Pep In My Step

It's funny how a few small things can change your life and perspective. Currently almost under 200 pounds it feels totally different. A few years ago I used to wear a lot of dresses and skirts but when I began gaining weight I started to 'cover' it up. I wore lots of slacks and pants or jeans normally. I had stopped wearing heels and chose comfortable 'work shoes' with any outfit. So today I looked in my closet and realized my clothing attire needs some assistance, meaning, I need to pull out a dress or two because I'm fabulous and It's not just because I lost some weight but my mindset has changed tremendously. I wore a simple dress to work but it was the pep in my step that got people's attention.

I often wonder what it takes for us to really embrace our weight and why many women have body image issues. I wonder if all those years at the heavier weight I lied to myself and others when I said I loved myself. Was I loving myself when I was stuffing my face with convenience foods, on a daily basis and eating over 2400 calories a day. I don't think I was. Maybe I was internally processing my self loathing by using food as escapism. I still am working that part out.

I know as an emotional eater I have to keep myself focused on the here and now. If I'm upset about something, I will process that, than pick up a bag of chips or grab a bag of McDonald's or Burger King's. If I am upset I cry, write a poem, call a friend, dance or move my body. Or i lay in my bed. I drink some water but I do not go and use food as an escape. The here and now can be over whelming if you constantly drown life's misery, challenges or problems through other means. Its okay to keep it raw and real. It's okay to just breath or feel the emotions. It's not okay to constantly use food to stuff those emotions or problems. You gain more weight, your problem is unresolved and you have no outlet. Finally it's not healthy. Not at all.

Being brave to question your investment of health or lack of, can be startling but you only have one life and if you want to live it freely, be brave and bold. Be real with yourself and don't try to be fit for life because of others, you have to do this for yourself. You have to have a support system and you have to take it each day at a time.

Wishing you a productive week ahead as you find a 'pep in your step' make sure to take some time to love yourself by figuring out ways to make health a priority in your life. It goes a long long way.