* EMOTIONAL EATING HEALING PRAYER *

I wanted to add something here that would be a simple prayer related to this thread, and this is what came to mind ...



DEAR FATHER,

We thank you for this glorious day ...
and the many Blessings you've sent our way
We thank you for your Wisdom to help us make
the very best choices for how we live each day ...
We thank you for Strength to be moderate in our eating
yet liberal, in our good fitness habits, along the way
We thank you for your kind mercy and amazing grace ...
and for your complete Love and Acceptance, in faith
We thank you for continued guidance in this healing journey
so that we may enjoy good health once again, and for always ...

In Jesus' name, Amen & Amen!


I like to pray this each day, as I think it covers everything that we are trying to accomplish here; and I have found that with time and practice -- I am healing, and am now managing my emotions in a much, much healthier way.

Thank you for sharing these treasures and truths from the Bible, Rosebud!

Paula

Here's some good tips from BEGINME that I wanted to share with you all ...

Emotionally:
1. Accept and love yourself as and where you are. Your size doesn't equate to your value as a person.
2. Stop beating yourself up. It doesn't matter how/why you got here, only what you do to get out of here.
3. Be patient with yourself. The journey is long and arduous, but you're worth it!
4. Stop living in the past.....and in the future. We can only act in this moment.
5. Realize that this won't be any easier tomorrow or after the holidays or after your job settles down or after the kids are grown or after your husband (whatever).......realize that tomorrow never comes. So, live for today!
6. Accept that your choices must change and that it won't be easy, but that you CAN do it.
7. Realize that there are no failures, only slow successes.
8. Lastly, don't listen to those in your life who don't support your goals...whatever they may be.


Plus, I would add that being AWARE of when and why you eat is so very important, so JOURNALING can help you pin-point trends & triggers along the way. Then you can find some alternate strategies to use instead of turning to food to manage your emotions. Over time, and with practice -- it will become easier and the rewards are great ...


PAULA ~ your welcome; it is my pleasure, really ...

Here are some wonderful tips posted by another member that I think were/are very helpful for the emotional, mental, and spiritual side of this WL (weight-loss) or Back2goodhealth journey that we are all on.

I have already mentioned some in this thread, and I have expounded upon them a bit for clarification as well. Some remind me of some of the Beck solutions as well. I thought it would be helpful to add them in here too ...

1. Use foods that love your body [and foods that you love too].
2. Start moving -- it helps with longevity, brain function, and depression. [It is known that exercise of any kind invigorates and heals].
3. Start a daily practice -- make them value-aligned intentions: visualizations, meditations, prayers, affirmations, or daily acts of gratitude.
4. Appreciate your body [and take time to pamper it].
5. Learn the new math of beauty ideals. (The average woman is 5'4" and 140 pounds. A model is 5'11" and 117 pounds. Our beauty ideals are totally warped.) [Re-think your goals and be realistic.]
6. Stop negative talk. [So very, very important for peace of mind & happiness & success]
7. Start loving yourself [and treat yourself kindly].
8. Ask loving questions [focus on the positive].
9. Maintain loving connections in your life (Woohoo! Check! One down...I found 3FC!) [esp loving & nurturing relationships]
10. Eliminate excuses [self-sabotage].
11. Alter your beliefs if need be [some of your beliefs may need changing].
12. Turn to higher source thinking [spiritual renewal].
13. Offer forgiveness to others and yourself [forgiveness heals].
14. Treat yourself kindly every day ...

We all deserve and are worthy of the best that this life has to offer. Take advantage of all you can, but most of all -- enjoy yourself, your family, and your life as much as possible -- NOW!!!

So many of us have similar stories of turning to food as an emotional response ... that's my vice. I appreciate the reminders and encouragements here!

THANKS, LISA ~ glad that you find it helpful!


