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2,725 Comments
My number one struggle with my body is health. I want to lose weight because I’m always in pain and feel that it is because of y weight.
I really don’t know what I want to do for fun. I stay home because of health issues and feeling of inadequacy. I think my relationship is failing because of it my fiance is unhappy. I find more joy on fb than with him.
Hi Kenya, I’m a grad of Live More Weigh Less and I can relate. Things don’t change all at once, but I took small steps a few times a week even when it was hard and eventually I realized I was doing well. If you follow along with the challenge you might find something that you like. Just stick with it. 🙂
Hi Keyna,
In our next video we dive into relationships and I think you’re going to really enjoy it and find some great takeaways too. I know there had to have been a time when you enjoyed spending time with your partner. What types of dates did you go on? What did you do for fun together? Try to rekindle those feelings and the rest will follow suit.
Hej Sarah!!
Thank you so much for this video. During looking it I felt very shocked about myself loosing the fun in my life…
My english isn’t so good and i didn’t understand every word you’ve said, but i understand the most and your message!
The most thing i struggle with my body is my belly…it’s so uuurrgghhh. I hate it!!
And the first thing i’ll do this evening is: i’ll be breathe. A lot of deep deep breathe!!
Hi Frauke, I’d love to know what you have planned to do for fun tomorrow.
Hi Sarah,
I love your approach. I am turning 65 this year, and never had a weight issue till I started going through menopause in my 40’s. Although, I was a “solid” figure as a child, I always felt fat compared to my friends. Now, as an adult, I am thin in my mind, until I look in the mirror and realize I have got to get a handle on this for medical reasons. I have been aware for quite some time that my eating is emotional. I have never been able to get to the root of what my emotional issue is. I have tried all the weight loss programs. This is the first time I feel hopeful I may be able to tap into what “my deal” is.
Loving your video and am looking forward to your program. I am already choosing a more healthy lifestyle by making healthy choices when I eat. But never thought about, “am I having fun,” incorporated into my life.
On that note, I am signing up for yoga classes today, and contacting friends to start a walking routine. I love the outdoors and need to get out more.
I’m so glad you’re here Renee! I can’t wait to see all that unfolds for you and I love that you’re taking action right away. Let me know how your first class goes.
This video made me realize that my unhealthy relationship with food was a substitute for the lack of attention I was getting from my husband. Let me back up. Growing up, my mom always cooked-everything was either fresh from the garden or made from scratch, and always made with love and laughter. So I grew up with a healthy connection to food and a healthy weight. But several years into my marriage, and 3 kids later, my husband emotionally abandoned us. I’m realizing now that not only did I “circle the wagons” tighter with my kids, but I also tried to recreate my childhood environment with food-but this time it wasn’t a healthy environment. Fast forward many years later, and my husband admitted that he’s been going through the motions all these years and wants out. It may sound strange, but I am devastated. Since he moved out, I’ve been in “hiding.” I really need to find my fun and learn to love myself. I feel encouraged by your video, and look forward to the next one.
Rhonda, I’m looking forward to supporting you even more. You are not alone, we have an amazing community here that you can reach out to anytime. Also, I want to know what you are going to do for fun TODAY! xo
1. My current relationship with my body is one of disappointment and dislike. I feel like I am always trying to get over being ill, tired, and depressed. I used to be a fun loving outdoorsy type person and now that all just feels like a pipe dream. I have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and medication just makes me feel exhausted plus since it suppresses my immune system I feel like I am always sick so what do I do? Exactly what you said not to do sit around and watch tv or read and eat. Do I want things to change? Yes. I almost started crying listening to your message because you make it sound like it is possible. For the first time I feel like someone really understands what it feels like to feel trapped in a body that just will not cooperate. I am a loner and have been most of my life so most of the time I spend alone or with my dogs and God. To be able to ride my bike again or take the boys, dogs, for a hike would be a dream come true.
2. For fun today I am going to spend time with my dogs at the dog park. They love running around and chasing one another. I love seeing them so happy and getting the puppy kisses and hugs they give to say thanks for the great time mom.
Thank You.
Hello Steph and welcome! Getting outside with your dogs is a great fun activity! The fact that you know you want to change is a great first step. Stay tuned as you will get some great tips from Sarah to help with the challenges you are facing!
Thanks Jill!
