Your struggle is universal. We all see the things we don't like about ourselves. Whether they are physical characteristics (that aren't easily changed), or aspects like weight, flabbiness, stretch marks, cellulite....I could go on and on. and yet, interestingly, most of us do not judge others on the harsh scale that we judge ourselves on. I still (in my 60's) have difficulty looking at photos of myself, even though I'm told I'm a good-looking woman. Thanks for another inspiring piece!
That’s not to say you shouldn’t work on your health. It’s to say that every imperfection is not a moral failure. All of us have warts. Some hide them better than others. That’s all. Hang tough.
Losing weight is hard, as I know, and when I backslide it seems like a failure. But it's not a failure, it's a temporary setback. These normal human frailties are too often seen as a failure of character, but imo it's more of a reverting to ingrained habits that have been helped along by the advertising and availability of unhealthy food. Your writing is important and may you stay healthy and live a long and prolific writing life.
Adam, please allow me to call you Adam, because I have been following you for long enough now, and have read so much of your published writing, that despite your own doubts, we all know that you are a smart, hard working, Admirable man.
If you have come to understand Dunning-Kruger, then you should also be able to appreciate that your occasional doubts are not signs of insufficiency, but rather markers of an emotional and intellectual maturity and expertise. Take comfort in that.
I have followed you all this time because you are admirable, of that, have no doubt. Accept God's gifts to you in that regard and continue to be brave, which is to act despite fear and doubts. You are, like someone else who comes to mind today, an example to all of us
Please consider extending the same grace to yourself that you would extend to another person. Yes, you should hold yourself to a high standard -- but also know that perfectionism is bound to fail.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring victor story. Think you’ll enjoy a lesser known poem called the man in the glass. Here’s the last two stanzas:
You may be one who got a good break And think you're a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a fake
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass;
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you cheated the man in the glass.
Thank you for sharing that.
Your struggle is universal. We all see the things we don't like about ourselves. Whether they are physical characteristics (that aren't easily changed), or aspects like weight, flabbiness, stretch marks, cellulite....I could go on and on. and yet, interestingly, most of us do not judge others on the harsh scale that we judge ourselves on. I still (in my 60's) have difficulty looking at photos of myself, even though I'm told I'm a good-looking woman. Thanks for another inspiring piece!
Thank you for sharing as well
Very sound advice, Adam.
Thank you. Hopefully it helps others.
Forgive yourself. Then you can forgive others.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t work on your health. It’s to say that every imperfection is not a moral failure. All of us have warts. Some hide them better than others. That’s all. Hang tough.
Thank you. I will.
You're not alone Adam. Many of us struggle mightily to control our eating.
A small thing that helps me- when I want to snack, I ask myself, are you really hungry? Are are you eating out of habit? Or b/c you're bored?
It's almost never b/c I'm hungry.
You are doing well. Keep it up!
Hopefully your new way of looking at yourself will help with the other half of the struggle- avoiding back-sliding.
Stay blessed.
Losing weight is hard, as I know, and when I backslide it seems like a failure. But it's not a failure, it's a temporary setback. These normal human frailties are too often seen as a failure of character, but imo it's more of a reverting to ingrained habits that have been helped along by the advertising and availability of unhealthy food. Your writing is important and may you stay healthy and live a long and prolific writing life.
Thank you so much. You're absolutely right.
Adam, please allow me to call you Adam, because I have been following you for long enough now, and have read so much of your published writing, that despite your own doubts, we all know that you are a smart, hard working, Admirable man.
If you have come to understand Dunning-Kruger, then you should also be able to appreciate that your occasional doubts are not signs of insufficiency, but rather markers of an emotional and intellectual maturity and expertise. Take comfort in that.
I have followed you all this time because you are admirable, of that, have no doubt. Accept God's gifts to you in that regard and continue to be brave, which is to act despite fear and doubts. You are, like someone else who comes to mind today, an example to all of us
Thank you for the kind words, Keith. Of course, you can call me Adam.
Well said. Best wishes for success on your journey from a fellow traveler!
Thank you 🙏
Please consider extending the same grace to yourself that you would extend to another person. Yes, you should hold yourself to a high standard -- but also know that perfectionism is bound to fail.
Looking great brother. Keep strengthening your mind and your body. You have a great deal to offer this world.