2,725 Comments

• Jan

  My #1 struggle has been weight that has come on because of hormone wackiness from exposure to mold. A long process (both healing from mold sickness and rebuilding my house) has left me more overweight than I’ve ever been and sad because the healing and rebuilding has taken so long. (2 years) but both are close to completion. It is time for fun! Tonight I’m going to a concert. And in 5 days I’m going to the beach for a week. Talk later!
• Michelle

  Sarah I really enjoyed watching this video!! It hit right to my core!! I have forgotten what fun is in my life!! I have let my weight define me for so long..I have struggled with my weight all my life. I was always the heaviest girl in class, all my friends were skinner. I always felt compared to my sisters that were skinny!! I always searched for someone to love me but it was so hard because I didn’t love myself. I never felt like I was worthy of someone else love because of my weight.. I would diet lose a few pounds then gain it back!! After 6 kids I am at the heaviest I have ever been. My weight is not just affecting me but my relationships. I have forgotten what it is to smile and laugh and live life!! I am ready to live again!! Today I am going to turn the music up and dance and sing!! I use to do this as a kid with my mom and I loved it!!
• Jill

  Thanks for the great video! My fun thing is going on long walks or hikes and communing with nature. Thankfully, there is a state park nearby where I can make a nice circuit through woods and around a lake. There I can see great critters like beavers, otters, hawks, owls, ducks, geese, turkeys, deer, turles, snakes…. Connecting with all of these critters reminds me that we are part of a huge, incredible, beautiful world, and that we need to be good stewards of this gift. BUT…. I run into the same trouble that many others do – doing stuff with my two busy teens, a crazy/wonderful career, caring for an older family member, trying to keep up with housework, etc., consumes my hours. I hustle and hustle and hustle. I made a commitment a long time ago that my kids would have healthy, homecooked meals at least 90 percent of the time, and that we would sit down and enjoy those meals together. I find that if I take the time to cook a healthy meal, then clean up afterward, and do other chores that I need to do to keep the house from looking like a flipping disaster area, suddenly it is 9 or 10 pm (sometimes later!)…. An exhausting grind. I have often put my fun last on the list. Lately, I’ve been involving my family more in the meal preparation, and I don’t let go of the day until I’ve taken at least one, long walk. I have a chronic pain syndrome that I’ve had since I was a teen, and it never really eases up, but I also know that MOVING is the best way for me to take care of myself. The fact that I find it fun is an added bonus. Last night, it was nearly 9 pm when my boyfriend and my dog got back in from taking our walk through the neighborhood. I was tired, but I was also peaceful & I let go of all the things I was fretting about earlier in the day. As for food, I’m trying to be more mindful of every single thing I consume. It’s hard when you’re working in an office all day, but I know I’m worth it! Those meetings with the muffins and danishes stacked in the table are frustrating & I always ask that there is some fruit and/or yougurt to chose from as well. Or, I bring my own. It’s a process! Thank you, Sarah!
• MG

  My struggles sound very similar to yours. At present, my relationship with my body is softening. I think I’ll give myself a mani and pedi for fun today. Perhaps I’ll sneak in a nap while my girls nap. Fun!
• Sherri Rael

  What a wonderful message to hear the morning.
  My fun thing to do today is got and a walk/ hike with my doggie. I plan to take my time enjoying my food by turning off the tv and really tasting all the ingredients and try a new recipe.
  I have been overweight my whole life. So I have always hated my body. Tried weight loss gimmick after weight loss gimmick. Gained and lossed through the years. Now I am ready to get real and get right!
• Mandy Stone

  My issue with my body is that i hate feeling heavy. Heavy when i turn over at night. Heavy when im running to cross a street. Heavy in my shoes. Heavy when i climb in and out of the bathand heavy on my partner when we make love(although he is heavier than me) I want to feel lightphysically and mentally.

