You Deserve Dessert.

For the last month, I’ve been trying a new eating regimen. Like with any diet, there are restrictions. When I’m at home, I plan my meals accordingly, but when I go out to eat, things get tricky.

Last week I went to my favorite steak house. When I walked in, I saw that soft buttery bread lined up on the counter. On the way to my seat, I drooled over each plate I passed. I saw mashed potatoes and fried catfish. When I remembered they had cheesecake on the menu, I got weak in the knees. As my low carb meal hit the table, I found myself still staring at someone else’s plate. And here we are.

Sometimes when we compare our “plates” to others, we do three things: complain, appreciate, or evaluate. I could easily warn you to withhold your complaints, or congratulate you for appreciating what you have, but I want to encourage you to evaluate your plate. When I looked at the things on my plate and the things I saw around me, I asked myself, “Who fixed your plate?” Guess who? Me! That being said, I have the power to change what’s on my plate by the decisions that I make.

Today I encourage you to evaluate your plate. If you love it, celebrate it. If you don’t like it, change it! No, you didn’t choose everything you’re dealing with, but you did choose how you would deal with them. That alone is great power you can’t ignore.

You can change your plate by finding your voice. Speak up when you need more. Speak kindly to the people around you. Speak lovingly to yourself. Speak loudly to your dreams. Speak softly to your hopes. Stop envying other plates, and start fixing yours. Heap on more joy and peace. Digest the things that don’t taste good, but are good for you. Scrap off the things that clog your heart.

You are an amazing person doing amazing things. You deserve dessert!

Strengthen. Heal. Empower.

Featured photo by Marin Morales