“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.  
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.   Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.  Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” ~ Buddha

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Helloooo, Howdy, Hola Tushkateers!  Que Pasa?  How is your summer going?  Mine feels like it is rocketing on by, and even though it is still 100+ degrees here in Tucson (yes, I am happily holed up in the southwest and thus far have seen coyotes, a mountain lion, hawks, cottontails, snakes, lizards and more*), it feels like the fall is right around the corner!   Autumn/September, the beginning of a new school year–needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway)– brings fresh starts to mind!!!

Which brings me to this week’s topic:  BELIEF SYSTEMS.   If you really do want to start anew, then this would be a most excellent time to review your beliefs.  No point in dragging your erroneous past thoughts into a future filled with possibility, hey???

What is a BELIEF SYSTEM?  A belief system is a series of ideas that your mind has organized in order to project an image of what is ‘real.’  It encompasses everything you think about yourself, others and the world-at-large.  It is filled with should have’s and ought to’s.

These groups of thoughts (ideas) that we believe to be true come from and are formed through our interactions with others, such as our parents, friends, teachers, institutions, newspapers, television, etc.

Our beliefs are formed throughout our childhood, and generally acted out in adulthood without much thought or examination.  These ‘systems’ are mighty powerful, and they have a profound impact on the way in which we lead our lives.  Our beliefs tell us how to feel, behave, and they are the foundation from which we approach our lives,our world.

To change how we feel and how we act and react to situations, we must first understand what our core belief systems are and where they come from.

If we do not challenge our belief systems, they will remain unchanged.  You may find that some of your beliefs are empowering.  Great!  Keep those beliefs and build on them.  It’s the outdated and limiting beliefs that are in need of an overhaul!

Your belief about your ability to lose weight and keep it off strongly influences your internal dialogue, which in turn, strongly influences your choices.

Do you believe that you are in control of your weight loss?
-or –
Do you believe that some alien force has taken control and force fed you?

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Do you believe that you can set realistic goals, measurable goals and achieve them, no matter what?
-or-
Do you believe that when things aren’t going your way, when you’re having a bad day, you’re just gonna’ have to eat?

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Do you believe that you can lose weight and keep it off?
-or –
Do you believe all those photos of heavy relatives of yesterday determines your weight and size?

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Do you believe that your past attempts at weight loss were learning experiences and those who are successful are often not successful the first time out?
-or-
Do you believe that your inability to lose and keep off those extra pounds is a sign of your being a loser (the ‘bad’ kind of loser) and that you are doomed?

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Do you believe that you are really buying those cookies for the kids? (Oh, come on!)

I invite you to join with Our Lady of Weight Loss and me, as we investigate, explore, think about, revamp, let go of our Belief Systems!   To discuss, Join with other Tushkateers @ KITT CLUB/FB (you have to join to talk!)

FABULOUS!!!  AND…*Full disclosure:  I am not only in the southwest enjoying nature (OMG, doesn’t get any better), but I am also in the midst of a personal re-vamp, re-invention, transformation!  Thus, this e-letter is a bit shorter (although more colorful) than usual, and the next KITT CLUB e-newsletter will be in September (after Labor Day).   You investigate your belief systems and I will mine!  Let’s compare notes then!

IF you are HUNGRY for more links to recipes, motivation, inspiration, fun, play, then visit Our Lady of Weight Loss’s BLOG:  posts include but are not limited to–The Zig Zag Diet; 6 Fun Facts: Chocolate; One World Thursday: #Hope

Spread the word–NOT the icing!