  Im gonna open the sliding door next to my sewing desk so i can have fresh air and birds chirping and then finally finish my floral dress with the exposed shoulders that i started so i can feel sexy in it.i love my shoulders.
• Tracey Welch

  1. I am slowly learning to accept my body. It hasn’t been easy, but I’m getting there.
  2. I’m doing my fun thing right now. I am mall walking. A little time to myself.
• Katie

  Your video is spot on. I actually joined WW yesterday, as I’ve been emotionally eating for the last several months. I’m 5’3″ so even 5 lbs is noticeable and unappealing to me. I’m going to our local lake today to have “me” time and take a walk for fun. Thanks so much for the inspiration and clarity.
• Cathy

  Hi Sarah,
  A little info about me. I just turned 49. I am married to a wonderful guy and we just celebrated our 10 anniversary!! No children or pets. I am technically retired, however a little over a year ago I stepped in to help our niece with her new business. This was supposed to be part time & temporary but somehow I am now the Office Manager!

  This video is so spot on for me. I have struggled with my weight all my life. I have done every diet out there and even did the route of gastric by-pass.i was in search of something to “fix me”. News flash, none of these things fixed me!

  Over the years (surgery was 14 years ago) I have slowly put most of the weight back on. Although not as heavy as I was when I had surgery, I am still in this constant fight with my weight.I don’t want to go back there, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

  In response to your first question, I am not even sure what fun is for me. Isn’t that sad? This is the main reason I signed up for this challenge. I don’t even know who I am anymore. Actually, I’m not sure I ever did. I will try to find something fun to do today and report back later in the week.

  As for the food part. I will give it my best and report back on that as well. I have a bad habit of rushing through my meals.

  Looking forward to the rest of the challenge, thank you!,
• Kim

  Have noticed lately by eating “clean” my body feels less achy, more energized… (I’m not depriving myself of sugar completely)…but sure cutting back where I can! Enjoyed your 1st video….for fun today I am going to spend time with my teen daughter…wherever that takes us?
• Megan

  Hello,
  Enjoyed the video. Even in a time in my life where I’m not working (just moved abroad for my husbands job) its been very difficult for me to slow down and enjoy life. I’m realizing now that, though I always blamed not being able to do this on being busy, it really is more of an internal struggle for me. Interesting to think about how slowing down and not multi-tasking during meals can be a positive lifestyle change. Excited to try it. My fun thing for the day will be playing outside with my dogs this evening-I always feel to tired to really enjoy our walks but not today 🙂
• Amy

  Five years ago, I was at my “ideal” weight because I was running. I now make excuses for not taking the time for me. I then eat because I don’t take the time for me. Therefore, I have gained weight. I LOVED running. I loved the feeling of accomplishment. I have been making excuses to not get out and running (time, I’ll do it when I lose 10 pounds, I need to diet first, etc.) . Today, I’m going to RUN for fun. I’m going to run because I like the way it makes me feel. I’m going to run at my pace that is right for me now and not compare myself to the former me.
• Jo

  Hi my name is Jo, so where to start unfortunately I have just watched your video @10:30 at night but Im super excited to go on this journey.
  Today I didnt go to work due to having a headache and just feeling blah. My husband came home from dropping our 15yr old son off at school and we got to spend some time just the two of us cuddling(which we don’t get to do that often do to our work schedules and snoring ?). Anyway after having a good hour together I noticed I didnt have a headache anymore and I had quite a bit of energy so while my husband was out exercising I got up and just started cleaning my house (I really love living in a house that is clean and has order)when my husband returned I told him I would cook him a hot lunch, he loves that. So once I started cooking (which I use to think I didnt like to do but when its for a purpose I found I do like to cook). Anyway since I was cooking meals for the week I then started doing some baking. I then txted a new friend I had made recently and asked if she and her kids wanted to come over for afternoon tea she said that would be lovely and would see me about 4pm and some how that just gave me more pep I started running around tidying the rest of the house and I just felt great.
  I made all these cakes and cookies (way more than I needed) but I also found that when she was over I had 1 cup of coffee and 1 slice of carrot cake and I was happy with that I didnt feel like I needed more or wanted more.
  I have been thinking of late (6mths) that I want to change my job(I am currently a bus driver) i use to enjoy my job but for the last yr or 2 i have not, dont get me wrong I enjoy my fellow drivers but the general public most days just leave me angry/annoyed and wondering why I’m here?Any way Im hoping that by working through these step that I can find the real me, the happy me.
  Well thats part of my story and as we go I hope to share and work through the rest.
• Teresa H.

