Dear Harriet: I embarked on a health journey in the new year, but I'm worried about my lack of expertise when it comes to fitness and clean eating. I live my life with a sense of responsibility, but I'm embarrassed to ask friends and colleagues for support.Can you suggest strategies for finding an accountable partner for my fitness journey without feeling weak or embarrassed? — Looking for a Partner
To those looking for a partner: Congratulations on taking your health and fitness seriously. This may be the most important focus in anyone's life, even though it's something we often overlook. You said: Embarrassment and weakness often get in the way of people who are making a consistent effort to do what they need to do to improve their health. It's great to know that you benefit from an accountability partner. Well, here's how to find it.
Look around your world. Who is physically active? Who is striving to be healthy? It's not about who is a marathon runner. No. Who is someone in your hometown who is working on it and would be willing to talk about it? Is it someone in your hometown who you can actually walk with, go to the gym with, or participate in other fitness activities? maybe. Or maybe you're a long-distance person who can jump on the phone and inspire each other remotely. Ask people who know and respect you and who might be open to traveling with you.
If you can't think of anyone in your world, go to the gym and look around. Is there someone you would like to talk to? Visit a health chat group online. Look for someone who cares about their health. Of course, be careful not to share too much personal information with strangers, such as your home address or intimate information. But it helps to keep your feet away from the fire, even if it's a stranger.
Dear Harriet: I would like to share with you what I thought when I read your recent letter from Stop the Bullying. In addition to your advice to speak with school officials and her son to get to the bottom of the issues behind the bullying, I hope she also digs deeper into her son's online presence and media usage. I think it's essential. It is possible that he is participating in similar activities online, but his exposure to them there and his own suffering from bullying, whether private or anonymous, may contribute to this problem. I think it's even more likely.
She says she has tried to “instill values of kindness and empathy.” However, it doesn't take long for people to discover online spaces where diametrically opposed values are touted. Looking at the media he has consumed and interacted with can lead to new understanding of why he acts the way he does. — Bullying prevention
Dear Anti-Bullying Opponents: Thank you for adding such an important thought to this conversation about bullying. Social media and media consumption in general are like the Wild West these days. You're right that they can easily derail anyone, even a young person who grew up with strong moral values.
Parents who need support should call the Stop Bullying Hotline now at 800-273-8255. If you're a student trying to get through the day, text “HELLO” to 741741. You can be connected to a crisis counselor.
Harriet Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative that helps people access and realize their dreams. Send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
