The thing about empathy is that it often requires a taste of the other side (a mile walked in their shoes) to shift one's perspective of 'them' away from oneself.

This is true for many. A few observe and ask questions - and those few get accused of living in their heads (to each their own).

It is pleasant to witness this development of character - this admission to a broadening of one's horizons - that you have engaged in. I know that the pride within us is loathe to provide any sign of acknowledging the flaws of one's past actions. To move beyond that can be a Herculean task.

Yes we do have choices that we can make and they can go a long way to reaching a more comfortable equilibrium.

• Pledge to drink at least twice as much water as anything else. If you like your soft drinks - fine - you earn it after a couple small bottles of water. Ideally you would make the switch entirely - as your body's artificially manufactured cravings for sugar would wane.

• Cook once for several days. You don't need to eat the same thing 3-4 days in a row. Portion your cooled cooking out into 3-4 containers and store in the freezer. It'll be good for a few weeks. Labels help. How about some stew? Then simply get it out a half hour before warming it and you've your reasonable and more nutritious 'TV Dinner'.

Yes things do get tougher when one becomes a full time wage slave. One should regularly remind oneself of one's desired purpose - and make very small changes toward achieving it. One little thing each day.

Good luck.