Challenges

   We all face challenges in life--there is no getting around it.  This program has been a challenge in & of itself.   Throw in the other major challenges experienced in the course of everyday life, and the combination can at times, seem overwhelming.  I faced some challenges in the past week, and on the second day of my program in particular, that could have easily derailed my efforts and commitment to this plan.
    My husband and I were invited to a last minute BBQ last Monday, and I knew that I would need to hustle to figure out to handle this unexpected challenge.  I threw together a quick chicken salad and away we went! When I first arrived I was immediately greeted with "Oh, you have to try this dip!", so I had to go into my spiel about how I was doing this program and couldn't possibly try the dip.  My friend is, unfortunately, familiar with my strange forays into various diets or unconventional eating patterns, so she accepted my explanation.
    It was not easy eating my chicken salad while the others indulged in BBQ ribs, crackers, chicken salad, and dips, knowing that I could not even have a deviled egg without compromising my commitment to the Whole30.  Then, of course, there was the cake and ice cream!  A friend chose to taunt me, "Are you sure you don't want some?", sticking it in my face.  But I was strong!
    After dinner we enjoyed some fireworks over the pond, that is until the neighbor came over all riled up over the noise! Our hosts, as well as their neighbors, have horses, and this particular neighbor was saying that her horses were going crazy, and boy, was she ever mad! Everyone started clearing out as quickly as possible when things started heating up. I made a major mistake, stepping off the side of the porch in the darkness, and managed to twist my ankle.
    I'm fine now, but I must say I did envision what most likely would have occurred if the outcome had been more serious.  My sister-in-law recently broke her ankle and was completely dependent on her husband for the major portion of the household chores.  If this had been my fate, it would have made this program 100 times more challenging than it already is.  My husband is not the least bit supportive of my efforts I'm afraid.
But although this fact makes it more difficult, I am soooo grateful to have the support of my two teammates.  Unconditionally.  It makes the whole process infinitely easier.  Thanks to both of you!  Let's do this!