Small Victories Add Up and Help You See That You Can Do Big Things

I joined Weight Watchers in 2009, and in addition to losing weight, I began to recognize the awful way that I treated and talked to my body. I used to stare at myself in the mirror in disgust, and I can remember times when I placed a blanket over my bathroom mirror so I wouldn’t have to look at myself. There were some dark days in my life prior to 2009, but in April of that year, I decided something needed to change.

If I could go back and tell myself what I know now, I’d have a lot to say.

“It’s great that you want to live a healthier lifestyle, but you don’t have to lose weight for people to like you. Sure, some people will believe you’re more worthy or valuable as a human if you lose weight, but their opinions about you don’t matter. What matters is that God wants to heal you, and he already loves you more than you can fathom right now. He will not love you more or less based on your weight, and he will always accept you and help you.”

I’d say so much more, but you get the point. And last summer, well over a decade later, I learned that I still have room to grow in this area. I realized that while I was trying to honor my body in my story, I didn’t see how I was discounting the validity of it. I shared the realization I had about my body thanks to my phenomenal coach earlier this year. I listed all of the cool things I do “despite my body,” and my coach me see that I actually get to do them because of my body.

That was a turning point for me, and I’ve been on a growth trajectory since then. It’s rarely as obvious as when I’m in the TV studio. I’ve stopped doing segments that require me to stand up or hide behind a table for the purpose of looking better on camera. Instead, I’m taking up space and making my points without fear of how I’ll look or what people will think of me if they see my whole body.

And I took it another step further last year when I wore short sleeves in the studio. I’m all about going sleeveless. I do it regularly, and I love seeing other plus-size ladies owning it too! But I’m sure it won’t be surprising when I tell you that I only post the most flattering photos online. Isn’t that what we do?

So, now, I wear the dresses I want to wear and feel great about it even when I see myself on camera. Am I talking about this so you’ll cheer me on? Sure, I mean, if you want to join me in celebrating the fact that I’m deconstructing opinions of how I should look and what I should wear, great! But I’m writing this to cheer myself on…to remember the moment I decided to delve deeper into the waters of confidence that I’ve longed to wash over me.

It seems like such a small victory, but I’m celebrating it by being grateful for my body today…just as it is…These small victories add up and help us see and believe that we can do big things! I’ve made a lot of healthy strides this year, both emotionally and physically, and I’m grateful that I’m still making progress.

Have you experienced any small victories lately? If so, I’d love to hear about them!