I couldn’t wait for success, so I went ahead without it . . .

Jonathan Winters gets the credit for this post title.  He said it - I didn't.  I liked the quote though and it fit right in with where I am at right now.  Have had bloggers block.  Writers rot.   Humor halt.  Have not been productive with my weight loss.  Nor my exercise.  Not accomplishing my summer reading list.  Summer Bucket list has been knocked over, tossed around, and kicked out of the way!

Luckily with patience from my family and a couple close friends, a new group I have joined, and mostly a loving God who doesn't give up on me ever - I have decided that "I can't wait for success, I have to go ahead without it . . . "  Like the quote says - forgetting that it's late August and I haven't started Algebra 1 yet nor ridden my bicycle 25 miles in one day - - - forgetting that my daily or near daily blog posts have slowed to weekly or every 10 days posts - - - and forgetting that I had lost 30 pounds last year and only have 15 to show for it now - - - I will continue on . . .

I won't bore everyone with any kind of plug for NutriSystem - which is the plan I have followed for my weight loss but I will share that I have learned that I can do the math and follow the plan - I can eat correctly.  I know how.  My problem has always been that I turn to food many times when I shouldn't.  I won't bore everyone with a psychological analysis of a food addict - but Hi, My name is Teri and I am an overeater!  

So - what went wrong?  Why have I struggled this last six months?  Right in the middle of asking myself these hard questions and wondering what I can do to get control again - our church announced that they were starting a group for people who struggle with weight issues - Celebrate Freedom!  The name itself is an encouragement to me because if you have ever been under the spell and draw of food - - - you long for freedom from it - - - as does anyone with an addiction.

The group has been very good.  The focus is not on the scales or the food but eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full.  That's it.  Pretty much what God intended.    The study group goes through the 12 step program that AA uses only they have put a Christian slant which incudes prayer and studying God's word about his plan for us.  The Bible is full of examples of those who try to stand strong on their own instead of following God.  The best thing though for me began with Step 2 when we realize that God loves us.  I am guessing that a lot of folks who eat emotionally - for comfort or companionship, to relieve stress and boredom might also admit that they have some self esteem issues.   I have always said that if a person could completely understand how much they mean to our Heavenly Father - there would be no depression and low morale .  It has been hard for me to grasp it!!   Through this group and some other spiritual growth I have undergone in the past few years I think it has clicked with me.  I'm not a perfect person and I have made mistakes.   God takes those mistakes and forgets them!  So I am too.

I can't go into the whole study here - but the point I want to leave you with is that when we believe we are created and loved dearly - and we are forgiven - the next step that comes naturally is to live in a way that says thanks!  I'm hopeful that I have reached that step - or I wouldn't be blogging about it.   I am hopeful that I am winning the war with overeating and have made a huge step in putting FOOD where it belongs!!!

Somehow along with getting back to healthy eating - I have been renewed to exercise, get rest, and relax with some crafts or books!  

Blessings found this last week in moving forward with goals - looking for success down the road!