One of Oprah’s famous quotes, is “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.” While there’s some wisdom to be gleaned from this for those of us who struggle with overeating, I disagree with her claim. I know girls who may be thin (especially those who are unhealthily thin), but they don’t feel “good.” They feel lifeless, cold and chained. Rather I believe:
No number on the scale feels as good as FREEDOM.
I once believed that a particular, low three-digit number on the scale equaled peace, perfection and happiness ever-after. The dangerous temptation this little lie brings can still sneak up on me today, as I continue on my HEAL Journey, asking God to continually transform me within.
On my journey, I’ve learned that freedom isn’t a number on the scale. It’s not even a certain size in designer jeans. It’s a state of being –a fluid place of health, strength and reconciliation with my body that naturally results from eating and living the way I believe God intends me to.
For me, this is freedom:
· Being able to surf till sunset and not get tired
· Feeling beautiful, comfortable and confident in my skin
· A state of being where I see my body as the temple it is and the vehicle through which God privileges me to love, serve and tackle beautiful adventures
· Being able to don spandex, hop on my road bike and feel strong and sexy
· Being able to fall asleep next to my husband and not fear what he’ll grab a hold of when he wraps his strong arms around my stomach
· The unceasing desire to praise God for my body
· Giving my body the sustenance it needs; no more & no less (eating within hunger & satisfaction)
· Willingly making beneficial food choices while still enjoying a girl’s inanimate best friend (chocolate)
For me, bondage is:
· Counting calories or points, weighing or measuring food & being obsessed with every particle of edible matter I put in my mouth
· A self-consuming preoccupation with my physical appearance
· Addictively comparing myself to every other woman – with or without wrinkles
· An irresistible compulsion to hop on and off the scale
· Ceaseless striving to a fit a certain mold media images convince me I need to conform to
· Eating well beyond my body’s physical needs and not giving my body the physical movement it craves
Like I tweeted the other day, “Forget skinny. I’d rather be healthy and strong. I have mountains to climb, waves to surf, horses to ride and beautiful adventures to tackle. I want to be free.”
“What does freedom feel like for you?”
