Getting Back on Track
By Janis Roszler, RD, CDE,
LD/N
“I cannot control how I am perceived; I
can only control how I am presented.”
This quote is completely true.
You can control what you do and say, but you have no control over how others will
respond. This piece of wisdom did not come from an ancient text—it came from a
TV show. Life Stylist, Jared Weiss, taught this mantra a while back to a
less-than-confident young woman on an older Bravo television program, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style. I wish I had heard it sooner, because I definitely
could have used this phrase a few weeks ago.
About a month ago, I
decided to play catch-up with my health. I’m usually good about making routine
medical appointments, but every so often, I miss an expert or two. So, to get
back on track, I decided to catch up—I got my teeth cleaned, had my eyes
examined, stopped in at the dermatologist, and made a few additional
appointments.
When I walked into one of
the doctor’s office, the receptionist’s reaction threw me off balance. As I
signed in, she glanced up over her reading glasses, and mumbled, “Janis
Roszler? Wow, you really haven’t been here in a long time! I think your file is
in storage.”
I nervously apologized and
said that I was trying my best to stay current. What was her response?
“Really? Well, I never miss
any of MY appointments or tests! I believe in preventative care!”
My blood began to boil and
I fought the urge to run out of the building. I could hear my heart race and my
voice scream inside my head, “Well excuuuuse me, Lady. I write health articles
and books for a living. I believe in preventative care, too!”
If you have neglected your
health, you can take charge of your life and truly change your future. But I
must warn you: You may not get the support that you expect to receive. Your
spouse may put you down. Your parents may remind you of how you have failed in
the past. And yes, a rude receptionist may criticize you.
Don’t let these comments
stop you from doing what you know is necessary and right for you.
Here are a few things to
keep in mind as you take that first step on the road to better health:
1.
Put
yourself first. This
may sound selfish, but you can’t help anyone else if you are not well.
2. Be an example to your family. If you want your children to care for
their health, you must show them that it is a priority in your life.
3. Ignore people who don’t support you. Their comments can’t stop you from becoming
and staying healthy and strong.
4. Be your own cheerleader. You can do it!
5. Be who you deserve to be. Present yourself as you wish to be
seen, and don’t worry about what people think about you.
If you need to, repeat this
mantra...
“I cannot control how I am perceived; I
can only control how I am presented.”
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