I was checking out a story over at Fast Company online when my eyes immediatley darted to a photo of a big ol plate of fast food with the article heading: Your Mom is Why You're Fat.
Of course, I clicked immediately to see what the story really was about. Apparently there is a study coming out that links obesity to what types of foods mothers eat during their pregnancy.
This got me to thinking about BLAME.
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Why do we have to blame someone for our weight? Or for our failures or other conditions?
- We blame parents: For what they fed us, and now what they ate before you were born. For having a hectic lifestyle, or for being enablers. For passing on the “obesity” gene.
- We blame circumstances: For not being able to afford a gym membership. For not having enough time to cook. For living somewhere that indulgent eating is a part of culture.
- We blame ourselves: For being weak. For being lazy. For loving the convenience of fast food. For lack of motivation. For being undeserving of great things.
What does this blame game get us? It creates feelings of resentment towards others, or self loathing for ourselves. It does nothing to address the NOW and HOW behind making a change in the situation.
Yes, we must take steps to acknowledge why were are in our current situation. There have been many times where I contemplate WHY I got to 455 pounds – but those contemplations usually don't provide a solid answer for moving forward. Pointing fingers at others or at myself do nothing to help produce positive energy towards my goals. It keeps me in a perpetual spin cycle of resentment.
Have you ever been stuck in the blame game? What are some ways you can get over that natural instinct to blame and instead act towards progress?
