Watching Out for Slick Spots

Some things are as predictable as, well, snow in Michigan in the winter.  One of the things that is absolutely predictable with the first snow of the winter is an absolute rash of fender benders.  Thankfully, most of these are just that - fender benders - with no serious injuries.  Once everyone readjusts to driving on snowy (and sometimes icy) roads, things settle down pretty quickly.  What amazes me is that it snows absolutely every winter, and anyone who has lived in Michigan for any length of time and driven in winter has developed the winter driving skill set they need to navigate the roads safely - at least that's the theory.  In practice, however, it appears that some people relearn how to drive every single winter, and the rest of us try our best to avoid getting hit by one of them.

Why is it that we so quickly forget what we think we've learned?  I am almost certain that by the time the snow melts for the last time every spring, most Michigan drivers are expert at dealing with winter roads.  Then the weather turns warm, the roads become dry once again and many drivers get lax and are seemingly caught unaware when the snow inevitably falls the next winter. 

The same is often true for those of us on 5&1.  We think we've "got it" this time, and we do really well for a while.  Then things come up and some find themselves off plan and quickly out of the 5&1 routine.  When that happens, there can be a series of "5&1 fender benders" before these individuals are back on the road again. 

Staying on plan, like winter driving, requires lots of repetition and attention.  The more we do it, the more comfortable we are and the easier it gets.  We can't afford to take our eyes off the road because there may be unexpected "slick spots", but if we hit a spot and start to skid, we know exactly what to do to bring things under control so we don't end up in a ditch.  And landing in a ditch is no fun at all!

With Christmas looming, there are a lot of food "slick spots" waiting to put your 5&1 vehicle into a spinout, so my encouragement to you today is to keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and keep doing what you're doing (staying on plan!).  Every time you choose to stay on plan, you are becoming a more "expert driver" and will be better able to navigate past potential pitfalls.  Every time you choose to stay on plan, you are one day closer to your destination - your goal weight. 

Today, as every day, the choice is yours.  Choose wisely :-)