The good, the bad, and the in-between....

Ever have one of those 'in between days'?

Not good. Not bad. Just so-so. Things going well. Not great. But Ok.Nothing too negative. Just staus quo.

Does that kind of day drive you CRAZY??

Because if you are like me - you may be a pendulum swinging -- adreneline junkie -- type A -- perfectionist-- control freak-- must have a GREAT day every day kinda girl!

And when you are addicted to having things go smoothly, perfectly, and triumphantly every day - that leaves you with not a whole lot of room for error, mistake, or well....living! One of the hardest things I juggle in my brain every day is to not get too attached to winning and achieving and making each day equate to a monumental success.

Especially when we have a goal like weight loss or changing health behaviors - we get so addicted to the highs -- to the accolades of losing a pound or two -- or knowing that you've exercised 10 straight days in a row. We get too attached to the outcome and the outpouring of support when we achieve something huge. But what if we achieve something small? Like stopping eating desert when you are full? Or turning the other cheek to a co-workers lame comments without it sending you into a binge cycle? Or going to the grocery store on a full stomach so you aren't tempted to buy (and eat) everything in the store?

Sometimes the small 'in between' moments are the greatest moments of all. The moments when no one is looking and you still make the best decision for you. The moments when it is just a typical day and you don't make it atypical by going off the deep end and abusing yourself with food or lethargy. The moments when you are just moving along in status quo and allow yourself to be OK with that.

I bring this all up because sometimes we face plateaus. But we have to remember that a plateau is not the same as going backwards or slipping. A plateau should be looked at as a necessary resting place. A moment to catch your breath, take a look around, and celebrate where've you come from. A plateau can give you great pause to evaluate the good, the bad, and the in-between. To be comfortable not moving forward, not achieving, not growing (for just a moment) to me, is all about striking balance.

So many of our diets have failed in the past because as soon as we stopped seeing the physical progress we gave up. Or we let a few plateau days make us believe we were transgressing. But we can choose to re-frame that experience today. And embrace a plateau for just what it is. An 'in-between' day. In between growing and changing. In between past and future. In between old behaviors and new.

When a catepillar becomes a butterfly it doesn't just grow it's new set of wings overnight. It slowly evolves into the next phase. And on some days you can see great progress and on others it seems like nothing is happening. It is a progressive change and one that yields great results when you just allow the process to unfold.

So today, my little butterflies -- enjoy your growth and movement toward change in your life. Take deep breaths and allow the moments to unfold. You are doing it. You are spreading your wings. And you will fly!!