Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 139 – Confession

[Mahler]

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Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 139 – Confession


Confession


With the recent passing of Halloween, we have begun what I like to term as the “Season of Indulgence.” It is a time of year when many of our grand plans for nutritional perfection blithely wing their way out the window. And we willingly open that window as wide as we open our cake hole. So, I am here to confess. Forgive me, my brothers and sisters, for I have sinned.

It all began with that enormous bowl of candy sitting and waiting for the children of the neighborhood. Poised there in its readiness, it called to me. And the voices, those insistent voices, were those of little brightly packaged treats with clever and cute names to make them even more enticing. Names like M&M’s and Skittles. Names like Snickers and Kisses. Oh, yes. Names that make you think how sweet and harmless they must be, but make no mistake, they were pure and unadulterated temptation. And, without a pause to consider my impending fall from grace, I gave in to that temptation.

As the week continued, I planned to be good, to be the contrite sinner and repent for my indiscretions. Yet, in my weakness, I succumbed once more, to a weekend of culinary debauchery. Planned outings with friends compelled me to carouse in dens of iniquity, cleverly disguised with names of Italian restaurants. Friendly names, like those of old acquaintances. Names like Vincenzo’s and Sal’s Little Italy. And my time spent there resulted in an orgy of eating and my sins mounted. For they tempted me there, with delicacies beyond my poor powers to resist. They placed before me and, forgive me, with my approval, dishes such as chicken parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo and lasagna. And these plates of palate pleasers had lesser minions like wine, bread, salad dressing. I was, in a word, doomed.

Oh, yes, I tried to assuage my feelings of guilt. I pulled out all the stops and used words like “re-feed” and “cheat day.” But, I know what those days, nay, that entire week, was. It was gluttony and it was my descent into hell.

This morning I woke up from that nightmare to realize that it was all true and that the scale was there to confront me and to confirm it with its red hot, flaming digital numbers. There, staring back at me from the floor like an accusation, was a reading that was nearly two and one half pounds more of my corpulent self. I could almost hear the evil laughter.

Well, my friends, that is how some of us view ourselves, when we fall off the wagon, so to speak. Somehow we see ourselves as having done something so wrong and so irreversible that there is no redemption. With the “Season of Indulgence” upon us it is often easy to give up, to give in to all the temptations. But, keep in mind that there are things that are good for the body and things that are good for the spirit. Good times with friends can be numbered among them. Don’t beat yourself up when you have these little lapses, in whatever form they may come.

After getting off that scale, I got on my workout clothes, had my protein shake, and had a great workout. Hopefully, I can stay the course in preparation for the Thanksgiving weekend. I know that whatever comes along during the holidays, it is not something I cannot deal with. But, you cannot give up completely. Climbing back on the wagon is a lot easier if you don’t let the wagon pull out too far ahead of you.


Now go and sin no more (until the next time).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have a Great Week!

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[Blackjack]

Wow, John. This one really spoke to me this week. Halloween got me last week as well. Then two days later it was my B-Day. Then three days later it was my wife's B-Day. Will stress at work and at home, that crap really seemed to do the trick however.

Like you though, I'm going to "hit it hard" this week. My goal is to get as lean as ever before Thanksgiving and maintain throughout the Season.

Good luck to you and everyone else trying to do the same.

Thanks for the messages...Ted

[Lost Dog]

Halloween was no problem! But, it's days like Thanksgiving, when you're just hanging out all day, that kill me.

[jvernacchio]

My sinful demons are a good micro-brew calling me and taunting me daring me to imbibe its liquidy goodness!

[Ogedei]

Speak the gospel brother!

[GG300]

John nice to know we all have the same Demon's. This week will be a virtual mix of Good and Evil enjoying several B-Day Celebrations with family and friends. Next week Monday I am sure I will be right where you were when you stepped on thatr scale.

[OldGuy]

Those damn Hershey Kissables. Who invented them and why didn't they make a dark chocolate version?

[gobbla]

they do have dark kisses, they're in a purple wrapper\foil

Great MMMM. It's cool to overdo it once in a while if you're willing to admit you're overdoing it. The denile is the problem!

[Ogedei]

I hate that river....

[K-Court]

LOL, Og. I thought the same thing. The river's run dry?

John, nice twist at the end of this MMMM. Up to the penultimate paragraph I was going to chide you for being too hard on yourself. Then, you came through with the zinger. Nice. I too find those damned Halloween treats irresistable ... my son's loot is still sitting on the kitchen counter staring at me .... :0

[Kaiser]

John, have you been watching me in some sort of 'Truman Show' way? Because what you describe is that is the same thing that happened to me. One candy holiday and one relative's big wedding affair later, I stepped on the scale this morning and was shocked. This despite the fact that I went for a hard 2+ hour bike ride yesterday that probably burned 2500 kcals. I promptly went down to the basement and, even though my workout is not until this evening, did 2 sets each of pushups, pullups, dips on the rings and inverted rows. I started logging on fitday again this morning. I just need to avoid the damn chewy candies like Skittles, Now & Laters, and my personal Waterloo, those terribly tasty Laffy Taffys.

[Ogedei]

Originally Posted by Kaiser

I just need to avoid the damn chewy candies like Skittles, Now & Laters, and my personal Waterloo, those dang tasty Laffy Taffys.

Now & Laters?

Cause you eat them now and they show up on you Later?

Og.

[Kaiser]

Originally Posted by Ogedei

Now & Laters?

Cause you eat them now and they show up on you Later?

Og.

No kidding. This morning my pants, which are usually well fitting, were snug. I'm really kind of bummed - this fat gain happens every fall as I take down the riding, but I've been trying hard to counter it this year. Sadly, the results are the same.

[RacerBill]

Good one, John. I, too, gave in to that Halloween candy siren song... love those peanut butter cups.

[jj]

You guys should be overseas. Every day we get cookies, candy, brownies, cakes, zingers, twinkies, ding dongs, etc. No wonder our troops are getting fat. I have actually done quite well turning my head while others enjoy the treats. I take a cookie about once a week, so I'm not doing to bad. But I wish they would send healthier treats in those darn care packages. At least it is nice to know someone cares though.

[Ogedei]

Thought this might be appropriate as well.

From Alwyn's blog.

http://alwyncosgrove.blogspot.com/ "Focus on Your Goals"

[Lost Dog]

Originally Posted by jj

You guys should be overseas. Every day we get cookies, candy, brownies, cakes, zingers, twinkies, ding dongs, etc. No wonder our troops are getting fat. I have actually done quite well turning my head while others enjoy the treats. I take a cookie about once a week, so I'm not doing to bad. But I wish they would send healthier treats in those darn care packages. At least it is nice to know someone cares though.

I sent my cousin stuff like beef jerky and nuts.

Are you getting the stuff from organized groups or from individuals? If it's from groups, maybe they could use a little education...