My number one struggle as I get older is my legs and arms are so much larger. I was slender until about 10 years ago, so it really bothers me when we go away in February and I have to get into my swimsuits. I cringe at the pictures taken of me.
I have no idea what I am going to do for fun. When I get home from work, I just get my chores done so I can get into my chair and watch old movies until bedtime.
Hey Jenny, Glad to have you here! If fun has been missing for awhile it might be hard to remember what you did. Think back to when you had fun last and what you were doing. Read over what some of the others are doing and see if any of them resonate with you. Do something special that is just for you. Change up the routine a bit after work. Don’t forget to come back and report in what you did!
Hi Jenny,
Instead of diving into your chores right after work tomorrow, what is something you could do in between work and chores that would bring you some added pleasure or joy into your life? Let us know what it is and how you feel afterwards.
This video spoke to me on so many levels. I am so happy to have watched it. I have been at odds with my body and food for as long as I can remember. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 11 years old, and I believe that is where a lot of my deep rooted issues with food came from. Growing up, I had to eat X amount of food, no more, no less. I think then later in my teens and college years I rebelled by eating all the “junk” I could, and gained a bunch of weight. I have been yo-yoing ever since then. I will lose 20 pounds counting calories, then gain it back. I will lose 10. Gain it back. Right now I feel as though I am 10 pounds over my “normal” weight, and it is driving me nuts that I struggle to get back there. But I emotionally eat a lot. I will wake up in the middle of the night and eat peanut butter from the jar. I believe eating without distractions will help tonight in that eating dinner without them will enable me to enjoy and register my dinner more, and in doing so I will hopefully snack less.
For my fun thing to do tonight, I will go to the gym and do my favorite class, Body Pump, and focus on how it is making me strong, instead of for weight loss purposes.
I love body pump! When I hear a pump song on the radio I feel like doing lunges!
I love the video! Thank you for being so inspiring.
I grew up hating my body because I was always the chubby one and also I developed as a woman pretty early so all the other girls kept teasing me about it. It just made me more and more ashamed of myself. I’ve tried so many diets and I’m tired of going like the literal yo-yo about my weight and my feelings about myself.
I’ve always wanted to be a fiction writer, but I’ve lost some of the enjoyment I found in writing because I’m afraid of not being good enough to be able to have a career in it. Today, as my fun thing, I’m going write just for the pleasure of it, instead of worrying about how good or bad is the result.
Thank you for saying what lots of us needed to hear!!
Welcome Vanesa! Writing without pressure sounds like a great way to have fun today!
I am a fiction writer, but I “tried on” a bunch of other job (even though I always knew I wanted to be a writer) because I was too scared to fail at it. Like you, I struggled with issues (like my weight) so I worried I didn’t have the self confidence needed to go into a career that REQUIRES constant criticism and rejection. Turns out, I was strong enough (and so are you). I encourage you to write for fun as long as you want, but never be scared to turn it into a career if that is what you truly desire.
Let us know how the writing goes. What did you write about? You have an entire cheering squad here!
Vanesa, you should get a journal that you absolutely love to journal and write in each day. Journaling is such a powerful exercise and it can be a story, or just your thoughts and feelings. I think it will bring the joy you get from writing back into your life.
My biggest struggle with my body is energy. I seem to have none. So, instead of going for a walk, which I know I should do, I take a nap. I had mono, so I know the reason for the problem, but coming out of it is not happening as quickly as I like.
I enjoyed the video. I think you are right on about our attitudes about our bodies and ourselves. I have spent most of my life struggling with feeling good about myself. It’s time I learn to do that.
For fun today I am going to go look at a puppy I am thinking about getting. There is nothing cuter than a puppy (or more work?!?)
Hey there Diana! I’m glad to hear you saying “it’s time” and this is the right place to be! I hear you on the fatigue and rather take a nap then a walk. I changed it up one day when I told myself to just walk to the end of the block and back and then take a nap. I was surprised how energized I felt after just getting out in the fresh air. A walk doesn’t have to be a long distance. And I am thankful that in the city I live there are great paths that have benches along all the routes. Sometimes I just walk to the nearest bench and sit and enjoy the beauty around me. The puppy might be a great idea too because he/she will need walks. Be sure to check back and let us know if you get the puppy and breed and sex and name! Looking forward to your update!