  Hi Sarah, I was in good shape until I went to college, then the yo-yo weight issues began. But in all honesty, I can remember not being happy with my body even when I was thin in high school, maybe not ever. I love the concept of focusing on fun and the rest will follow. I own a restaurant where I bake and cook all day, so I’m constantly around food. Most of it no longer tempts me, the issue for me is more that I don’t have time to sit and enjoy my food. I rarely get through lunch without interruption.

  Today for fun, I will crank up my favorite music and dance it out til I’m out of breath and smiling with joy.

  I also will give myself time to sit and enjoy my lunch today.
• Elaine

  My current relationship with my body is that I’m very depressed because when I look in the mirror I see this old saggy odd-looking body that’s out of shape and has rolls in wrong places and it really makes me depressed makes me not want to see myself.

  Today for fun I painted a rock for a paperweight fot my friends at work and painted flowers on it. Is my artistic effort to give them something so that they could keep track of their hazelnut coffee pots rather than a piece of paper that keeps getting thrown away on it. I just enjoy painting.

  I can really relate to the postponing the phone until my body looks the way I wanted to. You could really relate to the things that you had to say.

  Thank you!
• Susan L. Laude

  My relationship with my body is mostly negative; throughout my 20s, I was involved with a man who abused me,and he spent a lot of time convincing me that I was ugly, fat, and dumb, and that no one would ever want me if I left him. I got pregnant, and left him when my son was 4 months old. I know, with mt BRAIN, that his words were only another form of controlling me, and they were not true, but my HEART and my SOUL are nit convinced. I have never felt “good enough”; I am different from anyone I know. For example, most of what I like to do for fun is solitary; I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to read (not even joking, I own WELL OVER 2,000 books, and,yes, I did say OVER two thousand), I like to listen to music (ALL KINDS), I like documentaries (don’t like a lot of other TV shows or movies). I do like to travel, and I like to go ro vineyards, breweries, and distilleries. I like to have oddball conversations inconversations in which both people are very self aware and want to dig deep and discuss motivations and the meaning to life, the universe, and everything! There is a book I have been waiting on to release that releases today, so that may be my fun thing to do today. I will let you know how eating with no distractions goes.
• Cheryl

  Hi there. I have to say, if I knew then(in my 20s) what I know now (at 46)… I love my body more now than before, even though I’m 40 pounds heavier. Sure, I would love that body again. But it’s ok that I don’t have it. My weight has been up and down since I’ve had kids, and I went through a depression in a bad marriage. But now I’m on my own, my kids are older (15 and 12), and I’m now focussing on me. I am trying to lose for health reasons. And to just feel even better and healthier.
  For fun today I am going to the gym (yes, i love it!). Even though I go daily, it’s my treat for myself. Then I think I will plant some flowers…
• Jessica

  The moment I knew I was different. I was in second grade and our school nurse announced my weight at 85lbs. My classmates giggled under their breath and at 40 years old, I *still* feel the feelings of embarrassment and shame. That moment kick-started the feelings of a “chubby” girl and an “full-figured” woman. Weight Watchers, Atkins, NutriSystem, even Lap-Band surgery in 2006 (and today, I’m at my original weight pre surgery). I’m even considering the 21-Day Fix but truth be told – I”M SO TIRED OF THINKING ABOUT MY WEIGHT. The “Live More Weigh less” Model has been intriguing from the moment we were introduced and today, Day 2 of the #LiveMoreChallenge 2016, I feel like my mind, body & soul are finally in alignment with the core message.

