Emotional Weight Loss

[cholula]

For the past couple of months, I have been making small, systematic changes to my diet and eating habits. Since these are permanent changes rather than a short term weight loss goal, I have been taking things slowly one step at a time. Once I feel comfortable with a phase, I move on to the next small change. Things don't always go perfectly, but I

Comments

[rainbowfox9]

Wooow. This is awesome. I wish all women in the developed world could read this. You know, everyone goes, "Oh I'm not intuitive, or creative, and I don't have a lot of emotional needs!" BULLSHIT

[cholula]

Wow. Thank you.

You are so right about how often people (and especially women) ignore their emotional needs. Unfortunately, those unexpressed needs and emotions eventually demand our attention in one form or another, often as destructive addictions and unhealthy habits. In spite of the damage this can cause, it is still easier to squash those emotions since acknowledging them means that we might have to actually *gasp* DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

I feel so much more grounded and optimistic about life since I found the courage and words to express what I need. (To others, yes, but especially to myself.) Shining a light on the darker parts of ourselves really does a lot to eliminate fear. I see my issues much more clearly than I ever have. There are still some major obstacles that will take a lot of work, compassion, and courage to overcome. However, recognizing the nature of the beast and staring it right in the eyes is half the battle.

[rainbowfox9]

I am so impressed with the way you are taking this head on. And I'm honored that I can be a part of your journey. You have an inner resolve that most people shy away from. You may be sensitive but you have a backbone of absolute steel and that will serve you well. It also seems that you have a realistic idea of what you can and can't do, and the ability to give yourself credit and to not ask too much of yourself. Those are all extremely important concepts and boundaries within yourself to work with, and THAT stuff is half the battle, too!

You have a lot of foundational groundwork and that is seriously fucking impressive.

Carry on, lovely. You are doing fantastic and I'm just in awe of your beanstalk-like growth.

[cholula]

Thank you again for this. Your words are very encouraging.

I'm enjoying this journey in spite of the setbacks and occasional frustration. Many of these recent revelations are really serving to help me become the person I am meant to be.

[coat_of_primer]

This entry should be read by many people because holy hell you articulate so much that has been in the back of my brain regarding weight, emotions, vulnerability, and self care. I have noticed that as my relationships with others turned more and more toxic, the heavier I got till I was 220 at 5'8". It is creeping down now and I never thought I would ever pray to be 170 again. College weight doesn't count because most of us are thin then. I was 117 at my lowest and I had this notion of "happiness" tied to being so thin. I have to stop with waiting to be happy as dictated by a scale. I am happier single currently than I was with the last five guys combined so-to-speak

[cholula]

About a year ago, I made a spreadsheet to track my weight patterns and happiness levels throughout my life and discovered a very clear pattern. The more stress, toxic relationships, and unhappiness I experienced, the higher my weight would climb. During periods in which I was happy and emotionally balanced, my weight would drop. It's also interesting to note that my weight fluctuates in an inverse relationship to my financial situation. The less money I have, the more I weigh and vice versa. It takes the exact same kind of discipline to lose weight as it does to save money.

Thank you for the kind words about this entry. I just made it public which is something I don't do with many of my entries anymore. Please feel free to share if if you think it may be helpful to someone.

You've been through a lot and are very brave. I admire you for that. *Hugs*