When I was growing up, we had an above-ground swimming pool. It was quite large, and its oval shape made it possible to swim laps. But because it was 4 feet deep all the way across, our favorite activity as kids was to create currents. We called them “whirlpools.”
To make a whirlpool, my younger sister and I would both begin swimming or walking forcefully in the same direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) around the perimeter of the pool. This was actually a lot harder than it sounds. The weight of the water pushing against us forced us to struggle. But eventually, after a couple of trips around, it got easier, because the water started to help push us along. Once we got a really fast current going, we could then float along with it - the very definition of “going with the flow.”
For a real challenge, we’d decide sometimes to switch directions. With the water going full-speed in a clockwise current, we’d suddenly stand up and start pushing against it, trying to walk or swim counter-clockwise.
This was most challenging of all.
Today, as I thought about the battle that I’m going to face as I make changes to my eating habits, it occurred to me that it’s a lot like trying to “make a new whirlpool.” It’s so much easier to go with the flow of my current habits - the complete lack of thought, planning, or restraint in what I choose…eating more for entertainment and pleasure than nourishment…not even trying to fight Crazed Addict Fatgirl. Just like back on those hot summer days in the above-ground pool, changing my direction is HARD. I’m going to have to fight with every ounce of my being to keep from letting the natural momentum of my current habits sweep over me and carry me back to where I used to be.
What I need to keep in mind, though, is that eventually, with some momentum, it does get easier. There does come a point where new habits seem to become stronger than the old ones, where eating for nourishment has its own very motivating rewards, where feeling better and feeling lighter are enough to make Crazed Addict Fatgirl lose all her powers.
And every little decision to stay faithful to my plan and my commitment will help me reach that point. Until I can throw myself back onto the force of the momentum itself and float along blissfully in the summer sun.