Hmmm how do I feel in my body? Awful! I’ve tried everything and at the age of 58 I found you. I’ve just begun to realize what my body does for me and now it’s time for me to show her how much I appreciate her. I eat out of boredom and stress and I very rarely go outside after work or on the weekends. I was diagnosed with MS last year and fatigue is a big issue with me. I’m going to break this issue and my fun thing I’m going to do is take my new trekking poles out for a long walk and admire the scenery.
Thank you Sarah
Welcome Liz! I’m so glad you’re here. How was your walk today?
I am so happy to have found your program (via Simple Green Smoothies) – you are such a lovely person and are sharing a profound and beautiful message. Like so many others here I have struggled with body image issues for many years and have put so many aspects of my life on hold until I reach a certain weight – thanks to you, I’ll be putting a stop to that approach to NOT living to my fullest potential! I recently signed up to work as a parent volunteer/coach for a charity running program at my son’s school and was thinking about quitting b/c I don’t feel qualified and feel so out of shape – but he enjoys having me participate and I know many of the other students – so instead of giving up on myself and thinking I have to already be fit and thin to join the fun, today I will be heading back out there cheering them on and just appreciating and celebrating the fact that we have the ability to move and run (the program provides funds for medical research for kids who can’t move and run). thank you for your fantastic program – I will be back for more!
Hey Tami – I love that you’re still going for it even if you don’t feel confident. I’m a graduate of Sarah’s program, and that was one of the biggest things I learned. And you know, you will get there eventually with small, steady steps.
I’m so glad you’re here Tami. I’m so proud of you for sticking with it and not giving up. That’s huge.
I just signed up and am looking forward to some of your great insight. Can’t wait!!!
I’m so happy you’re here Marjory. What are you going to do for fun tomorrow?
So inspiring finally.! Amazing thank you very much..it has made my day to find you.
thank you thank you
Welcome Ana. I can’t wait to connect even more with you. What was your biggest takeaway from today’s video?
Hello to this wonderful community! Sarah, you are radiant in this video and dead-on with every word you said. I am not overweight, and I have not struggled with my weight my entire life, I have no will power, but I guess I have good genes, because the way I eat and emotionally abuse my body could have caused me to be overweight. I have suffered from anxiety and depression since adolescents. I have lacked self-worth and been in some pretty horrific relationships because of it. I lack confidence, which ruins not only romantic relationships, but friendships with other women. I have never put myself first and have just realized that I owe that to myself at this point. I am a wife and a mother, and I struggle to love myself and my body. I have every reason to be happy, but I feel like my body is never tight enough; my skin and hair are too dull; I hate myself for eating that muffin; and I need to be the same size I have always been or I get frazzled. I want to love me for me. I want to take care ofmyself and have a true appreciation for the gifts that I have been granted. I hope this series will kick start that for me. I bought my beautiful flowers and I have walked a little talker today, thanks to you. I am happy to be here to learn.
Lori, you are so kind. All of those things you are saying about yourself are not true. I think you’re really going to enjoy my next video. It’s all about relationships and our bodies. I’m so glad you’re participating in the challenge too.
Hi Lori, just want to say thank you for opening up to this community, I see you, and I’m glad you’re here. I look forward to hearing what you learn from the rest of the videos and making small changes. xx
I heard a bell *ding* when I heard you mention what it’s like to wake up and go “ugh, I don’t like this body. I don’t want to deal with you”. I feel lathargic and uninspired in my current body. I’ve gained some relationship weight (eating out, more cuddling, less working out) and just don’t even feel the same spark. I’m so excited to add fun back in! I’m signing up for a dance class this week, and will definitely try eating without distractions. So guilty of that!
Hi Jessica! Dance class can be so much fun! What type of dance are you signing up for? Also, I’d like you to think about what you can do to put the spark back into your relationship. Is there a simple “adventure” you could take or something new to try as a couple?
I can’t wait to hear how eating without distractions goes for you!
Wow, Sarah… you just made me cry. Real tears, tears that are coming from the “self” who needs to say goodbye to everything you just described, and the torturing of my body and soul, and the punishments for not being perfect and the idealization of the thin me who “magically” will be happy.
