On December 27, 2012, I joined weight watchers and started to go to meetings regularly. In the last 9 months I have lost 78 pounds. It has been hard work and meant big changes in my habits and the way that I approach food and exercise and life in general. There have been ups and downs.
I have been so amazed by the community that I have found at the weight watchers meetings. Every Saturday morning at 8:30am, I share an hour with people that are working to change their lives. They are aiming for increased health, mobility, energy, joy, etc. Each person has struggled with food and with finding ways to enjoy food in healthy ways. Finding ways to use food for nourishment rather than substitutes for love or validation. Finding other coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, sadness, depression, anger, rejection than food. The meetings are by no means a therapy group and we don't delve into these issues. That said, there is something wonderful about sitting in a community of people that understand the struggles and the challenges with changing food habits. There is something comforting about sharing anxiety, fear, celebration, and success with a community of people that are dealing with the same emotions.
I never thought that I would enjoy or appreciate these meetings. I never thought I would find a community that would give me strength. And yet, that is exactly what I have found. The weekly check-in and the support from this group of women and men, has help me make important changes. I feel healthier and more physically vibrant because of the changes I have made. I am proud of myself and I now that I have made lasting lifestyle changes that will help me continue to lead a healthy, productive, physically active, engaged, and full life. The journey isn't over, but it has been pretty incredible so far.
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