I added this lovely song to the first page of this thread, and here again, as a new post, as it has a special meaning for me; and it is fast becoming a mantra song for me. It is called "BEAUTIFUL" -- and I want you to listen to it, until you believe it!!!

Here's the link ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI_fXEnlgiI




The reason I think this song is so important is that so many of us have damaged self-esteems and that has contributed to, and interferred with our weight-loss journey in many ways. We have inferiority complexes and insecurities based on how we look and feel about ourselves; some of it is real, and some of it may seem exaggerated after years of abuse (whatever kind). I know that I was verbally abused with name-calling and teasing and laughing about my weight/size, esp about the size of my belly which ironically, turned out to be a 100 lb tumor that was removed recently.

Regardless, that left its mark on my psyche over the years and I felt very insecure about my appearance -- so much so that I would feel anxious and stressed whenever I had to leave the comfort of my home, even just to go for a walk around the block. My strategy was to go for walks after dark so I could feel less conspicuous -- whatever works, ya know. So, I have also been learning how to realize all my "true worth" -- about all the many wonderful qualities that I have, on the inside and out.

I always tell people here that "YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN THE SUM OF YOUR WEIGHT!" And like this song says, "We are worth more than all of this" -- that is, whatever we are going through at any given moment in our lives, no matter what the challenge is (which includes our appearance & weight).

We all need to learn how to love ourselves again; with that special kind of "agape" love that GOD and our LORD JESUS CHRIST have for us. He said, "I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE" in Jeremiah 31:3.

Remember that GOD does not look upon appearances, but what is on the inside ... 1 Samuel 16:7 "... for the LORD sees not how a man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks upon the heart."

And in LUKE 12:7, "... but the very hairs on your head are numbered. Fear not therefore: You are of more value than many sparrows." This speaks about value/worth, and the hairs on our head being numbered -- that is esp significant to me as my hair falls out from chemo right now, but GOD has granted me peace about this, and I KNOW that they will grow back in even more beautiful than before!

I found this lovely, positive song and wanted to share it with you all in this thread. I was just answering another poster about how we need to love ourselves like GOD does. GOD LOVES US -- just the way we are.

And while I'm sure He wouldn't mind if we try to improve ourselves with better lifestyle choices, I don't think He wants us to berate ourselves with our words & thoughts & actions to achieve that. It is a far better thing to love yourself so that you can heal; and to like yourself enough to make good choices instead.

So the next time life gets you down, listen to this song and remember ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVj...ture=endscreen


And here's the lyric version so that you can sing along and be filled with joy ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p396zDTE_bs



NOTE: here's another song that says it very clearly -- JUST THE WAY YOU ARE by Bruno Mars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM5GNZR0szE

I posted this song called "Turn Your Eyes Upon JESUS -- look up" in the prayer warrior's thread but I found that it really helped lift my spirits at this time when we have been facing a lot of stress. So I will post it in here as well ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBfHUrLGzNY

Speaking of STRESS -- here is a list of ways to deal with everyday stress that my BIL shared with me, that I thought you all might find helpful (I have modified some for clarity & variety as well). Besides praying, praising, meditating on scripture & listening to uplifting music, here are some more great practical tips ...

