My Progress

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Psycho!

This morning's meeting was interesting. We were talking about success, failure and the tools you need to separate one from the other. Our leader had a list of little factoids about Abraham Lincoln and some of the struggles and setbacks he had throughout his life. As the old chicks talked about him like they knew him personally (which, to be fair, they may very well have), the topic of conversation started to get veered toward the point of the meeting: Helpful Habits.

She asked people to discuss which habit they felt was most important to them. I wasn't really paying attention to what was being said because I started thinking about it to myself and reading the list:
  • Ask for help
  • Learn from experience
  • Manage your environment
  • Manage your feelings
  • Manage your thoughts
  • Monitor yourself
  • Prepare yourself
  • Take care of yourself
Before I realized it, I had raised my hand, heard my name called and started talking. I said something like this, "I think one of the most important aspects of weight loss that so few programs really emphasize is managing your feelings. There are some important psychological and emotional aspects in both gaining and losing weight. This may not be true for everyone, but for someone like me that managed to become grossly overweight there are some deep-seeded psychological issues at play. You don't gain almost 150 pounds above a healthy weight just by snacking here and there, and you can't just lose the weight and move on. You have to be aware of why you gained it in the first place and stay on top of it for the rest of your life. That is why I'll be a success with Weight Watchers."

I felt my eyes glazing over as the words just poured out of me. I guess I made a good impression on the room because once I finished, there was some applause. I love my meetings. People congratulate you on your successes, help suggest how to manage the struggles and pitfalls and pay attention to you when you go off on some psychobabble rant. There are a lot of success stories in those meetings. Probably close to 10 of our regulars are lifetimers that have been there since well before I started last May. I'm looking forward to being another one of those lifetimers that continues to come to meetings week after week.

It's gonna take a while longer to get there (especially since it slows down at the end), but it's gonna be one hell of a ride.

Progress so far: 86.4 pounds.

8 comments:

twinkelydots said...

"Ask for help"

This is soooo important! Asking for help. Be willing to receive that help is a big step, too.

So often we're willing to help others but not willing to receive help when it's offered.

WTG

Anonymous said...

I think the comment you made at the meeting was very wise. But, seriously, "old chicks?"

Mary Beth said...

This hit a note with me. This last weekend we were visiting the in-laws. I posted on it on my blog. Anyway, my point is that I was telling my mother-n-law (she's overweight too)how I believed that you have to deal with the inside feelings and emotions when you are trying to lose weight not just go on a diet. She said " I don't believe that". I was like okay lady whatever. I'm just glad I get it and I am dealing with why I got this way and trying to actually heal from the bad emotions and experiences. Otherwise I believe I will continue to numb with food. You had also said there are emotions with losing weight too. I just realized I am afraid to lose weight. I'm thinking that may be why I sabatage myself. Anyway, don't want to blog on your blog. Just thanks for sharing, what you said is very valid and helpful.

jimpurdy1943@yahoo.com said...

"Manage your feelings"

As I was reading the list, that was the one that jumped out at me. Too often in the past, I've let one bad food choice get me off track for a day, or a week, or longer.

Now, I'm just taking things one day at a time, and I don't let the past bother me.

Thanks for sharing the story, and best wishes to you.

Apex Zombie said...

Nice job, mate. Your comment was great, and I'm sure it would've helped at least someone (sounds like it already has).

~ugly girl with a beautiful heart~ said...

Epic post. Thank you.

H.E.A. said...

Haha. Everyone needs a safe place where they can go off on a random 'psychobabble' episode :)

I am so glad you are able to get something positive out of your meetings. You are doing so great! Keep up all that hard work and good luck this week!!

Tricia said...

I never got that kinda insight from my meetings. I think I need to start tagging along to yours. Sounds like a great group! Congrats on realizing that our problems go way beyond food...I'm still trying to get a grip on that one myself.

P.S. I added your blog, hope that's cool :)