What Kind of Example Are You?

By , SparkPeople Blogger
What kind of examples did you have while growing up? Who were some people in your life that helped shape your habits and behaviors?

My grandfather was probably one of the largest influences in my life.  Maybe that’s because I was named after him? I will always admire my grandpa. He was a man of character.  He lived his life by working extremely hard, loving God and taking care of his family.  Grandpa set so many examples for me, just by the way he lived.  He knew that there were others watching, and he knew how to live his life by example.  I hope to live my life the same way.

As we move about in our daily lives, there are people watching. Some of those people may be none other than your children, your co-workers, and your family. Do you realize that everything we do, is helping to shape an ‘image’ of us based on what others see through our actions?  Here's a metaphor for you: Say you're in the car driving and there are very simple arrows painted on the road that tell you which lane can turn, go straight forward, etc.  You realize that you are about to miss your turn and so you decide to completely ignore those lines and turn right from the center lane, cutting off the driver next to you, which causes them to slam on their brakes, along with the multiple cars behind them. Instead of going around the block, it is easier for you to do what is convenient and not what is necessarily right. Or maybe you’re working on a project at work and you find a shortcut that doesn’t correct a problem permanently, but will work for the short term. That way it can be someone else’s problem later. What sort of example have you just set? What are you telling the world about how you live your life? 

These scenarios are very real situations and in my experience, those who take those short cuts or those who can’t follow a very simple arrow, will take a shortcut on many aspects of life. What kind of example are you setting?

I’ve been on this healthy living journey for over two years now and I’ve learned that there are people watching, from every angle it seems. Some of those people may be watching, hoping that I screw up. There are some who are watching just for the fun of watching the transformation. I know there are some watching to learn from my example.  ALL of these different groups help hold me accountable and I appreciate that very much. 

I often think to myself, what sort of an example was I setting for my children before my journey? I have many times wanted to get inside their heads and see what they thought of Dad, the man who slept all the time. We’ve all heard the phrase, “The apple doesn't fall far from the tree”, right? That is a very true statement when it comes to our health, just as it is with many other aspects of life. A friend told me a story just the other day about his buddy who was a football player in college. He stopped working out after graduation and very quickly gained a great deal of weight.This man was bragging to my friend that his three year old son could eat an entire three-piece chicken meal at KFC. His three-year-old son ate how much?  What sort of example is that man setting for his son?

I am working very hard to set the best possible example for my children as I possibly can.  I know they watch everything I do, every meal I eat with them, every workout I complete. They are paying attention.Thankfully, my oldest daughter isn’t afraid to call me out once in a while on my nutrition. Got to love her for that, right? 

Yes, there are people watching you. There are people watching and quite possibly judging everything you do. Friends, I encourage you to pay attention. Pay specific attention when your family is around.Your health matters! The health of your family matters! 

What kind of example are you setting for your family’s health?