's motd Monday April 26, 2010

[Guest guest]

FORGIVENESS

Monday, 26 April 2010

On my flight from Philadelphia back to Los Angeles yesterday, I met a lady in the boarding area who was waiting on the same flight I would be taking home. We sat next to each other and chatted a while before our boarding time was called.

She was nearly 80 pounds overweight and only about 5'3". She really opened up during our conversation, sharing with me that she'd had a very rough childhood. Her parents divorced when she was only five years-old. Her mother remarried a man who turned out to be an alcoholic. She grew up in a home where there was constant screaming and yelling. It got so bad that sometimes she'd lock up in her bedroom and cry herself to sleep.And because of this unfortunate situation, she never really felt close to her stepfather or even to her mother. On many nights, she'd sneak to the kitchen and eat to help soothe the sadness she felt in her life.She's now 47 years-old and, rather than food "soothing her emotions", she now realizes that she's been punishing herself and her body with the way she overeats. She's never forgiven her father for leaving her. And she never forgave her mother for marrying her second husband. She also never forgave her stepfather for the way he treated both she and her mother.

I held this sweet lady's hand and told her that one of the reasons she hadn't had success at losing weight is because she hadn't forgiven those who caused all the pain in her life. I reminded her that forgiveness is a key element in the healing process she so desperately needed. And I know, it's not easy to forgive those people who've hurt you. But you have to. You have to forgive and...move on! It's not like you have to write or call those people who've hurt you. But you do have to forgive them in your mind and in your heart. The other person you have to forgive is...yourself. If you've been abusive to your body and mind, don't you think you owe yourself an apology? You have to look in the mirror and say to yourself...I forgive you. You may have to look into that mirror several times and repeat those words to yourself. And believe me, it will happen, you'll get there. You will be able to forgive yourself.When you forgive those who've hurt you, and forgive yourself, you'll be on the way to having a more peaceful life. I mean, why remain haunted by the words and actions of others...sad experiences from your life long ago?

There were a whole lot of years where I treated myself like a human garbage can. Oh, I know, that sounds terrible. But...it's true. I overfed my body. And other times, I starved my body. I suffered through eating disorders several times in my life. And I'd get so angry with myself that I'd sometimes stare in the mirror saying hurtful things to that person looking back at me. It was only when I forgave ME that I was able to see to a better future for myself.Now you'll note, I say forgave...but I know it's very hard to forget. And I'll admit, once in a while, some of those old memories pop into my mind. And you know what I do? I make them pop right back out! I want you to try forgiveness. It will take some time but, give it time and, I promise...it will all work out.Love,

[Guest guest]

Wow, this sentence really hit home. I needed to hear that today.

Ann

From: Sue in NJ

Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 5:38 AM

~~TheFoodmovers ; ~~rsdeal ; ~~100-plus

Subject: 's motd Monday April 26, 2010

FORGIVENESS

Monday, 26 April 2010

The other person you have to forgive is...yourself. If you've been abusive to your body and mind, don't you think you owe yourself an apology?