I like the organic architecture of your program, Nan. And I adore your column. I've done the Gray Sheet, etc, and other disciplines, from egg whites to no refined sugar for the past 35 years. And I still find ways to stuff. My mother taught me the calorie content of things. I still, like a continual prayer, count calories during the day. I understand that it's involuntary at this point, and that it ties me to my wonderful mother who died when she was 42 and I was 22. So your column gives me joy, identification, power of example, and lets me feel less alone. xoxox
Thanks Billie! I've heard of Gray Sheet, and when I saw your comment, I looked them up. It's way too rigid for me, very similar to my experience in OA. I can't fit in those boxes. But those programs are definitely right for some people. The calorie counter in my head is already active enough, I don't need help like that! I need help uninstalling it. The behavior is too compulsive for my already compulsive eating-disorderd self. I love that the writing brings your mom to mind in a good way. I'm so happy that it gives you joy. xoxo
So many scientific studies have shown that 'dieting' is not a workable solution for most if they want to lose weight and keep it off. We are designed to store fat if we have extra calories, AND the fucking fat cells, once fatter, like to stay that way. (My non-scientific understanding of years of reading scientific and health articles)
I do best when I'm contented... to happy. I do best when I go for walks and/or get in a pool. When I don't care about the size on the tag, but how I feel and how the clothes fit me.
I have struggled since I was a teen, undiagnosed, mainly because I don't want to talk about it, and also, it's not about the eating, it's about the feelings, and I've been talking about those. Baby steps!
Wow, Jessie. Yes. It's not about the food. It's definitely about the feelings for me. Coming home to myself as an act of peaceful surrender and self-love. It's good to be here. Thank you for your generous and vulnerable comment.
I'm lucky enough to spend in-person time with you and I feel the shift and it's wonderful. And then there's what you write which is so relatable for me. All good. xo
I’m so glad you found a group that’s had such a huge, positive impact! I love “do the next right thing” and will try to remember it when I’m feeling overwhelmed—which is often.
Oh yes,oh yes, oh yes!!! Breath and air and life! Balance! Kindness and gentleness! NAN!!!!!!!!
Welcome home to yourself, dear friend. What a wonderful letting go, full of light and love and ease and all the wonderful things that we who know you love about you. Thank you for inviting us in to this celebration with your writing. Doing a little dance here!
Thank you, Ellen. So glad you're enjoying the writing. You know so well that this is a path I've been on for a long time. Finding a lot of peace and self-love these days. Dancing right along with you!
This makes me ponder if my own goal should be happiness and healthiness, a healthiness determined not by my dress size but by the fullness of my life. Can I GO and can I DO things that bring me joy, or is my physical condition preventing my joy? Can I get myself to a point that I can readily plan an outing and know I can get through it and get to some joy while I’m at it? It’s a leap of fantasy right now, but reading your journey is inspiring.
Diane! This is so great. The questions you're asking of yourself are so important. I'm not in great physical condition right now, and am working on that too. It's hard, but worth it. Sending you love.
"Carrying around an eating disorder is a heavy load." Best statement! Maybe the best revelation. I perceive this through a motherly lens (of course). In loving the self, a measure of pure compassion changes everything. If you imagine yourself as the innocent child you once were, would you--as her parent--force this heavy load onto her back? Onto her soul? Very punitive and uncompassionate way to express love, in my book. I am so happy that you have found a program that underlines compassion. And wholeness. And acceptance. If you never lose another ounce, you are still perfect. XXX
Beautiful!
Thanks Mary Anne!
I like the organic architecture of your program, Nan. And I adore your column. I've done the Gray Sheet, etc, and other disciplines, from egg whites to no refined sugar for the past 35 years. And I still find ways to stuff. My mother taught me the calorie content of things. I still, like a continual prayer, count calories during the day. I understand that it's involuntary at this point, and that it ties me to my wonderful mother who died when she was 42 and I was 22. So your column gives me joy, identification, power of example, and lets me feel less alone. xoxox
Thanks Billie! I've heard of Gray Sheet, and when I saw your comment, I looked them up. It's way too rigid for me, very similar to my experience in OA. I can't fit in those boxes. But those programs are definitely right for some people. The calorie counter in my head is already active enough, I don't need help like that! I need help uninstalling it. The behavior is too compulsive for my already compulsive eating-disorderd self. I love that the writing brings your mom to mind in a good way. I'm so happy that it gives you joy. xoxo
A wonderful way to get to know you better. ❣️
So many scientific studies have shown that 'dieting' is not a workable solution for most if they want to lose weight and keep it off. We are designed to store fat if we have extra calories, AND the fucking fat cells, once fatter, like to stay that way. (My non-scientific understanding of years of reading scientific and health articles)
I do best when I'm contented... to happy. I do best when I go for walks and/or get in a pool. When I don't care about the size on the tag, but how I feel and how the clothes fit me.
I have struggled since I was a teen, undiagnosed, mainly because I don't want to talk about it, and also, it's not about the eating, it's about the feelings, and I've been talking about those. Baby steps!
Wow, Jessie. Yes. It's not about the food. It's definitely about the feelings for me. Coming home to myself as an act of peaceful surrender and self-love. It's good to be here. Thank you for your generous and vulnerable comment.
I'm lucky enough to spend in-person time with you and I feel the shift and it's wonderful. And then there's what you write which is so relatable for me. All good. xo
Thanks Nancy!
SO good! And I am so happy you have support and a path and a purpose as you embrace life. I embrace YOU! <3
I’m so glad you found a group that’s had such a huge, positive impact! I love “do the next right thing” and will try to remember it when I’m feeling overwhelmed—which is often.
Oh yes,oh yes, oh yes!!! Breath and air and life! Balance! Kindness and gentleness! NAN!!!!!!!!
Welcome home to yourself, dear friend. What a wonderful letting go, full of light and love and ease and all the wonderful things that we who know you love about you. Thank you for inviting us in to this celebration with your writing. Doing a little dance here!
Thank you, Ellen. So glad you're enjoying the writing. You know so well that this is a path I've been on for a long time. Finding a lot of peace and self-love these days. Dancing right along with you!
We're on that path together, my dear. You are inspiration just when I need it.
This makes me ponder if my own goal should be happiness and healthiness, a healthiness determined not by my dress size but by the fullness of my life. Can I GO and can I DO things that bring me joy, or is my physical condition preventing my joy? Can I get myself to a point that I can readily plan an outing and know I can get through it and get to some joy while I’m at it? It’s a leap of fantasy right now, but reading your journey is inspiring.
Diane! This is so great. The questions you're asking of yourself are so important. I'm not in great physical condition right now, and am working on that too. It's hard, but worth it. Sending you love.
Very inspiring Nan Tepper! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Thank you for reading!
"Carrying around an eating disorder is a heavy load." Best statement! Maybe the best revelation. I perceive this through a motherly lens (of course). In loving the self, a measure of pure compassion changes everything. If you imagine yourself as the innocent child you once were, would you--as her parent--force this heavy load onto her back? Onto her soul? Very punitive and uncompassionate way to express love, in my book. I am so happy that you have found a program that underlines compassion. And wholeness. And acceptance. If you never lose another ounce, you are still perfect. XXX
Beautiful, Ann. Thank you.