There is a mountain of research on the mind-body connection and all of it indicates that changing our thoughts is the first step to changing our lives. How people view themselves when they are ill, as a victim or a fighter, is a good predictor as to the outcome of their illness. There have even been studies done in which people meditated themselves into weight loss. They focused their thoughts on what they wanted to look like during a daily meditation with no other support and they lost weight. What you believe is what you become. “I am a good parent.” “I am a good provider.” You believe these things about yourself and they are true. If you believe that you are a person who eats healthily, you will become one because you will look at your food choices from a healthy eater’s point of view. If you believe that you are a fitness oriented person, you might choose to go to the gym instead of sack out on the couch after work, no matter how tired you think you are. You get to choose your attitude toward your body, your fitness and your life.

Here is your opportunity to become the person you have always wanted to be: a risk taker, an eco-activist, a pioneer, a fitness model, an entrepreneur, a rodeo clown. Make a choice and then let people know about it. Ask for their support and then refrain from making self-deprecating comments when someone compliments you on your efforts. Say, “Thank you.” The fewer times you say the negative words out loud (“I will never be good at this.”), the less likely the thoughts are to return. The more often you accept a compliment, the more likely you are to believe it (“I am looking healthier these days!”). The more you believe something about yourself, the more likely you are to continue to live like that person.

You get to define who you are. Not your parent’s voice. Not society’s voice. Your voice. So, who are you? What are you? Really. What was the first thought that came to your mind? Was it negative? “I’ll always be fat no matter what I do.” Was it positive? “I am a fitness machine. Go me!” Be conscious of your thoughts and choose them carefully because they create your world. Next time you ask me how I’m doing, pay attention to my answer.