Crowding out

      So, there's this concept called crowding out. It refers to crowding out things that are not healthy. These things include food, physical activity, and people that do not build you up, rather they tear you down. I learned about this in school and the importance of crowding out those that don't build us up. The concept spoke to my heart, my soul even. So much so that I wanted to share it to the world! So then I thought, why not write a blog post about it? I am going to go through each one of the categories that crowding out can be applied to one by one. Thus I can help you understand how to apply this to your own life. 

      Lets start with food. I'm sure you can think of a few foods that do not build you up either emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually. Crowding them out will be so helpful! How do I crowd out foods that do not support me and my health goals? I replace them with foods that have strong nutrient density. For example, if you are trying to overcome sugar cravings try replacing, or crowding out the sugary foods with sweet vegetables. These include sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, red peppers. Or have a piece of sweet fruit! These choices offer more nutrients then a chocolate bar or package of cookies. 

Crowding out means replacing the things that do not support you with things that do! 

      Next let's visit activity. Have you ever made yourself do something that you didn't want to do? I think we all have. Crowding out an activity that doesn't support you means listening to your body and heart, meaning learning to listen to what you want not what everyone else tells you to do. So if you are too tired to go for a long walk or run, try something more relaxing like yoga. Maybe try an exercise class instead of working out on your own. 
     Crowding out activity that doesn't support you doesn't mean eliminating physical activity all together. Doing that would not support you at all! Crowd out the activity that doesn't support your health goals, add in activity that does. 
     For example, I used to be an avid runner! I still love running. But about 2 years ago I pushed myself too hard and had to take a 2 year break from the activity that I loved. How did I survive?? I replaced my love of running with other activity such as yoga, strength training, and walking. Exploring other exercise options has helped me find balance and forms of activity I can turn to. I turn to yoga when I just can't find the inner motivation to get on the treadmill or pick up the weights. I walk when the desire to jog doesn't exist. I lift weights because it helps build my confidence. 
      There are so many options for physical activity that the only excuse we have is the one inside out head. 

      And lastly lets talk about crowding out people that don't support you. I'm sure we've all had that person in our life that drags us down instead of building us up, or maybe we have been that person. We must be our own advocate. Each of us has strengths, and weaknesses. To be successful and achieve our true potential we need people who will build us up. What I mean by that is our core network of friends must be those that build us not tear us down. 
      The analogy I like to use is a building. Each building has a foundation. With a strong foundation the building will be firm. Next comes that framework. Without a good frame the building will not withstand the storms. After the frame comes the walls and finish work (electrical, plumbing, furniture, etc). The more elegant the finish work the more attractive the building, right?  
       Ok, starting with the foundation. Each of us has a set of parents, whether they are adopted, fostered, or biological. With loving, supportive parents we have a strong foundation. What if your parents didn't support you, are you a lost cause? NO! You can rebuild and repair your foundation. How? Crowd out those that don't support you. Fill in the empty space with those who will. 
       Continue the same pattern until you have built yourself a network of strong, supportive people. As you learn to protect yourself with secure friends you can pay it forward and teach others to do the same. And thus creating a ripple effect. 

Now, will you always be that strong influence all the time? The honest answer is, no. We all have bad days. And that is where your network comes in.

As you are learning to crowd out foods, physical activity, and people that don't support you, lean on your support network. A few strong friends, a firm spiritual practice, and steady forward progress will lead you to long term success! Remember, this is a process. You are a work in progress. God didn't create the Earth in 1 day, He did it in 7. Creation and transformation takes time. Be kind, loving, and patient with yourself. Before you know it you will be a shining star that will be a light to those around you!