Hey - I was at the gym on the treadmill this afternoon - -I love walking indoors in the summertime..It's a Floridian thing. While getting in my zone with the iPod blaring to the gentle lyrics of Pink, Deep Purple and Led Zepplin (have you ever really listened to these words...If I had when I was young, I think I would have gotten into some serious trouble); I was reading several of the self-help magazines. They are chocked full of amazing stories about women losing 70+ lbs - -and all stories of personal triumph.
These ladies all had vacant stares in their "before pictures", hiding behind children, animals and huge birthday cakes. Their clothes, hair and overall demeanor was bland. They looked like they had the life sucked out of them and they looked like so many women we all know. What happened to them...what happened to their resiliency? Somewhere and somehow each of them came to the realization that there was more to life. I applaud each and every one of them. What they were capable of doing, was not only adhering to a diet, a plan or regime; that was a given. They transformed themselves. They pulled courage out and believed in themselves.
Their stories were full of handy diet tips, portion control, mind games to get through the day and rewards for making goals. The outcome were beautifully contoured bodies, shining hair and brilliant eyes - -their teeth even looked whiter.
It all seemed somewhat light in perspective. These stories did not have quite the figurative weight that celebrity chasing did or has in our society. These are uber- accomplishments. These women discovered themselves, they excelled in their environments and succeeded.
I think we should celebrate their success. They pulled themselves up, addressed their issues and won their personal demons. It's hard work. It is probably the hardest work you'll ever embrace, but once you do. You'll be quite surprised at what you're actually made of - -as said by another much wiser - -what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
How strong do you want to be? Since I've found confidence in myself, I soar. You can too. You'll find that your outlook is rosier; problems appear to be opportunities and you can't wait to wake up in the morning. Jump on the wagon - -it's no fun being the amazing, disappearing middle-aged woman - -step out and gain your own spotlight, or sunshine (whatever your preference). Once you start believing in yourself, you will find that you no longer want to eat...its a miracle ! The cravings go away- -
Here's the assignment:
1) Affirmations (as mentioned in Step 1- the Hazeldon Affirmations for AA work the same regardless of your addiction - -and yes, if you are overweight - -you do abuse food...sorry, but it's true.
2) Read up on Louise Hay - she's very cool - makes you just want to be joyous.
3) Get a Journal - or use post it notes, scrap paper...Find at least 3 things you are thankful for every day. You'll find that some days it might be as simple as "I breathed today" - -not every day is going to be an 'over-the-moon' day; but it will help you track your progress (remember we are always going forward- regardless of the route). Write it down...and own it. One day I was thankful for Diet Peach Tea Snapple...if you have ever had it, you understand (plus - no calories, chock full of flavor and reminds me of a summertime afternoon in Georgia - -sheer delight).
4) Tell yourself you are beautiful...promise? I found that when I came to peace with my body that everything just got magically better. And besides - -you are beautiful. Go into the bathroom, turn on all the lights and gaze into the mirror...Compliment yourself and smile.
Remember you are on a journey - it's a long one, it will be full of all sorts of self-discovery and fun.
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