That was it. That’s the attitude I needed to have every day and at every moment. Beginning the journey of 1,000 miles, or 100 pounds…
I had an image of a Native American warrior, proudly sitting atop a noble horse, at the moment before charging into battle and saying, “Today is a good day to die”. Of course, in my version, it’s a chubby woman facing the challenge of her life. I see the horse as a big part of her inner strength.
It was originally a quote from the Lakota Holy Man, Tasunka Witko (Crazy Horse), who shouted “Hóka-héy, today is a good day to die!” meaning (loosely), “Let’s do this, today is a good day to die!”
It’s been used time and again in movies and television series. It tells us that our hero is ready to face whatever may come his way as he strives to achieve his goal. He is never more alive than in that moment. It even protects him from whatever might harm him. He has already owned his own ultimate challenge and it is his to face and to conquer.
Of course, I’m just talking about the challenges of dieting and not of a life and death battle for the good of a nation. But anyone who faces this challenge knows that it feels like it is life or death in many ways, (for some people it absolutely is). And the enemy we face is more frightening than any we could imagine on a battle field… ourselves, of course.
So, to me, it is about owning the moment and the choice and knowing that success in this endeavor is worth the challenge and the sacrifice it will take to accomplish it. It is worth facing the “hunger” and the emptiness and whatever may be in my way.
It is empowering myself to charge into this task from a position of strength. I am in control of this decision and this journey. Nothing can stop me or slow me down if I own my choice.
So, I wake up everyday and I remember that Today Is A Good Day To Diet.
