When I was a kid one of the greatest causes of my anxiety was not knowing an answer to a problem or worse yet having to ask someone to help me out. I would have rather spent hours trying to figure out the solution to my problem on my own than dare go up and ask one of my teachers for help. In doing so, I wasted many precious hours searching and researching a topic versus going straight to the source for guidance. Even if they didn't give me the answer, I am sure they would have pointed me in the right direction. When I started my journey to a healthier me in February 2005 I decided this time I was not going to follow just another diet--I was going to educate myself on the process of getting healthy. I was no longer going to accept everything at face value. I am a firm believer that when we understand and educate the why and how things happen to our bodies during the process, then and only then we can let go of the myths many of us have spent a lifetime following. When I joined SparkPeople five years ago the Healthy Lifestyle Centers became my source of knowledge and education. Not only are the articles well researched, but they are written in a manner that makes it easy for most of us to understand. The Community Message Boards also became a source of help and guidance. Coach Jen, Coach Nicole, Coach Tanya, Coach Dean and Dietitian Becky all became a part of my team in helping me learn about this process of gaining my health back, so much so, they inspired me to reach outside my basic knowledge and do my own research. When I took up running a year later in 2006, I began working with a running coach. I spent countless hours reading up on the topic and asking lots of questions. If my coach didn't know the answer, he would find out or he would point me in the direction where I could find the answer. This inspired me to seek my own Running Coach's Certification through the Road Runners Club of America in July 2009. This year I started studying for my American Council of Exercise Personal Training Certification. I have had to delay some of my studying due to many family obstacles, but my goal for 2011 is to take the exam so that I can help others better understand the process of embracing healthy habits. There is an old saying that reads, "there is never a dumb question, but a question that was never asked." I am slowly learning that asking questions is not a character flaw. If I knew everything there is to know than I would never be where I am in my life at this moment in time. For me education is what has allowed me to let go of the diet mentality I was stuck in for well over 30 years and learn that I am truly an experiment of one. Have you ever been afraid to ask for help? Do you believe education is a key role in letting go of the diet mentality? |
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