I love these insights!

I had another big insight yesterday. No matter how I gained this weight, I am responsible. Only I gained it and only I can lose it.

Obvious, I know, but I have been blaming so many factors on my weight gain that I had sort of lost sight of the fact that I have gained weight, that I need to lose it, that the excuses are not going to make the pounds disappear.

So, I am no longer going to wear an imaginary sign around my neck that says, "Yes, I have gotten rather fat but it's because I had a really sick pregnancy and went into starvation mode and then gained a lot of weight after the pregnancy and my muscles atrophied and I was anemic and it took a long time just to get up the strength to walk to the corner, much less exercise and my metabolism took nearly 18 months just to re-regulate itself, and I had post-partum depression and the Lexapro really made me hungry and blah, blah, blah..."

The new imaginary sign around my neck says, "I'm eating healthy. I'm exercising more. I'm getting stronger and thinner. I'm doing it."

Good for you!! Keep up the great work, you've got the right attitude!

I also used to blame other factors for not just my weight gain, but also a lot of other things.

Now, there is no blame. I accept that it has happened, but I also accept that that doesn't make me a bad person. I want to contribute to the world in a positive way, and I want to be in charge of my health, and subsequently, my weight.

Rejoycing in the natural beauty of the world around you, and eating in a manner that reflects this is part of the path to a deeper understanding - you are on that path!

Like I said, good luck with your goals, Alice xx

Thanks, Alice.

Up until my last pregnancy I was always thin and a fairly healthy eater and a fairly regular exerciser... however, you are right. I am on a path of deeper understanding now. I am really thinking of food as fuel for a strong, powerful self that wants to enjoy all the world has to offer me!

I love those moments too!  Thank you for sharing yours to inspire us!

It's so true what you are saying. I feel also like i am rediscovering myself and who I am. It's such a great feeling. You are a wonder to me, with 3 children. Amazing! Power of positive thinking and ownership of the issue is what is needed. Thanks. You have added to my determination now. :-)

I'm so excited to think that I might have inspired someone else -- that is great motivation! Thank you.

Hi danceswithforks and the rest of the thread, I was at a seminar once where and heard that what we write goes into our subconcious.  If we write it for 30 time, 30 days we will throughly believe it.  Since I have problems believing I will ever be healthy and thinner I have decided to use your two lines and start writing.  Maybe it will give me the will power I need when food clouds my mind.  Thank you for writing it here.  Thank you.