So I arrived for class on Monday night, while on my lunch break, both excited and nervous about what to expect during the next hour. I signed in at the doctor's office and paid my $30. I walked down the hall and into what looked like a kitchen or work breakroom. There sat six other overweight individuals, all talking about their current struggles. While we waited on the instructor to arrive I sat quietly, but smiled at everyone and nodded in agreement. Soon the instructor walked in with a loud voice, but friendly greeting, welcoming us to the group. She passed out some official paperwork to sign for our files and then we got started. Her first question to each of us...... "Tell me your name and why you joined the program."
I was first to go. Not knowing exactly what to say, and still a little nervous, I gave my name and explained that I had recently reached my highest weight for the second time and felt out of control. I had gotten divorced 2 years ago and since that time I have found happiness in every aspect of my life except for this. The instructor responded with a question. "What is the common factor in your story?" I paused for a second. I wasn't sure how to answer the question. She asked the group for help. A pretty blonde sat at the end of the table. She was definitely much younger than me, but from listening to her before the meeting it sounded like she had been on the program for awhile. She responded, "Depression." "That's right!" said the instructor. She went on to tell me that we must work on my emotional stability throughout the next several sessions to see why that causes my behaviors, and how to change it. She then asked, "What is your greatest strength?" Again, I found a hard time answering these questions about myself, however I could go on and on about others around me. The instructor asked, "Are you determined?" YES!!! Of course I am determined. I am determined to make it these 12 weeks and lose the weight. Then it was on to the next person.
Just as I sat at the beginning of the meeting, I sat and listened for the next 45 minutes as everyone else introduced themselves and explained their story. Some had just began the program as I had, but others had 3, 5, even 16 weeks under their belt already! It was amazing how much of myself I saw in each and every one. Obsessive thoughts about food, late night eating habits, the difficulty of socializing without food or alcohol, prospective health problems, eating for comfort, DEPRESSION! As one woman cried telling her story I fought back the tears. I knew what she was going through. I too have had those tears many times. We don't always put ourselves first and before we know it was have spent so much time helping others we can't help ourselves. The instructor made it all seem so easy. She ended the group with the Serenity Prayer and explained that WE were going to be a family for the next 12 weeks. Just as quickly as I had walked into that classroom anxiously, I walked out motivated, proud, and excited for what was to come next.
What did I learn from this class? I learned to stop doing so much for others and start doing for ME. I learned that when there is a problem there is ALWAYS a solution. I learned that we can make things happen through our words and our actions. That bringing our thoughts, fears, and worries to those around us frees us of the burden and takes the weight off our shoulders. Yes, together we ARE going to do it, and I cannot wait to see the outcome!
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