I have been thinking a lot about what is "ideal." I talk to my patients that I work with at an eating disorder treatment center about the unreachable "ideal" image that society has us believe we need to achieve versus accepting yourself and your body at its set point weight that is genetically determined so that you can be healthy/happy. It has really got me thinking about my "ideal" situation. I guess most people in Utah tend to believe my current life situation is not "ideal"...something to do with the fact that I have no ring on that left hand of mine. When I stop to think about it though...I have a wonderful job. I have the best family. I have an education. I have the greatest friends. I have the ability to travel. I have financial security. I am healthy. That sounds pretty legit right? So...Question. Whether it be "ideal image" or "ideal situation" or something else with the word "ideal" in it...Who is setting these standards of what is ideal? Sometimes it is the environment around is defining what is "ideal" and we as a society promote it by believing/acting on the definition. Other times, I think we are our own worst enemy because limit ourselves by defining what is "ideal" for us. Each individual is unique and we all come from different backgrounds/experiences. So what is "ideal" and best for me is not going to be what is "ideal" and best for you. So why do we think it is okay to just throw out a blanket statement or definition and have it apply to everyone. For example when it comes to weight...Our body determines what its set point weight is. That is right our body. Not yourself. Not the doctor. Not society. So regarding life...I believe God determines what is ideal for each of us NOT you, me, or society. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Yes sometimes life is crappier than we would like and sometimes in life it is difficult to stay standing on your own two feet. And Yes...sometimes we may feel we are not in an "ideal" situation. But who is to say this "non-ideal" situation that you perceive is just part of your journey of obtaining the ultimate "ideal" situation and happiness that God has planned for you. So while life may throw curve balls just remember..."come what may and love it!" Life is to be enjoyed not just lived...So live it up! What is most important to you? Make it a priority. Have faith things will all work out and that we will never be left alone. Faith requires action. So take that big scary step into the dark because once you do the light will come. Let us not be afraid to go through periods that are "not ideal" per society or our own definition. If you follow His plan for you and you are making the best of it....Congratulations you are living the"ideal" life.
