November 8, 2012 - The Smell of Victory

I have been thinking about Thanksgiving morning and my favorite part: the smell of Tom Turkey baking in the oven. To me, there are not many scents that fill the entire house - every inch - and are proud of it. When I think of that scent, I immediately travel to past years of family mornings of watching the Parade by the fire - and that scent; of setting the table with baby turkeys and pumpkins - and that scent; of watching my father carve the bird delicately collecting the skin that we fought over as children - AND THAT SCENT! I was thinking about how powerful that fragrance and ALL the memories that flood my soul are. They are so real to me, and yet fifty years old. Sometimes I will make a turkey breast and I am convinced that I JUST NEED THE SMELL. There are places in our lives where we experienced JOY, family, happy memories, peace. Where is that for you? That's my happy place. Along our freedom journey, there are going to be times when giving up may seem easy. Returning to the prison of obesity may seem to be the only "easy" thing to do. When you have those days, can you find a place, a scent and family tradition (not related to food) that brings a smile and releases some endorphins? Sometimes we must remember the good and the victorious spots and we must encourage OURSELVES that life is GOOD. Negativity and failure seem to suck the LIFE from our will to be free. Then, the excuses begin to flow. I challenge each of us to be real - there will be bumps, daily, but as long as we continue to do what's right in the face of wrong options.........we win. God told Cain that sin was crouching at the door, but he simply needed to do what was right. I like to remind people that making excuses for weaknesses means you get to keep them. ALL of us have temptations and weaknesses, but our response on a consistent basis, is the real hope. SOMETIMES, when I am weak, it's critical that I stop and remind myself that I have experienced victory on many occasions. I go to my "happy place" and gain strength. Sometimes we need to light a candle that reminds us of Christmas morning and smile. Life throws hard things and we can get consumed. Stop and find the thing that makes you smile and remember the good - stop focusing on the failure. Put the cookie down and grab and apple. Burn the candle and make a new sensation connection. Our minds and memories are amazing. I challenge you today, no matter where you are on your journey, find the victory slots and smile. The releasing of endorphins will help you feel good about yourself and that is usually enough of the boost we need to drink another 8 and eat the apple. wink Choose life this day and eat to live, PK