101 WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS ~

1. get up 15 minutes earlier each day; to enjoy the quiet of the morning
2. prepare for the morning, the evening before -- I use this one
3. avoid tight fitting clothes -- think comfort
4. avoid relying on chemical aids -- go natural
5. set up appointments ahead of time
6. don't rely on memory -- write it down
7. practice preventative maintenance -- good one
8. make duplicate spare keys for home & vehicles (carry one in your wallet/purse)
9. practice saying "NO" more often
10. reset the priorities in your life
11. avoid negative people; and news, shows, movies, books, etc.
12. arrange & use time more wisely
13. simplify your meal times; chuck the rules & eat light
14. always make copies of important papers & put them in a handy place
15. anticipate your needs; plan ahead
16. repair anything that doesn't work properly
17. ask for help with any jobs you don't like or find difficult
18. break large tasks down into a few small ones; do one at a time
19. look at problems as challenges
20. look for opportunities in those challenges
21. unclutter your life; start with one room in your home
22. smile & laugh more often
23. walk/dance in the rain: have a raincoat & umbrella handy & enjoy it!
24. tickle or play or sing with a baby or children: to bring out your inner child
25. pet a friendly pet: dog or cat
26. don't pretend to know all the answers
27. look for a silver lining in every situation
28. say something nice to someone: you'll make their day
29. volunteer at a local shelter or food bank
30. make angels in the snow; enjoy all seasons
31. schedule some play time into every day
32. take a long bubble bath (or shower or swim; whatever you love)
33. be aware of the decisions you make; take time to think about them
34. believe in yourself -- you CAN do anything!
35. stop saying negative things to/about yourself
36. visualize yourself winning in life
37. develop your sense of humor
38. stop thinking tomorrow will be a better day: how about today?
39. have/set new goals for yourself
40. dance a jig or learn a new dance
41. say "hello" to a stranger; you may make a friend
42. ask a friend for a hug; or give one
43. look up at the stars and enjoy their beauty; seek out formations
44. practice slow breathing; esp good for anxious moments
45. learn to whistle or hum a favorite tune
46. read an uplifting poem
47. listen to a symphony; or watch a ballet or a play
48. start a gratitude journal; and count your blessings every day!
49. read a positive story curled up in bed
50. do something new; something you've always want to do
51. stop a bad habit; and create a new one
52. buy yourself a flower(s) or a plant
53. take time to smell the flowers; and look at them too!
54. seek out support from others
55. ask someone to be your "venting partner"
56. do something different today
57. work at being more cheerful & optimistic
58. always put your safety first; do what needs to be done
59. do everything in moderation; avoid extremes
60. pay attention to your appearance; give yourself a manicure/pedicure
61. strive for excellence, not perfection
62. stretch your limits a little each day
63. look at a work of art; go to a local museum/gallery
64. sing a favorite jingle/song
65. try to just maintain your weight
66. plant a tree or a flowering plant or bush
67. feed the birds and watch their antics
68. practice grace under pressure; role-play ahead of time
69. stand up and do some gentle stretches
70. always have a plan "B" for every event or situation
71. learn a new doodle; take up drawing/or a new hobby
72. memorize a new joke or funny story (keep it simple)
73. be responsible for your feelings; and learn to manage them better
74. be sure to meet your own needs: don't neglect yourself
75. become a good listener ...
76. know your limits; and tell others too
77. tell someone to have a good day
78. make & throw a paper airplane; or learn a new craft
79. exercise every single day; at least a little bit
80. learn the words to a new song or write one
81. get to work earlier (in a job or tasks for the day)
82. clean out a closet or some drawers
83. get involved with a favorite organization/cause; or join a club/group
84. go on a picnic to a local park or beach
85. take a different route to work; and walk, if possible
86. leave work early, if possible; and do something fun like stop at a local café
87. put air freshener in your car or flowers in your home
88. watch a fun movie and eat popcorn
89. write a note to a far-away friend
90. go to a ball or hockey game and scream/cheer loudly
91. cook a favorite meal & eat it by candlelight
92. recognize the importance of unconditional love for others & yourself
93. remember that stress can be an attitude; so think positive
94. keep a journal/blog; and rant away ...
95. learn to forgive yourself & others
96. remember that you ALWAYS have options
97. create a support network of people, groups, places, and things
98. don't try to fix other people; let it be ...
99. be sure to get enough sleep each day
100. Know that there is a solution to every problem; find it!
101. freely praise other people; and yourself!

PS ~ remember to relax; take each day at a time; live between the steps (seize the opportunities); and since you have the rest of your life to live ... you might as well enjoy it!!!

