Tonight I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting since June of 2017. It's been almost 9 months. 9 MONTHS! That's the same amount of time that it takes to grow a human (and it feels like I've gained almost the same amount of weight).
I jokingly blame my boyfriend. I've read several articles lately that scientifically prove that those in happy relationships have a tendency to gain 15-20 pounds. Well great. I'm glad I'm happy. Thanks a lot, Anthony.
But secretly, I know it's all me. It's my difficulty with binging after I get home from work and going out to restaurants on the weekends, totally disregarding any healthy habits that might exist during the week. It's my reduced activity level from winter when it was too cold to ride or go for walks. There's honestly an excuse for everything, but excuses don't make change happen. So it's time for me to change my mindset.
One of the things that really hit me at the Weight Watchers meeting tonight wasn't even something from this week's discussion. It was an article in last week's weekly bulletin talking about setbacks and bouncing back. One of the suggestions made in the article was to write yourself a letter for the times when you have a setback and are feeling totally down on yourself. So here I am. The following is that letter to myself:
March 20, 2018
Nancy,
You are not your weight. You are not the number on a scale. You are beautiful inside and out. You have a way about you that is magnetically attractive to the people around you. You are outgoing and compassionate in a way that makes people feel better about themselves. You should be proud of the woman you have become and the things you have accomplished. You have an amazing job and a beautiful home. You have a boyfriend who loves you, friends who have become family, and animals who are bonded closely with you. You work hard every day for the things that you have and the place where you are in life. You have many, many people in your life who care deeply about you. You are an attractive, intelligent, passionate human being.
You are not your weight. You are not the number on a scale. Do not let this negate all the progress you have made. Do not let this simple mistake determine your self-worth. Tomorrow is a bright, new day. You have it in you to come back from this and begin again. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be tough days and there will be days when it feels easy. Keep fighting. You have so many reasons to keep fighting. It will be worth it. I promise.
Love always,
~Nancy
