One of the things I miss most about my late Mum, was her natural ability to bring a touch of magic into everything that symbolised family in our household, she furnished my childhood, with the ability to dream big, and to never lose faith that there was something more in store for me. Not, 'the grass is greener', more of a THERE IS still more grass on this side to discover and sometimes it just needs a slightly different vantage point to see it.
There is certainly something special about being a Mother, a divine right, for lack of a better term of phrase, to spoil our childrens imaginations, to allow them to dream big, like my Mum encouraged me to do, and to plant the seeds of magic and possibility.
Every Easter affords me just one more delightful opportunity to sow such seeds for my offspring. To allow their imaginations to roam far deeper into the meadow than they normally would, to learn about other traditions, to learn and discover the things I was taught, yes, some of that in Sunday School, and that perhaps Easter means a little more than chocolate, fuzzy chicken toys and singing rabbits, to some people.
I was speaking with a fellow Weight Watchers member this evening about getting prepared and making a bit of a plan around a time of year, that in 2012 is typically based around not having to work, and chocolate; While I am dreaming of what elaborate and magical thing I can create for my children, my friend sat across from me concerned that eating chocolate at Easter time was just an excuse not to succeed in her journey.
BACK UP THE CHOCOLATE EGG LAYING CHICKEN FOR A MINUTE!
I think there is a fine line between recognising sentimentality and finding reasons for over indulgence.
I know and recognise that I am not immune to the occasional road block, or even a gain on the scales. I understand that chocolate will feature in my Easter celebrations with my family, because it is a part of our history and the creative pathway we have paved for our children.
Will an Easter Egg be an excuse not to succeed?
Doubtful.
Will eating an unreasonable amount of chocolate, without consideration for the rest of your daily, and weekly intake needs, while forgoing your activity because you are laying about with a belly ache, result in a substantial roadblock?
Most likely.
Perhaps instead of fearing an item of food you will focus on your family, the opportunity to spend quality time together that isn't hunched over a homework book, or barking for some peace and quiet; enjoying the little magical moments, that you have created, or lovingly passed on from a previous generation.
Last Easter, I met a remarkable young woman, excited to be experiencing eventful moments on the scales each week, she wanted her Easter to be memorable, and not because she ate all of the chocolate and had a gain.
She enjoyed challenging herself to savour every second with her special new friend... a chocolate lindt bunny. 15 glorious pps worth, that would allow her to stay on track with her quest to look and feel good on her wedding day, 15pps with enough oomph to prevent a second helping, and not so much she had a bloated tum the following days.
All weekend long, she whispered sweet nothings to her bunny, tripped him around her home with her, and told him elaborate stories. Before...simply....enjoying every melty morsel.
You can enjoy Easter, with your family, your traditions and with any food items that may feature.
You have the control in this scenario.... will you embrace that and take your Lindt bunny on an adventure, or will you let the threat of enjoying something a little more indulgent than your normal steal your power from you?