  Today for fun, I’m going to read a magazine on our beautiful deck with my phone tucked away so I can’t reach for it!
• Shannon

  This is amazing I am exactly at this place in my life building a life I love not waiting for the weight to be gone. Twice in my life I have lost over 40kg and stacked it back on and you know why??? My life wasn’t wonderful thin it sucked and was worse because a let shitty men into my life and thought oh they want to shag Jw I must be great now.
• Vicki

  Loved this. Decided that instead of trying to be perfect for everyone else I will start being perfectly satisfied with me. I’m going to ride my bike and work in my yard for my fun things.
• Jenna

  Hi!

  After watching your Fun & Food video I can relate to a lot of what you were talking about. I often find myself distracted while I eat, mostly because there are always a hundred things to get done, and never enough time in the day to do them all. I will take the time today to be more mindful of how I eat.

  While there have certainly been times in my life where fun hasn’t been a priority, I have found that surrounding myself with a small circle of good friends has made all the difference. I spent Saturday helping a friend build a ranch for her daughter’s birthday party and have never laughed so much. Our kids had the best time at the party, but we had the best time creating the set for their fun memories. It’s all about those moments, and taking the time to enjoy them.

  I always drive past this cute walking trail and always tell myself that ‘one day’ I’ll go for a walk there. There are too many of those things that I put aside to do another day. Today I will embrace the now, and go for a walk on that cute walking trail!

  Jenna
• Beth

  My number one struggle with my body has been my weight. Your words made so much sense. I am 65 now and I’m just beginning to come to the realization that I deserve to have fun and to love myself as I am and that comparing myself to others has no benefit.
  For fun today I am going to start my home yoga practice – something I’ve wanted to do for years! And I will be smiling the whole time! Also, I am going to treat myself to a new, fun lipstick today!
  Thanks for the video, Sarah!
• Joanna Hammond

  I have had a real struggle with eating since I was a teen , I developed Anerexia! I got down to 87 lbs when I was 19 after having my first child ! I decided to start eating healthy and not depriving myself and to be a good mom , and starting eating healthy and did that for years but was in a unhealthy abusive relationship and was never happy although I was in shape , now I am almost 40 and I weigh 150 and feel terrible about my weight but I am determined to find happiness and not obsess over just my weight !!! Today I am going to listen to Cindy lauper girls just wanna have fun at work throughout the day and focus on my future,
• Larisa

  I’ve never been happy with my weight since I was probably 10, though looking back I really wasn’t that heavy. In the last 2 years I’ve gained 30 pounds and am now officially overweight. I’m not really sure how or why that happened. Maybe just getting older or slowly backing off on exercise without realizing it. i do sometimes think that I use the added weight as an excuse to not get close to people or as a reason I can use for not accomplishing what I want to.

  Fun… I do a lot of solitary things like reading and crafts for fun, which I enjoy a lot, but I feel like I need more fun time with my husband, friends and family. I need to get out in the world more. Trying to think of something to do today.im actually really looking forward to the reading in a cafe challenge. 🙂
• LeAnna

