Making change

Vegetarian Times, August, 2001 by Suzanne Gerber

If I may paraphrase no less venerable an authority than Webster's dictionary, there are a few different ways one can "transform." One can change in composite or structure; in outward form or appearance; or in character or condition. That might sound like three ways of saying the same thing to people who don't love to dissect meaning, but I would argue that each quality of transformation is distinct and that the last two in particular imply a continuum of metamorphosis. And this has special relevance to anyone who's interested in making any kind of changes to his or her life.

The concept of changing in outward form or appearance leads to another dictionary entry, superficial, meaning that which relates only to the surface. Many people who set out to transform their lives only scratch the surface. They may act as if they want to live a happier life but don't, for example, work on deep-rooted emotional issues that keep tripping them up despite their best conscious intentions. Or maybe they join a gym but always find good reasons not to go. Or perhaps they talk about improving their diet and quality of food they eat, and even go out and buy fresh fruit and vegetables, but still make a daily habit of indulging in their favorite comfort foods. Some people even manage to lose weight without improving their health. These outward changes do not lead to real change.

Now, to transform in character or condition is a big deal, indeed. Since character (again paraphrasing Webster's) refers to one's essential nature, to make alterations to that is real, lasting and significant. When you change your nature, you've really done something. In this issue, we offer you not one but two stories about making lasting healthy changes to your life. In one feature, "Weaknesses into Strengths" (p. 50), senior editor Amy Rapaport shows us how to take 15 of our most common bad eating habits (e.g., licking the plate clean) and turn them into positives. But it's not a quiz, so you don't actually have to admit to any of them if you don't like. (Just make that internal shift and we'll be thrilled!) In the second feature, "Step by Step" (p. 56), managing editor Cristin Marandino shares her personal experience attending a powerful health-and-fitness workshop called Body Positive. The combination of what the program offers and the personal insights she came to may help inspire you to take your own next step. Just remember: It's not about how it looks on the outside; it's how it feels on the inside that really counts.