True words of wisdom Colleen. Law of attraction and all that jazz - whether it's our weight, our achievements, our hair, our looks, our age...there's so much to beat ourselves up about (and I've done my fair share on all fronts!) Far better to focus on what inspires and drives us, rather than the unachievable perfection of that inner yardstick. Thanks for the reminder... M xo
colleenoverman
· 1 year ago
Thank you. Happy to remind and be reminded. :)
Shelly
· 1 year ago
Colleen, Thank-you so much for expressing this outloud. One of the major realizations I had when answering the Style Statement questions, was that I didn't have some answers. I had spent so much time obsessing over getting to the perfect weight but not really getting there that I wasn't fully living. I've made my goal to explore and discover my passions and get out in the world. It's still a work in process but it so nice knowing that there are people like you out there who are sharing your journey to inspire us.
colleenoverman
· 1 year ago
It is so exciting to realize life is for the living, and not for the managing of every bite of food or pound. I love your goal, congrats!
Rebbecca Vickerman
· 1 year ago
This is a great article. It reminds me of this gal I saw at the airport last year. She was about 5'9" and maybe, 180ish lbs. She was on the bigger side. The thing I noticed about her was her confidence. She dressed well and held her head high. She was gorgeous! There was something about the way she carried herself that stopped traffic. I wasn't the only person noticing her. She was accenting her strengths and (it appeared), living in "the now". I guess all that to say, self love is a beautiful thing to see as well as be. Colleen, you are a great writer! And your message is strong. Thank you.
Alison
· 1 year ago
I'm technically quite underweight, but I understand how this feels. Its often easy to wait for life to start while obsessing over perfection in one area. I've often done this, not wanting to face up to the fact that my purpose was to create the best life possible for myself. I was putting off my life, avoiding the speed at which my life would have to change if I did stop.
Suzyn
· 1 year ago
Wow... other people's body issues are always my money issues. I was borderline anorexic in college because I didn't want to pay for food. And now, I recognize myself in your story, not that I'm waiting to control my weight but to have enough money. A good reminder to start living today. Thanks!
Danette
· 1 year ago
I'm confused.
I really enjoyed your article and it's messages, but the links seemed to give conflicting insights. "meaningful and engaged life" brought me to a woman who really wants to lose 3 pounds, or be at the weight where she will stop fussing about her weight (?) along with her list of food rules, and "weight can work itself out with little assistance" brought me Gweneth Paltrow talking about working 'freaking hard' with a trainer 6 days a week.
I'm squinting, distracted from the truly wonderful message in your article.
Can you shed some light on those choices?
colleenoverman
· 1 year ago
Danette, thanks for your comments. I would love to shed a little light. My perspective is the one written in the article. The links are different perspectives on the same subject, though not my opinions or perspective. I apologize for what appears to be mixed messages. There are so many opinions on the subject which is one of the reasons I think it can get so confusing.
I always use the barometer of my feelings to see if something is useful to me. If it feels good, then it's a match. If I start becoming confused, overwhelmed, or some other negative emotion it is a signal that whatever I am reading or experiencing is not a match for me.
My message remains the same even if the links in my column take you to different views. If your main focus is around a meaningful and engaged life then you get to actually enjoy your life AND your weight has a way of taking care of itself. :)
All Comments
M
xo
Thank-you so much for expressing this outloud. One of the major realizations I had when answering the Style Statement questions, was that I didn't have some answers. I had spent so much time obsessing over getting to the perfect weight but not really getting there that I wasn't fully living. I've made my goal to explore and discover my passions and get out in the world. It's still a work in process but it so nice knowing that there are people like you out there who are sharing your journey to inspire us.
I really enjoyed your article and it's messages, but the links seemed to give conflicting insights. "meaningful and engaged life" brought me to a woman who really wants to lose 3 pounds, or be at the weight where she will stop fussing about her weight (?) along with her list of food rules, and "weight can work itself out with little assistance" brought me Gweneth Paltrow talking about working 'freaking hard' with a trainer 6 days a week.
I'm squinting, distracted from the truly wonderful message in your article.
Can you shed some light on those choices?
I always use the barometer of my feelings to see if something is useful to me. If it feels good, then it's a match. If I start becoming confused, overwhelmed, or some other negative emotion it is a signal that whatever I am reading or experiencing is not a match for me.
My message remains the same even if the links in my column take you to different views. If your main focus is around a meaningful and engaged life then you get to actually enjoy your life AND your weight has a way of taking care of itself. :)