DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom and sister have gained a lot of weight since the beginning of 2020.
My sister is out of work, and my mom is working way too much. I think these are both contributing factors to their weight gain.
I know they aren’t alone. Most of my friends, co-workers and neighbors have packed on some pounds. As I have seen a few people out and about, I have noticed this.
To avoid that problem, I chose to exercise more intensely during quarantine, but my family did not.
How can I help them? How can I say something about this without offending them deeply?
I know we made different choices before, but I want to motivate them to change so that they can be healthier now.
Trying To Help
DEAR TRYING TO HELP: We have just started a new year. This is often the time when people refresh their commitment to taking care of themselves. That includes moving their bodies and eating better. What if you introduce the idea that all of you make a pact to get healthier now?
Without pointing to them individually, remind them that the past two years have been tough. Millions of people have gained weight and not eaten so well, including your family. Suggest that the three of you agree to motivate each other to get healthier.
There are many ways to do this. You can connect on a fitness app and walk at the same time. You can share recipes and use video technology to cook together, making it a fun task. You can get together weekly — if you live close to each other — and enjoy a healthy meal coupled with movement. Keep encouraging them to take action with you. Don’t point the finger — extend a hand.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to quit my full-time job and fully pursue my passion as a photographer.
I’ve been making consistent money from photography for the past few months, but it definitely hasn’t been my main source of income. I know that if I quit my 9-to-5, then I would have the extra time to commit to my photography and fully support myself.
When do you know it’s time to stop working for others and pursue your passion full time?
Pursuing My Passion
DEAR PURSUING MY PASSION: Give yourself a deadline by which you must have so much freelance work as a photographer that you do not have enough time left to do your full-time job.
Solicit work aggressively so that you get a sense of what you can attract right now. Save every penny you can. Ideally, you should have at least six months’ worth of savings before you go out on your own.
The reality is that you can potentially build a weekend photography business over the next year. It may mean that you are working every day of the week, but that is how many entrepreneurs get started.
I recommend that you stay in your 9-to-5 for as long as you can. Allow that income to fuel your startup. You will know you are ready to take the leap when you have money in the bank and a robust client roster.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
