I don't struggle with my weight

In my life I have been average weight, then heavier, then lost weight and been average size again, become overweight, and obese, lost weight, gained some back, been obese again, and once again am losing more weight. Some people might assume that I 'struggle with my weight', and most of us have heard this phrase countless times in our lives. I have thought about it, and this is what I have come to conclude: Although my weight has fluctuated significantly throughout my life, I do NOT struggle with it.

Here is what I envision when I hear the word STRUGGLE:

Looks to me, like they are having a difficult time trying to pin one another down. I can't imagine trying to pin part of me down to get control of myself! haha! Although I have experienced obesity more than once, I don't feel like I was struggling with my weight. I still loved myself and always knew that I am a daughter of God. My value did not decrease based on my weight. I may have struggled with overcoming bad food cravings, I may have struggled with whether or not I wanted to exercise, I may have struggled with letting go of negative experiences and feelings, but I don't feel like I struggled with my weight.

When I eat poorly, don't exercise, and harbor negative thoughts, I gain weight. It is that simple. When I eat healthy, take care of my body, and replace the negative with positive, I lose weight. My weight seems to be a direct reflection of OTHER struggles I may be facing, but the actual weight is not the struggle. I stopped 'trying' to lose weight. I stopped focusing on valuing my health. I went back to convenience foods and comfort foods that tasted good to me. It was easy to do, and it was easy to gain weight back. It definitely wasn't a struggle for me. I was still happy. I still had plenty of people that loved me for ME! (and I appreciate you all!) I tried to go back to a healthy lifestyle about a year or so ago, but I wasn't ready or mentally prepared. So I stopped. That wasn't a struggle either. 

When I finally decided I was ready to take charge of my health once again, it was just that: A DECISION. There were no doubts or struggles going on. Only HOPE and EXCITEMENT that I was finally ready to begin again. I learn what I need to do and I do it. No struggle. Only FAITH. With each small step and each small healthy choice I make, I get closer to where I know I am meant to be. Do you tell yourself you struggle with your weight? That MAY just be a limiting belief that is actually keeping your body from letting go of the weight. Think about it. Our minds are MUCH more powerful than we realize!

We each have our own hardships and lessons we must learn in life. It is important to recognize them so we can use them to improve our own future. The past will repeat itself if we don't LEARN from it and make the necessary changes. Take some time every day to sit in silence and DECIDE where it is you want to be in the future! Are the choices you are making today leading you closer or further away from that dream? If they aren't leading you closer, then don't let it get you down. Just take it one step at a time to help yourself realize your true potential! You were made to do great things! Once you determine where you WANT to be, you can then discover what you need to do to get you there. 

The interesting part is that we all have different dreams, and there is no right or wrong way to achieving them! There is not ONE SPECIFIC way that we all must follow. One person's way may not work for someone else. What works for someone, is not a one-size-fits-all method for the next. If someone tries something that doesn't stick, and they give it up, does that mean they are a quitter? I don't think so. It just means they have to get creative to find what works best for THEM! And in the end, it's not even about the destination, it is about the JOURNEY! The lessons we learn, the relationships we build, and the life we create!

You are ALWAYS worth it! You are worth the effort! You may have your own personal struggles, but you should never have to struggle with the thought of knowing whether or not you have value. Making the right choice should not be a struggle. You will know because you will have PEACE in your heart and soul! Next time you think of yourself or someone else as "struggling" with their weight, think instead of what they actually may be struggling with, and perhaps you can help them through it. Chances are, their struggle is NOT the weight at all.

May PEACE be with you always!!!!