I just spent 11 days in Mexico City, visiting my friend and checking out that great city.
As you might remember, up until September I was a happy 90% vegetarian. At that point, I committed 100% to prepare for my upcoming yoga teacher training in India, where we would be served a strict yogic diet. When I got home, I kept up with the 100%, because it felt good.
Then I went to Mexico, and in that land of delicious tacos I dropped to probably 40% vegetarian, which is not really vegetarian at all. At my first meal, I ordered a quesadilla, and the man asked me what kind of meat I wanted on it. I said, none, thanks, and he looked bewildered. That’s when I knew I was fighting a losing battle. Not only that, but I was staying with my friend, and she and her roommate were cooking meals for me. In my 90% vegetarianism, a major part of that remaining 10% was available so I could eat at a friend’s house without demanding a menu change.
The first day, I felt terrible. I’d done so well at 100%! Why was I letting it all go?
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t giving it up.
I knew I’d only be in Mexico for 11 days. The circumstances were unusual. Pastor tacos are delicious. And I knew that by January 17, I could be back to my vegetarianism.
So I fell off the wagon. And it wasn’t a big deal, because I know how to get back on.
Falling off the wagon isn’t terrible.
Now, some wagons, like addiction wagons, are a little more serious. There, a fall can be more dangerous, and I’m not qualified to weigh in on that.
But when it comes to the rules we set for ourselves in regards to fitness, health, and weight loss, these slip-ups will happen. It’s part of the process. Every now and then, the circumstances will make it very difficult to stay on the wagon. Sometimes, we have to meet the challenge and stay put in order to establish our good habits and meet our goals.
Other times, I think we can recognize that falling off doesn’t ruin everything. I’ve set good habits for myself. I’m happy with the way I eat. I know I can trust myself to get back to the routine of 90% or even 100% vegetarian, so I wasn’t going to let a week of shredded pork tacos make me feel guilty. I’m doing just fine.
And you are, too.