Sometimes it is the Little Things


We ask people what has changed since they started the program. I think you will love this list as much as I do.

• I don't have to go into the handicap stall in the public restrooms.
• I can fit into almost any booth at restaurants.
• I am no longer defensive about my eating habits.
• I enjoy smells differently.
• I have more energy.
• I am able to love.
• I feel God closer than ever.
• I have lots of new friends.
• I eat food for fuel.
• I celebrate the real meaning of the holiday.
• Just yesterday, I noticed that I have collar-bones.
• I smile.
• I wear two sizes smaller in shorts.
• I love my husband unconditionally now.
• I really LIKE looking at flowers.
• I enjoy my granddaughter more every day.
• The sunsets are more magnificent than ever.
• I am able to listen in church with a calm understanding.
• I appreciate the air.
• I have been able to forgive.
• I don't have swelling in my ankles and legs anymore.
• My dogs don't aggravate me anymore.
• I don't smother when I lie down.
• My triple chin is now a double.
• I marvel at the whole Creation.
• I can think clearly.
• I am not embarrassed to swim in front of anyone.
• I no longer need a seat belt extender.
• I only weigh when I feel a loss.
• I thirst for knowledge and actually seek it.
• I have let go of some of my perfectionism.
• I no longer HAVE to have sugar after each meal.
• I read EVERY food label.
• I no longer beat myself up for a mistake, but go on to learn about it.
• I WANT to grow old.
• I care more deeply for other people.
• I get a pedicure now and then. (used to be a big hangup)
• Negative control is not as strong as it used to be.
• I crave those cool evenings relaxing in my porch swing.
• I can fit in most wheelchairs.
• I don't have to have the largest hospital gown anymore.
• The birds chirping have become quite beautiful.
• I love eating "YLD Healthy Foods".
• I have become ONE with my local health food store.
• I am proud to answer "those questions" about my food plan.
• I love knowing that this programs works.
• I love helping my family understand about fuel for their bodies.
• I can hardly wait until the Christmas Season.
• I look at professionals w/admiration, instead of a threat.(huge hangup)
• I care about my fingernails.
• I am much more organized in my housekeeping.
• I park farther from the store.
• I hum a lot.
• I WANT to exercise.
• I have learned it is ok to set goals.
• I no longer consider myself on a diet, but I am on a LIFE PLAN.
• The sun seems brighter.
• I can ASK for help without the guilt.
• I can see my feet when I stand or lie down.
• I no longer expect myself to fail with my weight loss.
• I can tie my shoes without cutting off my oxygen supply.
• I can also tie my shoes in the middle of my shoe instead of to the side.
• I can say "no".
• I crave green things and feel good about it!
• I like cottage cheese.
• Fresh air makes me feel alive.
• I can cut my own toenails.
• I can wear a smaller bra size.... smaller panties too.
• I have so much more energy.
• I have less PMS.
• I don't worry about what people think about me.
• I don't feel helpless anymore. Even if things are not going my way or I have a slip, I know that I can help myself.
• Cinnamon is delicious without sugar.
• Corn is sweet.
• I wake up in the morning now (no more "10 snooze" mornings!).
• I don't hide "forbidden food" all over the house anymore.
• I don't sneak the wrappers out of the house so my husband doesn't see the evidence of last night's binge anymore.
• I wear shorts because I like my legs even though they haven't made it to their full recovery yet.
• I can fall asleep when I go to bed.
• I can play with my children after dinner since I no longer feel comatose from eating huge white meals.
• I feel *whole*, steady and real.
• I feel.
• I'm just plain happy and I can't put my finger on it.
• Things that would have freaked me out before don't anymore.
• Three months ago my protein was in my ice cream, wasn't it?
• I've figured out that this is about life changes, not just about food.
• I realize my life has more out of whack in it than just food.
• After fighting exercise and the journal so long, they have become incredibly important to me. Feel frantic if I've left my journal home.
• The journal is my home.
• I am a size smaller but have only lost a few pounds.
• The "girls" (my chest) are a size smaller.
• I love shopping at the health food store. Shoppers are so much nicer there than at sugar stores.
• I've gotten used to packing two meals a day.
• I am very slowly gaining confidence in handling the feelings that the bingeing covered. Feelings really won't kill me, they do pass and generally teach me something. Sometimes the journal helps me catch feelings before I binge them temporarily away.
• I have finally taken responsibility for my own life after feeling abandoned by others.
• I no longer feel suicidal about turning 50 this Nov. Sometimes I feel that my life is just starting.
• I have reduced my anti-depressants by 25% in agreement with my doctor.
• I don't feel dirty, worthless and physically ill from bingeing nearly as much.
• My office no longer does doughnut runs every afternoon. The communal chocolate drawer is gone. I don't miss either.
• My food slips are more often portion explosions than sugar/white binges.
• I think my fist is shrinking. (HA!)
• I have returned to my art hobby and am having a blast.
• I'm not afraid of going to a family reunion this Sept much heavier than the last reunion.
• I don't go shopping now unless I really NEED something. I think I used to go shopping to feel better (raise my BE's).
• My PMS symptoms have almost vanished.
• I actually enjoy wearing pants with a zipper.
• My migraines are gone - along with much of my fibromyalgia pain.
• I don't feel like I'm hanging on to life with my fingertips any more - I have a much firmer grasp - and it's good!!!
• I've gone through really tough times and had the clarity of mind to make wise and thoughtful decisions.
• I don't apologize for making my food needs known - I've gotten REALLY good in resturants (remember how Meg Ryan ordered in the movie "When Harry met Sally"?)
• I have reduced the amount of alcohol easily and don't crave it like I used to.

(c) Kathleen DesMaisons 2006 All Rights Reserved