*** YOU ARE WANTED and YOU ARE LOVED ***

I have inserted two very meaningful songs at the end of this thread for a very good reason. There are many people who have deeper emotional issues that contribute to their weight-gain that may be very personal, yet real, nevertheless ...

These IDENTITY ISSUES have damaged their self-esteem in a very detrimental way (negative). The suffering, pain, and abuse they have endured by family, and society at large can last their whole lives and affects every area of their lives.

People that were born out of wedlock, children of rape or incest; those who have suffered abuse of all kinds, or come from very dysfunctional families; people with mental challenges or mental illnesses; people with disabilities or debilitating illnesses (like HIV or leprosy); overweight or obese people; people of different races; the poor & homeless; alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, etc -- any person considered different can become a misfit, or an outcast.

And, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. There are many more that we all know of: any person or group that is a fringe minority or falls into the cracks of society. Anyone that is different. Anyone that doesn't fit in. The consequences are huge -- they are mocked, laughed at, teased, abused, rejected, cheated, neglected, abandoned, and forgotten. They often don't achieve the optimum potential they are capable of without some extra love and practical help.

As Christians, we are called to LOVE THEM, and share GOD's GRACE and GIFT OF SALVATION with them. Also, He would like us to befriend and help them in any way we can. One way is to accept and love them just as they are -- just as GOD does. Another is to help them heal; and help them overcome. Help them do the best they can, and help them be the best they can be.

Weight issues are just one symptom of these underlying emotional issues that can be healed. When they are managed and healed, I really believe the WL issues can be healed too. I call all these people GOD'S WILDFLOWERS becuz HE sent them here, and in HIS EYES they are all beautiful just like all the wildflowers are ... isn't it interesting that some folks find wildflowers a pest and mow them down. We like to pick them and let them beautify our homes.

Also, there is a very good reason they are here. They are here to teach us all SPIRITUAL LESSONS in compassion and mercy and love. WE are being tested and taught to be better people, and a better society, and a better nation, and a better world, when we learn that GOD wants equality for all HIS children/people. So, where do we start? We start with one person, in the here and now.

It is said that if you want to change the world -- start with yourself; then I would add, just help one more person, then one more and so on ... So start loving yourself, then others too; so you and they can all heal.


These are for all GOD'S WILDFLOWERS ... enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zarimIztNUM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBSwA8pMgrA


NOTE: here is a lovely video that was created as a beautiful message from GOD that I found very positive and uplifting. I hope you do too, and that you will share it with your loved ones and friends, and anyone else that you would like to share GOD'S Love & Hope with today ...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpSE3eZTCNo
__________________

I want to thank you so much for posting that. I just signed up and this was the first post I read. I was curious if, with your permission, I could turn it into a document and share it with some of my friends and family on fb?

WIGGLY -- yes, you may share it; that is why I wrote it. If it can help even one person feel better about themselves, it was worth posting ...

JUSTWANT - I really believe the Lord sent me to your page. Something happened not too long after I read your post... and my stress levels went through the roof. (like... I-Want-A-Divorce high)... I took off for some alone time and parts of your post kept coming back to me... and it really made all the difference... I had some pretty nasty (yet funny) plans for my husband and some of his property when I got home... but your wisdom prevailed. I had left in tears, and by the time I had returned home... I was laughing and singing praises. Thank you again so much for this post ... it was applicable even when food was unavailable.

WIGGLY -- I'm glad that you found it helpful in your stressful situation; I know these tips sure have helped me through a lot of very stressful things in my life lately. Will pray for added strength and wisdom for you too.

YOUR QUITE WELCOME and I am so glad to have another sister in Christ. You have made my day -- it is so nice to know that my experiences are helping others in some way. Sometimes, I wish I could do more; then I come in here and I hear from people like yourself, and it makes all the time and effort so worth it.

I ask GOD every day to rain down His Love upon His children, and our family & friends as well. I wouldn't have done so well in this life if it hadn't been for the fact that I know that GOD loves me so very much.