Sometimes we don't see results from the changes we make right away. Weight management is like a journey. It's the path you're on to improve your health, not an endpoint or destination. Think about how you can pace yourself and keep going as you work toward your goals.

Everyone has areas of strength in their lives. You do too. Let's take a look at Sylvia's story and find out what her strengths are. As you read her story, think about these 3 questions:

• What strengths do you see in Sylvia’s life?
• What do you think might be getting in the way of her health or weight management?
• Could there be an opportunity for any changes?

Sylvia's story

In the morning, I’m usually really busy getting ready for work and making breakfast for everyone. Sometimes I don’t have time to eat. Everything feels rushed with 100 interruptions from my kids. If the weather is good, I like to walk the kids to school to get some fresh air and exercise.

I work as an administrative assistant. My job is busy and can be stressful. My co- workers are a great group of people. On casual Fridays, I like to show up in a wild or fun outfit just to get a laugh. 

I don’t like to work out at the gym but I love to walk on my lunch break. I find that my knees get sore if I walk too long and I also avoid the stairs.

I like to go to the mall with my daughter on Saturdays. We sit and have a pop or eat together at the food court. I know this isn’t the healthiest choice but it’s a special time for just the two of us.

My family is so important to me. I want to be around for a long time to see them grow up and do fun things with them.

My kids swim and do art classes twice a week. I noticed that there is a yoga class at the same centre.

By the end of the day, I feel like my energy has run out. I feel like I have been doing everything for everyone else so I like to take some “me time”. I might catch up on reading, have a cup of tea or listen to some jazz music while I’m curled up on the couch.

I want to make some changes to my lifestyle but I don’t know how. It has never seemed to work in the past.

What are Sylvia’s strengths?

Work

• has co-workers she gets along and works well with
• uses humour for stress relief (casual Friday outfits)

Physical activity

• walks her kids to school when the weather is good
• works physical activity into her day like walking on her lunch break

Family

• prepares meals at home
• values family time
• takes time for herself while still balancing family needs

Mental health

• takes time to do things she enjoys
• has built awareness about what works for her
• has found some solutions to help with stress

Lifestyle management

• is thinking about making changes even with all the things going on in her life
• has identified why managing her health is important and personally meaningful to her​
  
  

Can you see what some of your strengths are now that you’ve looked at Sylvia’s example?

What are some opportunities for Sylvia to change?

​How could she make sure she also has breakfast?

• Maybe she could eat with her family.
• Bring something to eat for when she gets to the office.

What are other ways she could manage her stress at work?

Do you think Sylvia’s knee pain might be getting in the way of being more active? How do you think she might manage this?

• It may help her to talk about this with a healthcare provider to come up with a plan.

How could she spend quality time at the mall with her daughter and still support her choices for a healthier lifestyle?

• Maybe she could choose water instead of pop and share a meal with her daughter.

Is there a way for Sylvia to take time for herself even while supporting her kids’ schedules?

• Perhaps she could take a yoga class to help with stress management, build some physical activity into her day, and give her time for herself.

Is there a way she could make changes that are more sustainable?

• Perhaps she could benefit from working with a healthcare provider on this.

Is there a way that she could modify her “me time”? How can she take time for herself and take time to manage her lifestyle and health?

• Maybe she can dance to the music to work some movement into her day or perhaps take a few minutes to meal plan for the next day to help manage her next day stress.

How might she get some support and build her confidence to make changes?

• Maybe she could work with a healthcare professional. She might also build her knowledge and confidence by working through the other sections in this learning module.

Sylvia identified what was important to her life and why she wanted to change.

Do you see any things you might think about changing now that you’ve read Sylvia’s’ story?

What are some of your reasons?​