This is a really good time of year to make some changes.  The days are getting longer, we're pulling out the summer clothes, working outside, getting more walks in.  There is a positive energy that says if you have been thinking about going for it, why not now.

I have a challenge for May.  Let's really examine some of our false beliefs and replace them with the truth and then take action.

As some of you know, I was really enjoying Starbucks Iced Chai lattes.   At 42 grams of sugar per drink (and almost $4) it was getting old, but I was having a hard time quitting.  I would decide not to buy them anymore, but then it was like my car was taken over by some other force and I would find myself back at the window getting my treat.  Depending on the day, I was either resigned to being hooked on these things and just making a deal with myself to work off the extra sugar, to vowing once and for all to give them up.  It was making me crazy.

I've never done this before, but for Lent I decided to give something up- my Iced Chai's.  The first two days were rough.  I really wanted one.  I thought about them and missed them.  But it felt to me like they were not an option so I just dealt with not having them.  Then by day three the craving disappeared.  I mean completely.  For the next seven weeks, I hardly thought about them at all.  When Easter came and Lent was over, I drove through and got one right away.  (Smart, I know.  Remember, I struggle.)  But I just didn't enjoy it.  The craving was gone.

I am happy to say I haven't had one since and I feel much better.  I don't miss it and it taught me a big lesson.  I still have lots of false beliefs floating around in this head of mine.  The false belief was "I am addicted to Iced Chai and need to buy one when I crave one."  The truth is I was creating those cravings by drinking them and I don't need them at all to be happy.

Here are some of the false beliefs I hear the most.  I don't have time.  I'm too busy.  I'm not motivated.  I can't.  It won't happen for me.  I have other responsibilities.  I don't like vegetables.  I'm a sugar addict.  Can you imagine for a moment what your life would be like if you believed the opposite?  I do have time!  I'm not too busy!  I AM motivated.  It will happen for me.

The only way to manifest your heart's desire is to take radical responsibility which means taking action.  None of this happens by thinking about it.  A lot of the things I write about are internal and I ask you to search your motives and the things that keep you stuck.  But it can't stop there.  It gets exciting when you begin to understand yourself in such a way as to get unstuck and begin to move forward.  To choose differently.  To take action.

Some of you have a hundred pounds to lose.  Some of you have the last five or ten.  Both of these scenarios can torment us equally.  No matter where you are on your journey or how long you have been there, today is the day to step it up.  No more excuses.  Take radical responsibility for your choices and if you don't like the outcome, choose differently.

What lies have their hooks in you?  Do you believe that you can't exercise daily?  Do you believe that you have to have sugar and crappy carbs?  Do you believe that you are too old to experience your healthy weight?  Do you believe that being healthy and fit is for other people?  That you don't have self discipline?

I reject all these lies.  I hate them.  They are not helping us love life or experience our heart's desire.  I want you to expose them for the deception that they are.  The only way to do this is to prove them wrong by taking action.  Get yourself organized.  Take some positive steps.  Big ones- big enough for you to see some real results and success.  That means buy lots of healthy stuff.  Cook.  Eat simply when you go out (grilled chicken salads with balsamic!).  Get off the sugar.  Get up early and work out.  Take the old "I know what to do, I just don't do it" and turn it on its head.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.  Now imagine the rest of your summer where you are moving in the direction of your dreams.  Allow yourself to feel what it will be like to succeed.  If fear comes up, that's OK.  I am afraid.  I've tried before and failed and it was horrible.  It is safer to stay stuck and blame it on my excuses.  But that is selling yourself so short.  Don't give up.  It is worth the fight.  It really is worth the fight.