Perfect Patty

Is there that one person in your life whom you look at with envy? You know her - she's Perfect Patty. Despite having three kids and a full-time job, she's the one who works out before she comes to work. She packs her lunch almost everyday and it always looks like somebody's backyard garden. She's the one who reaches for her walking shoes instead of a cup of joe when the midafternoon doldrums hit. She's that person who makes being healthy look so darn easy.

You know what? Even Perfect Patty has rough days. And it's likely that she didn't always have these healthy habits. Yes, it's quite possible that one day, long ago, she was just like you - struggling to be healthier. It probably looks easy because she's formed habits. Behaviors don't make it into our routines as habits until we practice them over and over and over. It takes awhile. The reason we have a hard time sticking to these healthy behaviors is because we lose patience for the process. Ah yes, patience - one of the most difficult qualities for most of us to cultivate.

You know in your heart that healthy behaviors don't become true lifestyles overnight, however putting this awareness into practice as you try to become healthier is essential. Be patient with yourself. You're working to change habits that you've developed throughout most of your life. So take another look at Perfect Patty and let her be an inspiration to you. Maybe even grab your own walking shoes and join her.