In Session with Dr. Patricia Pitta

Hope, Disappointments, Realistic Goals and Expectations: With God on Your Side

“Self-control is one part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23) if you already have not been able to follow through on your resolutions, or they are getting too difficult, or you want to make changes to improve your life in whatever way, start with taking time to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask for guidance. As you do this, you will also quiet your mind and body and be able to find your own center that is filled with God’s love. That will give you the strength to identify what you want to change, the route to making the changes, and the ability to make the desired behaviors.

We are at the end of January and how many people have made resolutions and decisions for the New Year and have already disappointed themselves? Most people find themselves losing their resolve by the second week of January. The wish for the wanted changes becomes a thought of the past and you are left with feeling angry and sad about your lack of follow through.

It is important to ask yourself: “Were the goals realistic to achieve? Did you plan well in advance how you were going to deal with the changes in thinking and behavior that needed to take place so you could be successful? Did you pray to the Lord and particularly the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in your new commitments and desires?

The Holy Spirit is the Lord’s everpresent representative that can guide you as you journey through making changes in your life, no matter what they are.

Having the Holy Spirit within is like having a coach within you that will guide you in a healthy way. I know that one of the most common resolutions is the desire to lose weight and get healthier. Many lose the resolve within the first week. So, here is the route to successful change:

1. Spend time in prayer imploring the Holy Spirit to accompany you on your journey as you plan to make changes. Envision the Holy Spirit with you. Is HE sitting on your shoulder or taking a seat right inside your body? Maybe in your heart or your stomach? I know that sounds silly, but you need to envision HIM with you. You need to place HIM where you feel comfortable. Remember, HE is your coach and will be with you always.

2. Now I will focus on the concept of changing eating habits. You can put any other habit in this place. First, you need to determine what habits you want to change: Is it your meals, your snacking, your daily grazing and constant eating, or do you want to get rid of eating a specific food? Most people know how to eat properly. It is about making the resolve to follow the changes you want and making a plan. Here is the plan!

3. First week: Spend time in prayer each day and think about what behavior patterns you want to change. Many people who don’t eat a meal and then are famished by the next meal, usually eat many more calories when they do eat. Let’s start with eating three meals and two healthy snacks a day. I want you to think about this and write a plan on what you could eat. Many people don’t want to do this, but it is important to see your plan written to be able to visualize the changes you want to make. You usually want to start immediately. Take the time to visualize the change.

4. Week two: I suggest you keep a food record. That is also a “no-no” for many. You usually don’t want to interfere with your impulses. You want “it now.” I suggest that you envision the Holy Spirit within you and being the support that encourages you to write what you eat before you eat. Get it? Not after you eat it. If you write before you eat it, you have the chance to interfere with the fantasy and impulses that will lead you to eat inappropriately. This can work with many addictive behaviors.

Ask: “Would the Holy Spirit who loves me want me to eat inappropriately?” I know you will find the answer within. Take your time, pray, think, and then act. If you err, start over immediately. Don’t wait till tomorrow. So many have said that if they eat the wrong thing, the day is ruined. It is not; start again immediately. Forgive yourself and don’t punish yourself further by continuing to eat the wrong foods for you. Loving yourself is not giving into unhealthy cravings or owning false beliefs. If you err, pick yourself up immediately, and work again in an effective way which is supported by God “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:1819).

5. I know you can do it: Invite the Holy Spirit to join you in your new journey. Place HIM with you. Pray and calm your mind and body. Make your plan and follow through step by step. Remember: “No one is perfect.” Keep doing, and doing, rather than trying. See the prayer below to Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is always with me. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me in my journey of change. If I have weak resolve at times, help me pick myself up and get back on track. With the Holy Spirit as my fulcrum of strength, change and coach within, I will succeed slowly, day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute. Amen

February 11th - 12th After All Masses

The Fr. William A. Daly Columbiettes will be selling delicious, homemade baked goods after all Masses the weekend before Valentine’s Day, February 11th and 12th, in the south vestibule of the church. Come meet the Columbiettes and help support their designated charities with your purchase.

Knights of Columbus

Father William A. Daly S.J. Council #2122

Serving St. Mary’s Parish in Manhasset and St. Aloysius Parish In Great Neck www.kofc2122.org

What is a Knights of Columbus Family?

We are Catholic families building a bridge to our faith. Our lives, time, efforts, and resources are dedicated to these values: Charity. Unity. Fraternity. Patriotism.

We come from different places, backgrounds, and all stages of life. But the common thread is our Catholic faith. We are Catholic families seeking to improve ourselves and the world.

It’s one thing to say who you are. It’s another thing is to live it. Put your values into practice.

Become a Knights of Columbus family.

Interested? Please call:

Tony Racioppo 917 539 0859

Dan Garcia 516 358 1817

Ladies interested in joining the Columbiettes

Please contact Maura Clifford at Macliff56@gmail.com

Venerable Anthony Vincent Gallo

Diocesan Priest, Oblate of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart

Montforte Irpino: 11 January 1899 - Rome: 2 May 1934

O Most Holy Trinity, Who deigned to raise Venerable Anthony Vincent Gallo to the priesthood, and endowed him with precious gifts, especially that of a burning love for suffering and immolation, we humbly beseech You, if it be Your will, that he may be glorified on earth, and that we may obtain through his intercession the particular grace which we ask for with living faith. Amen.