated Easter. It's also the day that many Wisconsinites enjoyed baked ham, scalloped potatoes, and sugary treats. It's also the day I learned something about winning and losing!
I love my mom's cooking! Though she'll frequently talk about "overcooking the potatoes" or "I undercooked something," quite honestly, it's all in her head. She reads this blog, and I'd like her to know that I, publicly, think she's a great cook, and she doesn't over/undercook nuttin'!
Now that I've earned the prize of being called "#1 Son," I want to get into how my mom's dinner, a choice to make bread, and the next day taught me something about life.
Last year I lost 100 pounds. It took an entire year, but I did it. I'm planning to lose more this year. I didn't "go on something," I didn't "eat avocado toast" for days. I chose to solve the root cause of a problem I've had for decades - stress and insulin resistance.
To solve stress, I made changes in my life that improve stress. I found a therapist, improved relationships (most notably with myself), ate foods that supported by adrenal glands, and studied stoicism and mindfulness.
To solve for insulin resistance, I made changes that improve insulin sensitivity. I eat 7-10 cups of vegetables per day. I try to limit my sugar intake to nothing. I eat very low-carb/starch foods. I focus on consuming moderate amounts of healthy fats and proteins. Lastly, I only eat when I'm hungry, which is typically once per day. I'm not starved, I'm not wasting away, and I'm in excellent health!
Why am I telling you all of this?
Because it took a full year to do! It did not just happen overnight. It took a year to develop habits and rituals I use daily to maintain optimum health. A year to reverse a pre-diabetic diagnosis, get off blood pressure medication, and to effectively self-manage the beast known as "bipolar disorder!"
I played an infinite game of self-improvement. What was my aim? Optimum health. When would I achieve it? Can't tell. It's a pursuit, a lifestyle, a desire to be a better, and a different person for life.
Flash forward to April 12, 2020.
The sourdough bread I made, the pineapple-glazed baked ham, the scalloped potatoes, and the CHEESECAKE were on the table. The foul sirens of mythology were there in Delafield - singing to me.
I ate them all. And, I can't tell you how good that dopamine hit feels. That momentary feeling of pleasure. The hit of "feel good" that our primitive mind gives us when we've taken down a beast to eat! What a great experience.
Then I woke up, April 13, and felt what I realized was a byproduct of yesterday's binge. I'll spare the details. But instead, I'll ask myself this question, "Was it worth it?" Yes and no.
Yes, because my mom is a fantastic cook. I know it makes her happy to see her kids happy and enjoying themselves. I'll also mention, she went out of her way to ask me if I had any needs. I don't. I made a conscious choice to enjoy the food.
No, because I regretted it the next day.
The quick wins are and aren't always worth it. You could triumph over another individual in a debate, but did you sacrifice a long-term relationship in the process?
You might miss an opportunity now because you're holding out for the thing that makes you come alive. There are no rules.
There are only the decisions you take now.
Keep your destination at the front of your mind, and don't stress if you veer off the path. It's only a sidestep.
Pick your head back up.
Get your bearings.
Take a step.
