Making a Start

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Committing to a new way of life is a big deal. Even committing to the first step in a new direction, when you know it may be life-changing, can take a measure of courage and boldness. Have you looked back on some endeavor in your past and had that surprising realization of how far you’ve come, recognizing that you never thought you’d go that far? The catalyst  for the progress you made on that journey was the day you started. Making a start is where all momentum, and eventually growth, comes from. To succeed at something, all we really need to do is start.

I know, that’s easier said than done, especially where nutrition and stocking a power pantry are concerned. I’ve struggled so many times about the familiar, easy foods I will leave behind once I improve my eating habits. I get challenged by new information and realize that it would require yet another shift toward a healthier power pantry, and I’m convicted all over again to start a next chapter in the journey.

So if you’re new to a power pantry wellness lifestyle, and you find yourself struggling with the launch, don’t be surprised. The start is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Once you’re moving in a healthier direction with your wellness and pantry choices, momentum will build and you’ll grow and benefit even more.

I love a quote from WH Murray about making a start; this is from his work The Scottish Himalayan Expedition:

“Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!"

Maybe today is a great day to commit to a power pantry and move along in your wellness lifestyle. I’ll bet some boldness on your part might yield some genius and power, and maybe more than you could dream would come to your aid.

By the Way

If you’re staring at your pantry trying to decide your first step, and what healthy choice you could make that you would stick with, try to eliminate  foods with these three ingredients:

• Hydrogenated oils (found in baked goods, dressings, condiments; things like granola bars and candy, and any number of snacks)
• High fructose corn syrup (can be in almost any sweetened, processed food)
• Monosodium glutamate (as a flavor enhancer in everything from soups to dressings to snacks; MSG hides in untold prepared foods)

These are the first unhealthy ingredients Jen and I went after when we began building our power pantry. It means developing a habit of reading labels (see previous post here), and then searching the shelves in a discerning way to find healthier alternatives. Starting with these three will get you on your way.