I love the word commitment which is defined as: The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.

I love it because it frees me up to be my word.

If I make a commitment to something I AM ALL IN, hook line and sinker.

And…that does not mean that things do not come up…and that sometimes I have to cancel or shift course…again, we cannot control the flow of our lives no matter how much we want to, however, being my word is not about control.

For me, commitment is about freedom.

When I commit then I know what is expected of me.

A promise is defined as: A reason to expect something. Or a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.

None of us can control anyone, (we are all at choice) nor would you want to ( I hope) – however, when people commit to things and make promises they cannot keep, what do you think of them?

What do you think of yourself when you bypass a commitment?

Do you judge others or accept that circumstances may have changed for them?

Sometimes priorities change.

I want you to use this opportunity to notice what emotions come up for you as you read this about your own commitments and promises.

Do you make them and then set yourself up for failure without following through?

This is about growth NOT GUILT.

I read this little statement a couple of days ago.. and I wanted to share it with you.

“The promise of spring can be as important as spring itself. Promises add richness to our lives. Especially when they are kept. For your own peace of mind, be aware of commitments and promises you need to keep to yourself and to others.”

Are you being your word?

– Are you on time for your appointments?

– Can people depend on you to show up?

-Or are you so overly committed that you neglect yourself and only take care of others?

-Are you the kind of person that would never consider canceling even if you were sick or tired?

-Are you honoring what you value most by committing to certain things or do you make commitments you know you cannot keep and then feel bad about it?

I believe that humans block growth by setting themselves up to fail by making promises they cannot keep. Chronic dieting is a great example of that. Most people, are not willing, ready or able to change habits and jump in and fall flat on their face. That is where I come to the rescue.

I invite you to get quiet with a pen and paper and write down all the ways you set yourself up by making false commitments or promises…and how that impacts your life.

I welcome you all to go deeper into these questions and please share anything you would like below.

Laura Fenamore, Body Image Expert, Coach and acclaimed Author is on a mission to help women around the world end the constant battle with their bodies and start adoring who they see in the mirror. Her approach walks students and readers through the heartfelt journey to self-love at any size or age by unlocking the secrets to a lifetime of emotional, physical and spiritual health. After overcoming a lifelong battle with addiction, obesity, and eating disorders, Laura released 100 pounds – keeping it off for more than 28 years. She chronicles this journey to self-love and health in her widely acclaimed book, Skinny, Fat, Perfect: Love Who You See in the Mirror. Learn more about Laura’s programs, or invite her to speak by visiting SkinnyFatPertect.com.

Image courtesy of Masha S.