Eat the Elephant

By Rebecca Hendrixson

The question is: “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is: “One bite at a time.”

And that sums up how we get things done; one bite, one step, one small change. Taking one bite at a time out of an elephant will take longer than we like and will get more challenging than we like. But if we stick with it, that elephant will diminish. 

If you normally walk about 800-1000 steps a day, stating that you will now walk 10,000 steps a day is a noble goal but you must make realistic, doable changes. Just begin walking more, aim for 1200 steps a day. Do it. Stick with it. Don’t let yourself off the hook. Start slowly, but start.

Small, sustainable steps are the way to make big changes. Drink one extra glass of water today. Then slowly increase. Switch to olive oil or avocado oil for cooking. Throw in last night’s leftover broccoli to your scrambled eggs. Pack your lunch and pass on the fast food lunch. Give your body what it really needs, and save your money. 

Have that difficult conversation when you are rested and calm. Let go of things you cannot control or change. We can’t fix everything.

Let the small changes pile up. Keep taking those bites. You will be amazed at what begins to happen to your body and mind and heart