This week a 19 year old wrote on the WW Boards:
I think I'm addicted to food. I feel so sad at the moment. I just want this weight gone. I just feel like if I don't get this weight off now, it will plague me for the rest of my life. And I'll wake up when I'm 50 and say "I wish I did something about my weight when I was younger"
She really got to me. I started replying to her and then got all tearful while I typed. It was good for me to write it, so I'm pasting it here too. I'll be able to refer back to this list if I ever need motivation to keep going.
Your message struck a chord with me because I AM that (nearly) 50 year old with a food addiction who wishes she had lost this weight when she was 19. Because if I had, my life would have been a lot easier e.g.
-I wouldn't worry about fitting into chairs on planes, at the hairdresser or in restaurants
-I would have gone skiing when we went to the mountains, rather than watching everyone else
-I would have climbed more than the first 30 stairs when we went to the Great Wall of China
-I would be wearing clothes I like, rather than what I could find to fit
-I would have screamed and yahooed on the luge rather than holding everyone's jackets
-I would have gone parasailing instead of finding excuses not to
-I would be wearing sleeveless tops
-I would have gone out more, rather than staying home to hide
That's the reality of being very overweight all my life. Quite rightly, you don't want to be like this, so make a decision to get that weight off while you're still 19.
Now I'm off to get tissues cos that list was hard for me to write. You dragged some brutal honesty out of me!
Lots of love and (((hugs))) to you!
What an honest response! It got me thinking about all the thing I wish I had done...or would be doing if I was thin.....I applaud you for being so honest! I am off to do the same!
ReplyDeleteThat is right I am 47 and 50 is not that far away for me. My niece desperately needs to lose weight, she needs to do it for herself but it is hard. I hope this young lady does lose that weight.
ReplyDeleteI read your response to that particular post and thought it was wonderful, Deb. I'm sure it was very difficult to type, but as you said - what a motivator!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I could relate to what you said, particularly the point about avoiding going out and staying home to hide! I wish I'd had her level of insight at the age of 19 - I'm only 25 myself but still wish I'd done something about my weight earlier in life! All the same, we're all here on the same path now and that's what matters.
Yes, I could relate to it too! I've been a yo-yo dieter since the birth of my 3rd son who is now all grown up - consequently my metabolism is shot to pieces and it's so much harder for me to lose weight now!
ReplyDeleteBut, all we can do is soldier on and accept the small losses and don't fret about the little gains because, in the long run, we are losing!
Have a great week Deb - Gae oxoxo
Hi Deb.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your replies to my blog and my problem. I honestly don't get him at the moment. Today he sent me an email suggesting I participate in a parenting course to help settle my DD, which would cost $60 for 3 sessions!!! Now a. how can we afford that? b. what is he saying about my parenting? c. why is parenting only my job???
Seriously...every day that passes, i just shake my head at him...then at me for marrying him! I am angry and hurt...but I am not doing anything about it as I am gutless. So i have to...i don't know...stop whinging and do something about it? keep whinging and just suffer? wait for that moment when i truly am completely over it and I yell and scream at him, or just pack my bags! I don't know...
I have listened (read) what everyone has said...and it all makes such sense to me. And i am a strong person...normally. but i just can't do it now. i guess i am not ready. i hope i will know the moment when i am ready!
But thanks again for your lovely words and encouragement. You don't know how much it means to have it!
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteI have often looked through M and S and Dorothy Perkins here in Manila...it seems to be the only place that stocks things close to my size! I tried on a pair of pants the other day and they were closer to fitting!!! Maybe in a month or so I can actually buy something! Asian sizes are soooo small!!! I cant buy bras here......nor shoes!!! It is somewhat frustrating!
Hi Deb,
ReplyDeleteWow, your post almost even brought me to tears. I can completely relate to what you wrote, and its so refreshing to hear that honesty from someone.
I am 23, and have been unhappy with my weight since I was about 13. Therefore ive already wasted enough of my life missing out on things. You really have given me that extra motivation I needed to make sure I dont let it go any further!!
Thanks again for your post, it really has helped me :)
Deb....
ReplyDeletePerfect!!!
Can't have said it better myself!!!
At my heaviest I was over 150kg and my Dr couldn't get his scales to weigh me anymore.
I've struggled for at least the last 25 yrs and I'm only 42.
I don't wanna be the fat one anymore.
I'm gonna be the yummy mummy and hot wife that my hubby is proud to be married to..not oggling off all the skinny ones or worse.
Now that was hard!!!!!:-(
It's his problem what life he leads...but mine is MY NEW LIFE, NEW WOMAN, NEW FOCUS...ME!!!!!
Thanks Deb!!!
I really needed that cry...:-).x.x.x
Now..FIND ME TISSUES!!!!ha