I feel like… hypnotized, you know? Like everything you say is something I should be doing right now. So here’s what I have to share (by the way, thank you for making me think about me): I’ve felt overweighted since I was a girl, sometimes I see pictures of me and I think “I wasn’t THAT fat” but I felt like there was no one more disgusting than me… and I grew up with that idea, then it became kind of a reality, then I lost 30 pounds, then regained 50… and that’s where I am now: unloving my body, asking it to do A LOT and not giving anything back, and yet I’ve noticed that when I take care of it, it responds amazingly and makes me feel happier, lighter, smarter… I say that my body is very noble. I want to love it, is just… I don’t know how.
So, talking about fun… I am enrolling to painting classes (another topic I thought I was terrible at, so I’m gonna prove myself wrong), today I am attending to a conference of possitive psychology (I was in doubt, thank you for pushing me there – It’s the “hidding at home” part that is so heavy!) and before finding this video (Jen & Jadah sent it at my email) I tried to complete my first meditation exercise ever… so, I’m on my way and it’s really great to have you guys by my side. Thanks a lot.
I’m so happy that Jadah and Jen brought you here. I adore both of them and I know that you’re going to find so much love, support and inspiration here in this community. Everything you mentioned is a topic that we’re covering in the next 2 videos and I cannot wait to hear more about your experience and support you.
1)I have always had a struggle with my body since grade school when someone in my class commented that I was fat and I tried to defend myself but didn’t know what to say.
2) Take a walk and spend time outside.
How did you feel after your walk today, Cathy?
I totally love this concept……
I’m so glad this is resonating with you Rebecca. What was your biggest takeaway?
Love the video. I have a tear in my eye. I can relate.
Hi Sujell, I’m so happy this is feeling so aligned for you. I want to invite you to check out my Real Talk Video Series: Women and Our Bodies: http://sarahjenks.com/realtalk. I think you’re going to find it really relatable for you and where you are right now.
Hi Sarah,
thank you for the first video!I’ve signed up for it, because my wonderful daughter
“found” your website by accident… And I am really excited about everythink!
Well, the first struggle with my body I can’t really put in in words… I think
I wasn’t in the right body, I felt so unnormal and different to the others my
whole life… now i am 49 and I think i started to appreciate
my body one year ago.. I treat my body with more gratitude and love… and
that’s a really good feeling.
The fun thing I will do today is to watch a funny movie with my daughter!
And the third step to eat without distraction, I am practising this for a couple of years!
I am looking forward to the next video.
Love to all of us
Andrea, I’m so glad you and your daughter are here. What movie did you watch?
My relationship with my body has been a very unpleasant one, pretty much since puberty. I know I am not kind to myself and my weight shows that unkindness. I have done every diet you can think of but the one thing that I keep circling back to is low self esteem…and how no diet is going to fix that. I am very excited to learn how to be nicer to myself. As far as something fun I can do today, I’m actually going on a double date tonight with some wonderful friends so that will be so much fun! 🙂
Hi Beth! I hope you had the most amazing time on your date tonight. Check back in and let us know how it went!
Wow it was like listening to you tell my story. I’ve been overweight since I was little and struggled to be the perfect thin girl, never happened. In the process I lost me. I stumbled upon your challenge – something led me to it – and it’s all happening. I’m reconnecting with me, I believe it truly is the first step. Not liking myself has spiraled out of control and trickled into my whole little family. I’m 44, married to my best friend and have two kids (boy 5 girl 3). I want to be that family that laughs and has fun together. I see it I have the picture in my head – it all starts with. I am going to be the healthy, happy, mommy/wife. So, I’m off yo get flowers wearing my red lipstick (new favorite color not just for dress up) and for fun I’m buying a game for all of us to play after our family (distraction free) dinner. Oh and after dinner when the kids are asleep I’ve bought a bottle of proseco for my husband and I to share (my fresh flowers adorned my bedroom). Today is a great nice and I’m happy to meet the Trish that was hiding! Thank you
YES!!! WILDLY CLAPPING! Way to take the reins Trish. I can tell you are going to make some big changes. Keeping checking in here and letting us know how things are going.
I bought the game operation for us (lol) decorated my kitchen, shopped for flowers, hung a “command station calendar” now I’m taking a break for me checking in here. I will post some pics!
