I am on a board of directors of a large association in my province. We meet in person every few months, mostly our monthly meetings are by phone, so I don't always see the other members. Recently, at one of the in person meetings, I was struck by a colleagues weight loss. She was at that stage where you aren't sure if she is sick, her face looked a bit gaunt, but I figured she fine. Indeed she is, she is just exercising a lot more, (biking to work and taking care with diet, not dieting per se).
as we talked, she commented on my success, saying she was glad to see I was finally having some success, that she felt so sad about my struggles, and talked about things I have said in the past.
I didn't realize I talked about food and weight loss so obsessively. She remembers how I had to sit far from the food and buffets to avoid overeating, and me asking for no cookies with afternoon coffee, because I couldn't not have one.
FOr the meeting that day, I packed my lunch instead of taking a chance on what was catered, and just stuck to my own stuff. During breaks, I walked around the block. ( she came with me).
During that time, we didn't talk about dieting, weight loss etc, but about our kids. Was a nice change, she said.
Wow, I had no idea. I'm glad if my WOE is becoming 2nd nature and I am not struggling so much, and can be a more well rounded person, but I didn't know I wasn't!.
SHe wasn't complaining at all BTW, this was all stated in a lovely way, that made me feel very good about the place I am in now.
