I’m going to write this letter as if no one else will ever read it. OK? Let’s pretend this is just between you and me (even though I got the idea from the BlogHer campaign, so I’m sure this will wind up on my blog).
Why are my eyes starting to tear up, just thinking about writing this letter? I’ve had a few fleeting thoughts about what I might say to you here:
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I’m sorry I haven’t taken care of you lately.
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Please, please transform into the body I want. The body that I believe will help me to be happier and healthier.
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I’m terrified of what the future might hold if I don’t change something soon. As you know, I just lost my father last month. Both of my parents are gone now, and I need you to be around for a long time so that I can be here for my own children.
I think it’s that last point that especially hits home. I need to take care of you, body, so that we can be here – mind and body – for my children, and my children’s children, for years to come.
So, here's the deal, Body. I pledge to take good care of you. Not just better care of you, but *good* care of you. I pledge to appreciate you, and all of the wonderful things you’ve done for me through the years: kept me healthier than many people I know, bore me two beautiful children, tolerated the bad eating and exercise habits as well as the good ones, and hung in there when my psyche was so exhausted it threatened to send me running down the street naked, screaming at the top of my lungs (thanks for not actually doing that, by the way).
I pledge to lose weight. And keep it off. You were petite most of my life. I’m sorry that I put so many pounds on you without even noticing.
I pledge to do things that feel good to you. Because let’s face it, what’s good for you is good for me, too!
I pledge to love you for what you are today. Every day.
Hugs,
-Wendy
