Thanks - I needed that!

Every now & then I get totally surprised by blogging.  

When a blogger that I adore who has a gajillion followers comments on one of my posts - it totally makes my day!

Even better, when someone from Sweden (or some other land far-far away) starts following my blog & commenting on things.  I absolutely love hearing from people an ocean away that can relate to what I'm writing! 

The best, when you make a friend out of a fellow blogger.  That's just plain rad. 

Today though, I got a little piece of advice from someone who came across my blog - that made a big difference.  Not this blog, mind you, but this blog (that I started when I attempted a Total Body Transformation).  And I gotta say, it was just one of those things where you think... "Wow.  Why the heck didn't I think of that?"

Here's her note: 

"Hi there!!
I stumbled upon your blog... and just want to say this:

Don't let food run your life. Whether you're eating it or restricting yourself from it... Don't let it be on your mind all the time.
Don't feed the disease of disordered eating. Don't let diets be your only option.

Exercise because you want to, not because you need to. Eat until you're full. Don't cut out everything that you like.

I'm no expert, but I have lived a life of disordered eating and eating disorders... and I'd hate to see someone so beautiful (a stranger!) beating themselves up over a few pounds and some ice cream.

Get comfortable in your own skin... it's the only one you're ever going to get."

I hope she doesn't mind that I posted this (please tell me if you do and I'll take it down)!  I just felt like this was something worth sharing.  If you go and read my post that she's referring to, you'll see that I went on a helluva rant.  I beat myself up, and criticized myself, and really didn't get anywhere because of it. 

I gotta say, this note made me feel a lot better about everything, and better about me.  I don't know why I beat myself up about being a little overweight - it's the small changes that make the difference, not never eating ice cream again, or feeling depressed if I eat a slice of pizza. 

I want to feel good about myself, but in the long run.  Not just for a couple of months.  In order to do that I just need to make small changes (ex: not go for seconds, stop snacking late at night, choose fruit instead of ice cream, but if I really really want ice cream just have a small amount, etc).  

I always thought that I loved myself just the way I am.  But the truth is, I struggle with my body image just like every other girl does!  Sure, I can strut my stuff and love my curves, but there will always be a tiny part of me that wants to be thin.  But I love food way too much to get there.  And you know what?  That's totally okay.  I'm healthy, I workout regularly, and I'm working hard to make the right choices.  That's what matters. 

Thank you so much for helping me to remember that.  You know who you are! :)