There are pests everywhere. In Northern Kentucky termite problems exists in many homes. In Cincinnati termite, no-seeums, roaches and other pests exist. There are businesses that can very effectively address pests. Which begs the question; how do you define a pest. Quite simply a pest is an unwelcome species, be it animal, insect or plant. They are not welcome because they damage or destroy property, pose health problems or interfere with a positive lifestyle. Termites can cause physical damage to structures. Mosquitoes are annoying bugs that can interfere with a pleasant cook out in the backyard. They are pests since they mess with the life we would like to live. Controlling vermin works on several fronts, attacking the pest directly, creating a hostile environment for the pest, and staying vigilant so pests are addressed at the first sign. This method of dealing with pests can also be applied to bad habits and New Year’s resolutions.

As we start the New Year we often evaluate our lives. We often discover behaviors in our lives that we would like to change. It might be an issue of weight or diet; it might be a matter of exercise or time. There could be a desire for better health habits or creating a better life style. There are several ways to go about creating a positive change. If a building is infested with termites, the problem isn’t the termites, it is protecting the building. The driving concern is the preserving what is important. If the termites posed no threat to the house, there would be no need for extermination. It is essential that we conduct an inventory on what is of value. For Example, it isn’t about being fat, it is placing a value on health and self acceptance. A lot of folks that have become obsessed with weight focus on the blubber and not the motivating reasons. The matter turns into a fight to avoid becoming something as opposed to reaching for a better life. Many diet programs focus on losing weight instead of gaining health. When the energy is placed on what is valuable, namely health and loving the body that we dwell in, new solutions appear and the problems become clear.

If weight is the issue, as it is for a lot of folks, then the focus should be on loving choices, be it acceptance, healthy food choices, or exercise. The driving force needs to be based on what is of value, not the problem. Maintaining the focus on preserving and protecting what is of value brings more solutions and an open mind to addressing the problem.

If the value is on building self-esteem then there are several approaches that offer positive results. The first is an honest assessment of what needs to be addressed. Simply put, it is not about getting rid of pounds, but it is about gaining health or enhancing self-esteem. Studies have shown that simply beginning an exercise regime helps to improve body image; nothing changed but the active intention to honor the body.

Examining all the issues that pester us we can easily begin to discern what is important and what we value.