I loved the video. You are such an inspiration! I have been following you for about two years and I just love you 🙂 My # 1 struggle with my body is consistency. I fluctuate between feeling confident one day and then fat the next. I notice my feelings have a lot to do with what I eat, what I wear and if I have to work that day. I hate my job and pretty much use it as an excuse to eat whatever I want all day because I am so stressed out while I’m there. I work in a hospital and wear scrubs which I don’t feel attractive in. My life outside of work is good. I spend time with my hubby, kids and friends. My new year’s resolution this year was to connect more with other women and I have been doing well with that and I see what a difference that makes in my happiness. I never eat without distractions so I will try that and check back in 😉
CJ, the third video is going to have some serious gold in it for you. I’m so glad you’ve been a part of this community for so long and I’m so happy to hear that you’ve found a group of women to connect with. My friendships are so important to my overall happiness, so this has me really excited for you.
Hi Sarah! This is my first time discovering you and the LMWL Lifestyle, and watching your video, I started crying. I started crying because you are RIGHT about everything. And I see that. I want to tell you a little bit of my back story.
Growing up, I have always been overweight, but it never really bothered me. In High School I was in Color Guard, Marching Band, Choir…all the things I absolutely love and being in those programs, with all the practices, caused me to lose weight and I learned to love that person I had become even more. I was still over weight, but I looked GOOD! 🙂 Also, throughout High School I got my first REAL boyfriend, and BOY did I give him my everything. After we graduated, we became pregnant and got married and things turned south very quickly. He because very verbally and mentally abusive, and towards the end, very physically abusive. He left me and our son while our son was only 4 months old. Right after he left my son and I were in a horrific car accident and we were air lifted to a University Hospital in a city nearby where we found out my son and multiple skull fractures and brain bleeds. We were there for 2 weeks. When we were finally able to go home, I ended losing the house I had previously bought with my husband because as a single mom I couldn’t afford it on my own so I had to move back in with my parents. My ex husband, made me hate myself and I believe I STILL hate myself because of him. Even though my current husband tells me the complete OPPOSITE (that I’m beautiful no matter what) my ex husband had almost 10 years of myself and it’s hard to get rid of for me. I’ve recently discovered that I have unknowingly suppressed that entire part port my life. From the time I met him until the time we got divorced, I can’t really remember anything that happened because it’s too much. Which, I guess it a good thing, but watching your video made me think maybe suppressing that entire part of my life, literally HALF of my life, may be contributing to my over-eating. Everything that happened to me, all happened when I was 19 years old. I was very young. I didn’t really have a life because my ex took ALL of it, and I hate it. I hate myself for letting him do that to me. I hate myself because he made me feel absolutely worthless and meaningless,
Typically, I stay home. I never leave my house unless I’m taking my son to and from school. So today, for fun, I’m going to go outside and enjoy the sun and the warmth GOD has provided for me.
Thank you for the first video and I plan on following this every single day.
Kelley from Texas
Dearest Kelley!! Thank you being for sharing about your story 🙂 im so glad that you found this incredible community of women who are here to support you to get the tools you need te be the best version of yourself. You are exactly in the right place. I’ve been exactly where you are!!! Sarah suggested to me that I read a book called the return to love by Marianne Williamson. Reading that book and making the commitment to myself to join live more weigh less was the best thing I had ever done for myself!!! i really encourage you to keep following everyday like you said!!
Hi Kelley, I don’t usually do this here, but I want to go there with you… I would love for you to take some time to think about your ex. What you loved about him, why you were together and also what his life was like in order to have him make the decisions he did. And what was your life like to cause you to stay. All of this love and understanding will lead to forgiveness, of him and you. We all do the best we can at the time. He gave you your son, and lead you to this place where incredible healing is possible. So many gifts. Focus on the love.
Hi, I am Kaitlyn and I am 24 years old. I have been overweight pretty much my whole life and have always struggled with body image issues! That goes back to emotional abuse I endured from family and kids at school who would tease me about my weight and call me names, and I guess I have never thought I was good enough or worthy enough to amount to being beautiful. I find it very hard to stick to diet and going to they gym. It’s like, I will be motivated for a month or two then lose interest. I have never found anything that works for me! J am really excited to start this journey and see what the outcome will be!
Today for fun, I think I will go on a walk with my husband when we both get off work and just talk about our day. I want to make that an everyday ritual.
Hi kaitlyn 🙂 so happy that you are here!! I am so grateful that you shared your struggles, it really shines the light when we just put our hands up and say it as it is. Sarah has developed such a perfect program that brings us home to our bodies where we can feel good enough and love ourselves. Believe me I was so skeptical before I started lmwl. Going for walks sounds like a beautiful way to spend your after work time with your hubby to connect! It’s so importantly and fun 🙂 what are other ways that you have fun ? Have you joined the lmwl lifestyle challenge ?
