We hang on to beliefs and expectations that hold us back in life. How often do you say, “I don’t seem to have any time for myself?” I have way too much stuff going on and too many people coming at me.” Believe me, I feel like I say this all the time. At the same time we feel like we have to do more, but, there’s no way. No time to eat well, no time to exercise, no time for friends and family…

I read somewhere recently a story that I would like to share with you that might help shed some light on this dilemma.

During a tour of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, a man noticed that the elephants were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. The elephants could, at any time, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. The trainer explained “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They think the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

Everybody needs a break from the madness that is life, some time to re-energize yourself – body and mind. If we forfeit this time to ourselves, we take away our chance to prepare for the next wave, the next challenge, but, maybe more importantly we miss the great stuff going on around us because we are too tired or too stressed out to notice or appreciate it. Everything good in life requires balance.

“If you want to keep the lamp burning, you need to keep putting oil in it.”

Mother Teresa

Don’t let yourself stay tied up by some little piece of rope that keeps you from taking care of yourself. Give yourself permission. You don’t do anyone any good if you sacrifice your health, your sanity, or your enthusiasm for life.

Get some exercise, eat well and chill out for a while. Celebrate the day and realize that the small piece of rope holding you back isn’t really there anymore if you just cut it loose.

Weight Lost-On Vacation!