As I reflect upon this process of trying to unwind the reasons for gaining weight and for, now, losing weight, I have discovered something important.  The stories we tell ourselves have enormous power.

We are the authors of our own lives so why do we give away our stories to the preconceived notions of others?  If someone tells you,  “Weight loss just gets harder and harder as you age.” or “It’s not realistic to live your life on Weight Watchers.” and you believe them, that will be your story.  How is it helpful to think that you’re just going to take longer to lose weight? How is it helpful to believe that living life on Weight Watchers is somehow less satisfying than just eating whatever you want whenever you want it.  Why would we deliberately give away our power to other people?

I vow to tell myself that I am an intentional woman who is fully engaged in this process of weight loss. I am keenly aware of what I need to be successful. I value time to reflect and process my actions, emotions, and choices so I may continue to grow.  I can do this even though it’s hard, even though many other people have failed. My past failures are badges of honor because I am resilient and I am not giving up on me. I am worth all of this effort, and so are you.

My featured image is a photo of a day at Crab Meadow Beach.  It is the path that made me select it for today’s post. Our paths to getting to goal may be different. Some of us will have to try to walk that path more than once or twice. That’s ok because this is a journey. More tomorrow…