Dear Me

Sometimes when I’m giving advice to people I encourage them to write a
letter. The letter is written to someone with the intention of them
ever reading it. This type of letter helps get hard to say things out
on the table. It may sound strange to write a letter then rip it up,
but the idea of getting things off your chest is almost empowering.

Although most of these letters are secret, I am choosing to share one
with you I wrote to myself. It’s raw, real, and has multiple grammar
mistakes but is a pure window into my soul. The worst thing I could do
is close the world off to the victories and letdowns that comes with
changing everything about me.

Dear Serene,

 Remember the day you bought the biggest pair of pants at Sacks to be
funny and when you took them home they fit? Remember the time you laid
in bed frustrated with selfish people who couldn’t control destructive
habits then got slapped in the face because you are one of them? I
would go on and on about the multiple times you realized life needed
to change drastically but most are too painful to discuss. What is
important about each of these memories is that you never forget them.
Although some were hilarious, never forget the shocking truth each of
these memories surface about your struggle with obesity.

This morning when you were looking in the mirror, I saw you checking
yourself out! It was pretty hilarious watching you try to sneak the
always dreaded MySpace mirror shot, but you were on to something! You
are starting to look different, slimmer for sure and no more neck
garble for Celeste to grab. Victory!  You are a woman, not a chicken,
so I’m sure it feels good to be missing your wattle. The rest of the
world is ready for you to get new clothes because the half on/half off
look doesn’t do much for you. We can work on that and maybe stay away
from the fishing pants? Just an idea.

Sadly enough Serene, this battle you are fighting is far from over. I
realize you are tired, and you may think it’s worth giving up now but
it’s not! Your body does not hate you although most days it may feel
like it! Remember you were created differently. When life is dished out, we are never given more than we can handle. Your hip and your faulty DNA are not road blocks. They are part of you! The best part about you is you. Just because the way you look is changing don't let that mess with who you are on the inside. Well except the bad attitude, we can all do without that.

Are you proud of yourself? You should be! Today you lost almost 30 pounds in 30 day, and 30.5 inches. No one did that for you, you did it all. Yes, people came along side of you and sometimes even shoved and pulled you along, but you did it! This is the first time in your entire life where you are putting yourself first. I know it has taken you a while to embrace that but realize the importance of that. People matter a lot, but if you are not all you can be you are robbing everyone of your full potential. You are not your own. 

Love yourself enough to press on. The journey is far from over, but every day is a new day. And one less day till you reach your goal right? When the journey get lonely know the race has been won. Keep the attitude of gratitude. Keep your chin high, your shoes tied, and for the love of mankind take a shower!

One Less Day