Dear Readers,
I have been overwhelmed with the
response to my blog. Some of your
experiences shopping for clothing
were funny, others touched my
heart as I have felt the same
feelings as
I looked into the mirror.
Losing and regaining my weight has been a cycle of more than 15 years.
Every week I would buy the Woman’s Day magazine at the supermarket
check out. Their lead story is always someone who has lost a ton of weight.
I would read the article and put it under my pillow expecting the motivation
to jump into my head by osmosis. However, the week before Thanksgiving
I was reading the first seven chapters of Living a Longer Healthier Life
by Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson. That book was my “aha” moment!
I can change NOW, not after the New Year but right now. You can do it too.
I have found that honoring me is part of the process. Take more time with
your appearance for no other reason than to feel good about yourself. Find
your best asset and accentuate it. Add color to your black, or dark. A
scarf, fun jewelry or anything that makes feel happy.
Thanksgiving was my first challenge. Being single, for many years I have
found the holidays to be something I just had to get through. If I kept
busy enough and surrounded myself with people, perhaps I wouldn’t
realize how lonely I was. The best thing about these times was that
everyone had something good to eat, and for a few minutes that food psychologically
satisfied me. This year would be different. I wore a bright red sweater
with crazy trim, it’s hard to hide or feel bad when you are dressed
in red.
Before dinner I kept a beautiful wine glass filled with water, a maraschino
cherry and a slice of orange over the edge to look festive. By dinner,
I wasn’t very hungry so it was easy to stop with one helping of the
right food. I decided not to tell anyone (except you) what I was doing.
Have you ever noticed the others instinctively rush to offer you food,
if you mention a desire to change eating habits?
The first day of December means an entire month of festivities. Give your
self a present, when you look into the mirror, find something to admire.
Learning to like you more than the tempting calorie laden treats can be
a fun a process and one we can take together. Please share with your thoughts,
strategies and ideas with the rest of us. Email me
and indicate whether I can share your thoughts in the column.
Janet