Hey Kaitlyn, when you go on a walk with your husband, try noting how you feel afterward, what the walk gave you, and use that as motivation for your next one. (: Thank you so much for joining us, and yes, do let us know what else you’re planning for fun this week! xx
Beautiful, Sarah!
1) My number one struggle with my body has probably been always focusing on the “negatives” and not focusing on the positives. I’ve learned that this is especially interesting for me because I’m naturally a very optimistic and positive person, but when it comes to myself I am a super harsh negative nilly!
2) I’m doing your LMWL Lifestyle challenge so I’m off to buy some gorgeous flowers for myself today! 🙂
3) Eating without distractions these days has been tough for me, but I’ve stayed strong about eating dinner with my husband in our dining room with no other distractions, and with a 9 month old, this is really one of the only times of the day he and I get to spend together, and I cherish it!
Hi Kimberly, Focus is such a powerful process that really does affect us doesn’t it? Good insight that you realize this and you know you can change! Kudos! Isn’t the lifestyle challenge fun!! Don’t forget to post the picture of your flowers!
Beautiful video and amazing message! I am turning 30 this year, so I feel like my metabolism is no longer my friend, ha, so one struggle I am having is eating for the body I have now. I recently moved to an apartment that has 4 Chinese food places in walking distance (as well as pizza, gyros, and more!) so it’s so easy to just get take out when I don’t feel like cooking…and convenience is my worst enemy.
I’ve had a bit of a depressing couple of years trying to figure life out, and it shows around my waistline. This is something I need to change. I want to turn 30 in November feeling confident and amazing, instead of average and frumpy.
There is a pottery place by my apartment that teaches classes that I would love to take for fun. I’ve been waiting for my husband to want to do hat with me, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. I think I’ll sign up for one this week!
Katie, you definitely should sign up for that pottery class this week! Sounds amazing! Having just recently turned 30 myself, I completely get where you are coming from. Life has all sorts of constant changes and stages and your body is going to change and shape differently through all of these different stages as well. I love that you know how you want to feel when you turn 30 this November, so now all you have to do is put the wheels in motion to getting there. And I know that you can start feeling confident and amazing today, right now, with your current body and weight. I hope you’re doing Sarah’s LMWL Lifestyle challenge because I bet that it will help kick things off for you in the right direction 🙂
What an amazing video. I watched it just before bed last night and I went to bed with such clarity. I too have been that person at work hiding myself in a room sneaking chocolates or donuts in myouth and feeling like such a failure.
For fun I’m going to start going to spin classes at the Y! I’m not going to use this time to beat myself up but to meet new people at my gym.
Hi Susan,
So happy to hear you’re feeling some clarity. Love your idea of going to the Y to meet people! I would also invite you to think of one other thing that is pure relaxation. Having different flavors of fun (especially when one is a spin class) is really important. xo
Thinking back, i can actually testify that having fun leads to a more balanced diet and loosing weight! I was always chubby, but also very active. When i was little i used to have constant weight fluctuations over the year. Not much, just a few pounds. It never bothered me, as i was living with my grandparents and eating yummy home grown produce and cooked food, and heaving a lot of fun running arround all day. Not to mention i had no “ideal body” image. Then when i was 7 i moved in with my parents, in a big city, and that was an awful change. Appart from the lack of freedom and nature, and the tasteless supermarket produce, i had to deal with people who had this idea you had to be super skinny to be worthy. And the worst part was that my mom was one of those people. I realised i was hating my “fat” body about 2 years in. I had constant anxiety and depression over how worthless i was, and i was basically crying and hating myself day in and day out. In school i was made fun of by the other girls, at home i felt i’d never be good enough to please my mother. I had very little appetite, but what i did eat was not exactly healthy. My parents were at work all day so we just had one meal a day, usually pretty late, and since i was home alone in a big city i had very little outside time. My life had changed completely and i had lost all of my freedom and self esteem. And the worst part is that i hated my body when in fact it was a great, healthy, fit body. I was not overweight! I was simply not looking like the walking skeleton people seemed to expect me to look like… I didn’t realise it however until highschool, when i changed schools, and all of a sudden there were a lot more people like me. I made some amazing friends that made me realise