When did we become a culture obsessed with the need for things to happen immediately? Everything from fast food, next day shipping and in my case weight-loss. We have lost our ability to wait. Does the speed with which we acquire these things make them infinitely better than if we had waited?
Whatever happened to slow cooked foods? A spaghetti sauce simmering slowing on the stove top for the afternoon or a roast dinner that bubbles away in the oven? Now if it can't be made in an Instant Pot people are turning to alternatives. If our package takes longer than 48hrs to arrive we are on the phone or emailing the company for an explanation. If we don't lose the appropriate amount of weight in a certain time we berate ourselves for not doing enough.
I understand that time is an issue for many people, myself included, but if Covid19 has taught us anything is it not to find enjoyment in a simpler lifestyle? Ween back on things that are just fillers and focus on core relationships and values? Don't get me wrong, there are times when instant gratification is warranted but there is something to be said for the anticipation and excitement that can be gained through patience. Why not take the time while dinner is in the oven to catch up with the kids, or call a friend or family member to chat? Make the waiting part of the fun. I realize that this may not be a doable concept during a typical work week where time is at a premium but perhaps on the weekend take a step back and enjoy things at a less harried pace.
When it comes to losing weight I think we all start off with such high hopes, giving ourselves a timeline that may not be easy to attain. When that time comes and we are still far from our goals we tend to direct our disappointment inwards. Negative talk becomes rampant and we look at giving up because obviously something is wrong with us and we just can't do it anymore. WRONG! There is nothing wrong with you!! Say it with me ... There is nothing wrong with me. Keep saying it until you believe it.
The goal we should be setting instead is a lifestyle change, eating better, getting more activity and making healthier choices. With these things in play weight-loss will happen the way it should, slowly and be sustainable for longer. If we focus on weight-loss only we are depriving ourselves the fulfillment that a balanced lifestyle provides.
-Nancy
ReplyDeleteThis is a blog I could have written. I noticed the instant culture when I taught. If students could not get a hold of me instantly they panicked. Sometimes they would call me st home late at night! I think certain reality shows and the Instagram culture have fuelled unrealistic and possibly unhealthy expectations about the rate of weight loss. Going fast often results in an unsustainable lifestyle and a focus on numbers vs. reflection on what caused our issues in the first place. Fast communication styles (text, FB, twitter) often mean that our contemplation of topics is superficial. It can be challenging to buck these trends.
Thank you for your comment. It's always nice to know when posts resonate with people. I can only imagine your frustrations as a teacher trying to navigate the "want it now" culture, obviously they are not familiar with the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare or choose to ignore it. We can only control our own actions and hopefully it will rub off.
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