  Hi Sarah,

  I joined the 30 day challenge not really sure what to expect and ready to turn at the first sign of any shaming or unrealistic advice. I was really nervous when I saw ideal body, and being a mental health counselor who struggles with my body, I was afraid to hear how I wasn’t “right” which I was sure was going to come. I was so very wrong. I have had a complicated and sometimes hateful relationship with my body since I was in high school at the first sign of (actually quite normal) weight gain that everyone seemed to comment on. I would exercise rigorously multiple times a day and eat once a day. Fast forward to college and post grad life and a full fledged depression and my emotional eating was out of control and so was my weight. I lost the weight but have never been the thin girl I was before. I havent loved my body in 20 years. What a waste of energy that has gone into hating it. I really reasonated with your idea if an ideal body for the current phase of your life and making peace that my weight will go up and down forever and my self worth can’t wane with this natural phenomenon. This is where I need to do some work. I am up for the challenge! Thank you for so beautifully putting that and your courage in sharing your story. For fun today, I think I will mix up my usual exercise routine and instead go for a walk downtown and discover a new place or read at my favorite bookstore. I’m really excited to do this! Thank you so much for this challenge!
• Joann

  Thank you so much for this video
  I’ve not felt comfortable in my body since I were about 8 for a few different reasons but from about 12 onwards it were due to weight, that I’ve always felt held me back from joining in/doing things with friends comparing body types personalities etc.
  Ive been put off going to exercise classes that I love until I’m slimmer!
  My fun things are going to be spending a little time outside with kids and dog each day and swimming this weekend.
  Eating without distraction is going to be very tough but I’m going to definitely give it my best.
• Emma

  My relationship with my body has changed a lot over the last 10 months. I went through a life style change (not just a diet that I would fail at) which help me achieve what I thought was the perfect size and weight. It has been great to achieve new things physically that I was unable to do before and also to have to buy a whole new wardrobe of clothes because I had dropped two sizes but this hasn’t helped me become happy with my body, there is still something lacking in the path to being happy with my body but I don’t know what that something is.

  For fun I am going to say yes to my daughters (even if we are late leaving the house) and put on our favourite song. I will then sing along as loud as I can and dance with my girls.

  Thanks for the video and I can’t wait to listen to the next one.
• Ryan

  I loved this video. So many connections. I struggle with the extremes and no love for my body image @ any size. I’m becoming more aware that the distracted eating is more energy toward the whole self punishing,suffering swirl. Today I’m taking a walk and scheduling a 90 minute warm stone massage.Thank you all for sharing your insights. ☮❤️
• Meredith

  Your video really did speak to me! I have been overweight for a decade now and I am constantly talking about my weight and the next get fit quick! But they last for only a few hours just like you said!!! I know the woman I am inside but I can’t find her under all these pounds! It’s like she’s lost in there:((( I am a single mother of two and I just keep thinking if I could just lose weight my guy will find me! But it is so true about not living because I’m waiting to be thin!!! I’m not sure I actually know what brings me joy anymore to have fun:((( I know as a child I loved to swim! My father always called me his little fish… So today, I will swim with my children and see if that brings me joy…. But what if it doesn’t??? That’s what scares me…. What if my true self is buried alive inside and I don’t know what resognates with me anymore??? What brings me joy??? That is a really hard question for me! Today I’ll try swimming though:))) Thank you Sarah!!!! Looking forward to this journey!!!
• Amy holmes

  Hi Sarah,

  I can totally relate to this!!! I overeat because it makes me “happy” I use it as an excuse to make me feel happier after I’ve been at work all day or after a stressful situation.
  I broke up out of an 8 year relationship last September, my bf left me and since then it’s been a struggle for my financially. I have had to move house, work another job (I work 2 jobs now- day and evening) and I really find the change difficult at times. I used to live a comfortable life with just one job, I used to go to the gym and be really healthy but since the upheaval i have really struggled to fit everything in that I used to, my finances are stretched and my health often suffers as I just pick up available cheap fast food off a budget plus I get an hour in between shifts every night to myself- not enough time to exercise as I used to!

  For fun tonight I shall try and go for a run… Time is tight as I only have an hour but I used to enjoy running by myself in a specific pretty spot near my house but I stopped going as I never found time and I am always scared of going alone!
  Maybe today is the day I say I don’t need chocolate! I don’t need the food to make me happy! Stop being scared and go and make myself happy! I deserve this!

  Amy xx