Do unto yourself as you would do to others...

I, like many of us, tend to be very harsh with myself about how I look or how I'm 'doing.' I was leading a support group meeting this weekend and told them that I wish that we could be as compassionate and supportive of ourselves as we are with others. This afternoon as I was walking down my hallway, I saw the Norman Rockwell 'Do Unto Others as you would have them do  unto you.' While I hold steadfast that notion, I also think that we can and should turn it around, so that we are as kind, gentle, and supportive to ourselves as we are to our friends, families, neighbors, and even strangers. I think that as we are aware of the tasks at hand necessary to support our goals for good health, quality of life and appearance, we also need to be compassionate with ourselves, and give credit where credit is due. 

So, come on, go ahead, be kind to yourself and give yourself credit for what you have done!

 Today I met with a young woman at the age of 30 who wants wls but fell short of the time guide lines of medicaid.
When I met her I had phone numbers for voc rehab and she called them asking if they could help her with her health issues related to being morbidly over weight and it was affecting her ability to work for long periods of time.
She has a time set to meet with them on 11/18th and I offered to go with her.
I shared with her my own journey and some pictures of me and some other friends from OH who had wls.
I know what wls has done for me and I only feel it is right to lend an ear and helping hand to others who need to make this choice.

As for helping myself I have made healthy food choices for the day at at the moment feel like I am going to pop after eatting half of a tilapia fillet but it sure tasted wonderful.
I came home and washed many windows and started cleaning for a party I am having on Saturday.
4 years ago I would not have been able to clean my house oh I also planted some mums in the front.
How I love I can do all this now.
                                                                               Annie

Annie,

I'm sure that this young woman appreciates the support, information and time you have given her. I hope that Voc Rehab will be able to help her find an avenue that will allow her to have the surgery. 

I'm glad to hear that you are reaping the benefits of this surgery in so many ways. The woman I met 4 years ago not only wouldn't have been able to clean the windows and plant the mums, but she wouldn't have ventured out to talk to a perfect stranger about such an intimate issue. 

Wishing you all the best as you continue your journey,

 Thanks Barb,
I can see how low self esteme can and did effect me in many ways.
I remember at my highest weight how I hated to go to the grocery store and remember how children would point and laugh at me.
Now at my job I am able to interact with all the kids that come by my table and I dont feel ashamed any more.
                                                              Annie