Words of Wisdom

Isn't it amazing that the best advice is usually the simplest and shortest?  Words to live by like wash your hands, wear clean underwear, and don't stand directly behind a cow.  Last month Stephanie, my health coach through work, handed down three words of wisdom that have become my decision-making motto. 

I was headed for vacation at an all-inclusive resort and had been given a list of food and drinks that I "had to try."  I knew from multiple witnesses that the food was really great and very plentiful.  I'm talking free 24-hour room service, five-course meals, and order anything you want and as many as you want abundant!   I was excited about the trip, but I also knew that although the gluttonous gorger voice is in the graveyard, she only has about an inch of dirt shutting her up, and she can yell pretty loud.   Here was Stephanie's sage advice. "Don't regret anything."  Think about it for a minute and see if a light bulb appears about your head like it did mine.
 
I packed those three little words into my frontal lobe carry-on luggage and boarded the plane.   I would not regret eating too much, but I also was going to enjoy every minute of the experience.  I found out that "Don't regret anything" was a perfect filter.  I tried lots of new foods: Crème Brule, crepe suzettes, French chocolate mousse, blue cheese crusted steak, cheese and wine fondue, Japanese peanut chicken, wild mushroom soup, and sexy coffee. (Honest - that's its real name!) Those are just a few, but I think you get the idea!  On the other hand, I also didn't regret eating too much of these indulgences.  I savored every bite but didn't need more (although I did eat three pieces of cheesecake over eight days - but they had different toppings so that doesn't count!)   I did not try the escargot.  When I asked myself if I would regret going home without trying snails, the answer came back a very loud no!

I've had a week to reflect on our trip and I am thrilled to say, lose the three pounds that found me on the beach.  I brought home sand in my shoes, ocean-polished rocks in my pockets, and the same pale skin tone I left with. (Thank you 85 SPF sunscreen for preventing a sun burn!)  What I didn't come home with were regrets.  Thanks Stephanie!