When I was contemplating surgery on my hip, the thought of taking three (or more!) months to recover had to be balanced with the hope of being able to run, dance, and even sleep without pain. I had learned to live with, and to some degree tune out, the nagging ache, but I was not sure how I could handle limiting myself and my activities for so long. My image of my self includes physical activity and fitness, as well as knowledge and skills that allow me to teach dance. All of those things would have to be put on hold. I am also highly independent, and surgery required me to stay with my parents for a week and continue to be dependent on friends for rides and assistance for several weeks.

Your self-image can play a major role in your decision making, particularly when it comes to the habits that define your life. Even if it was only going to be a few months, I had to see myself and my life without the usual activity and independence.

One of the first steps to making a life change is moving from the stage of precontemplation to contemplation, becoming more aware that your life could be improved in some way and how the status quo could be less than helpful. A process that can help you in this stage transition is known as Consciousness Raising. Consciousness Raising can occur purposefully or you may stumble upon information. Regularly visiting DietsInReview.com presents more opportunities for new information to be integrated into your consciousness; however, not everything we blog directly applies to you and your goals. Stumbling upon information would be as if someone unexpectedly handed you a brochure or flyer about what you needed to know while you were walking down the street one day. Checking out books from the library on the subject would be purposefully increasing your own awareness.