Tag Archives: encouragement

The weight

APOP_infographicThere’s a very personal topic that we all like to talk about all the time.

Our weight.

Let’s face it, we are, as a society, somewhat obsessed with a person’s weight. Our own weight. Other people’s weight. Models’ weights. Children’s weights.

And, you know, that’s okay if means we’re trying to make ourselves healthier as a population. It’s not okay if we’re tearing each other down and making unreasonable expectations of ourselves and others. It’s also not okay, if we’re standing in the way of helping each other make positive changes for ourselves.

An example that has stuck with me for years. While talking with a friend, I mentioned seeing a mutual acquaintance out at the track when I was going for a walk. Their response?

“What are they doing out there?! It’s not like they need to lose any weight!”

It stumped me. It threw me for a loop. I didn’t know how to respond in that moment, but later it made me mad. The REASON this person didn’t “need to lose any weight” is because they go to the track diligently. They maintain a great weight versus “letting themselves go” and having to backtrack later. In hindsight, I wish I’d said something to the effect of, “I think its great they’re out there! It’s inspiring!”

But I missed my opportunity.

I’ve run into that attitude more times than I can count over the last several years… occasionally directed straight at me.

See, I’m naturally built “slender.” But it does NOT mean I’m not susceptible to gaining weight. In fact, over the last ten years, I’ve watched myself slowly gain around 40 pounds. Now, for my height, I’m actually still right in the middle of “healthy” for my weight. I could TECHNICALLY gain over 10 more pounds before I’d be considered overweight.

But I don’t even want to think about that. I don’t even want to know that. I’d rather focus on losing about 10 pounds to be back down on the lower end of “healthy” weight. I’d feel better. I’d be more confident in my appearance. I could stop wearing a corset when I wear tighter fitting clothes.

Here’s the deal, though. When I talk about wanting to lose a few pounds, I often get “the death stare.” You know the one… the one that says, “Shut up. You have no right to even talk about that. You’re just fine the way you are.” And it’s always from other women. Always.

And I just don’t GET that! Now, if I was still what I weighed in high school — a weight in which health insurance didn’t even want to cover me because, “it’s just not possible to be healthy and weigh that little” (I actually had to get a doctor’s note to prove I wasn’t anorexic and was actually quite healthy, just super active!) — then I’d totally understand that glare. I’d hope that glare would actually be more like a look of deep concern for if I had an eating disorder. But when I, today, say, “I’d like to lose about 10 lbs.” I’d hope I’d instead get, “You can totally do it!” instead of, “What for?”

Why can’t we cheer each other on? Why can’t we encourage each other to be healthier in general instead of either letting there be jealousy or judgement?

Next time you see someone going for a jog that “doesn’t need it” or you hear someone say, “I’d like to lose a couple pounds,” don’t roll your eyes or sigh in annoyance. Instead be encouraging! Maybe, just maybe, their determination will be addictive and set a positive example.

Manzanita, Oregon

[Booksneeze] — Encouragement for Today

encouragementSome days it feels like there is nothing but bad news, everywhere you turn. Health insurance frustrations, devastation in the Philippines, murders, robberies, couples you thought were strong are getting divorced, friends are hurt in a bad car accident, there’s another child diagnosed with cancer… it goes on and on. It gets hard to be optimistic, and we could all use a little encouragement.

I requested to read and review Encouragement for Today: devotions for every day living by Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, Samantha Evilsizer and the Proverbs 31 Team, hoping I’d get that encouragement that helps keep me my usual optimistic self.

This book is, for me, sheer perfection.

First off, my attention span reading these days is minute. This book is broken down into 100 “chapters,” each ranging from two to three pages long. That’s it! It’s a quick easy read here and there, giving me that boost I want without committing myself to a long periods of time reading..

Second, each chapter follows a consistent “formula.” It starts with a story that ends with a short prayer based on the focus of the story. It then challenges the reader to remember, reflect and respond, making each chapter something of a workbook for the soul.

Third, it’s a healthy dose of faith without being overbearing. It reminds you God’s got your back without preaching in an in your face approach. And that’s just the way I like it. Strong in its faith messages without being, well, a bully.

The topics covered in this book are wide ranging, and I can see this book ending up tattered and worn through the years and I turn it time and time again for a little bit of encouragement. Check it out sometime… perhaps make it a stocking stuffer this Christmas for someone you think might need a little boost here and there. They will thank you for it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through theBookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”