that i was actually at the perfect healthy weight for my height. Highschool was a lot of fun, and i got comfortable with my body even if my mom was still yelling i was fat like my dad’s side of the familly. I liked my body and decided i was not going to let anyone make me hate my body again. That much i actually stuck to. But as university came i found myself in a virtually sedentary life, doing nothing but studying, and eating only bs when i realized i needed food. I had very low self esteem and confidence, even if it was no longer linked to my body. By the end of university i was overweight, feeling heavy and with no energy, and had gastritis from eatig too little! I was actually keeping eating off my priorities, staid famished all day, then ate chocolate or fries or stuff like that. I realised i had to change my life style, i needed to take care of myself. I moved to France and the next 2 years i lived almost like in my childhood. Exploring the Alps, eating fresh produce, and having fun. I lost 30 pounds and felt great. And i loved my body. Then work got really horrible, and i wentdown the sloap again. I loved my body, i had no more “fat” issues,but i put myself last and did not take care of myself. I gained some 15 pounds and now i’m working on getting back to a healthy lifestyle. I finally quit my job last year after my doctor diagnosed me with clinical depression and anxiety. I’ve worked a lot on myself since and i’m feeling a lot better, but my relationship with food is still very bad. I know what to eat, i no longer binge, i eat mostly correctly and have lost some weight. But i have lost all pleasure in eating. For months i only ate once ever couple of days because i knew i was killing myself. I had no appetite, and i still struggle with it. Now i gained back the weight i had lost by starvation and am slosly going back to a balanced eating ritual. It is still very hard. I love my body, and consider it beautiful anyway. I am getting more fun movement andslowly eating better. But i think i have to heal my soul before i can truely find joy in eating and find my appetite end energy again. It’s slow, but i’m on the right track. Today, for fun, i will take a walk in the sun and breathe in nature’s spring rebirth and energy.
Andra, thank you for sharing your journey with us. It sounds like you recognize the many facets that contribute to our relationship with food and our bodies. It’s definitely an on-going, always changing
healing process. I hope you are able to give yourself a lot of love & credit for all of the changes you’ve made and how much you’ve learned about yourself over the years. May the newness of a Spring inspire something fresh in you! (: let us know how your walk went & what else you’re doing for fun this week! xx
Andra, this is a beautiful story. It seems so clear to me what you need to be happy. Some of us need a more “extreme” change to feel truly at home. Don’t be afraid to make big plans for your life. I can tell you are meant to have an extraordinary life. Our overeating is just a roadmap to what we truly deserve.
Growing up I was always comfortable with my body. At 24 years old I was attached in my apartment and my six year old son at the time saw it happen. Being concerned with how he would deal with seeing it I got him counseling but never got myself counseling. One year and 100lbs later I found myself trapped in a body that I felt wasn’t mine. Over the course of the next ten years I found myself dieting, exercising and trying everything I could to “fix” me. In 2013 I had my last and final break down about it all. I finally decided to get counseling and started to heal. Fast forward to today I know know that my body was just trying to protect me and I am working on self-love. It isn’t always easy but I keep working at it. I think live more weigh less might be that last piece of the puzzle of this journey I’m on to fully loving and accepting my body. I have stopped over eating, now eat delicious and good for me foods, I still struggle with working out which is why I’m here. I believe in what Sarah is doing and I think this could help! 😉
Congratulations, Laurie- it sounds like you’ve made some amazing progress in your journey so far! Self-love can be so hard and the fact that you’ve grown in this area is so admirable!
Laurie,
Good for you for taking the steps necessary for you to heal. Your happiness and well-being is so important! I agree with you & Kim – the self-love & acceptance doesn’t happen over night(!); but it sounds like you have made a ton of progress! I’m so glad you’ve joined the community and are watching the videos. In confident you’ll find just what you’re looking for – the remaining pieces of that puzzle. xx
P.S. Did you do anything fun today/yesterday?
Hi Laurie! So happy you’re here. As Kelsey mentioned, I would get really clear with yourself about what you are going to do for fun this week. Activities are a great form of self care, and a wonderful way to move your body. Have you been to a dance class recently?
Welcome Laurie :)) this isn’t just the last piece of the puzzle but a whole blank canvas on what it means to fully embody ourselves and our beautiful lives!! I’m excited to know what you did for fun today? 🙂