One of the things I’ve learned in my weight loss journey is that weight loss is about so much more than putting down the fork and picking up a jump rope. For me, a lot of being able to lose the weight has been about learning forgiveness and forgetting fear, which I have mentioned in previous blogs (see No Punishment; No Fear). One resource that has helped me in this process is A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering Your Weight Forever. It’s a little new-agey, but putting that aside, there are some excellent points. Chapter 2 of the book asks the reader to write a letter from their thin self to their “not-so-thin” self and vice-versa. Here are my letters:
Dear Not-So-Thin Me,
I am so grateful to you for the protection you gave me and for the comfort you found for me when life was more than I could handle.
But now I’ve learned that I am so much stronger than I thought I was. I don’t need to hide behind a layer of fat anymore and I don’t need the comfort that you provide. These days I turn to God, my family and my friends. I have learned that talking it out is so much healthier than stuffing it in.
This summer, instead of covering up in baggy pedal pushers and a big T-shirt, I’ll be cooling off in shorts and a tank top! I’ll complete my 5k!!
The truth is I just don’t have time to indulge you. I’m too busy working on my blog to think about snacking. So give it up and realize that you have almost become me – the thin me you always wished you could be.
Dear Thin Me,
Be patient with me, would you? I know we’re halfway there and it’s very exciting. But it’s also scary. What if people start paying attention to me? I hope you’re strong enough to handle it. Give me time to deal with my trust issues. If we do this at a nice slow pace I think I can keep up.
Oh, and an update: I am now down 23 pounds. I am officially halfway toward my weight loss goal!! Huzzah!!!
I am not sure what I would write to myself, but it’s interesting.Congrats on your success so far.I found you via MVM hop. Will be back 🙂
What a wonderful post! I love that idea! Congratulations on getting to your half way point, how wonderful!! This is something I’m still struggling with and I loved reading how you are dealing with the issues head on. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m so glad I found you on voiceBoks and am now happily following you!