Make Your Own Magic

I love Shel Silverstein's poem called "Magic." Taken literally, it's about fantasy and magical creatures. As a fitness metaphor, it speaks to me because it's so easy to fall into the trap of magical thinking. Wishing for an easy way out. Hoping that someone will come along who will change your life for you, waiting waiting waiting until they do. Looking for a pill to take is the equivalent of Jack's search for magic beans. Maybe some people are lucky. That's their story.

Most of us have to make our own magic.

Self-motivation is the ability to let go of magical thinking and take responsibility for yourself. There may be a lot of people helping you along the way, but it is ultimately all up to you. And the only way to make magic is through hard work.

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That's not to say it can't be done. Or that magic - in whatever form you want to believe in it - isn't real.

I just mean that we don't have to rely on some fantastical entity to come along and wave a wand for us. We can do it ourselves. Overcoming something that feels impossible because it's overwhelming is a little bit like making magic. You just have to believe it can be done.

And, since I'm on a Shel Silverstein kick today, let me leave you with two more poems that can be applied to the weight loss journey of self-discovery and awesomeness. Because making magic requires belief ... and a sense of humour.