'Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste.
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist....
--Author Unknown
When I read this spoof of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, I immediately think of the many (many, many!) years I spent agonizing over this very sentiment. I was "good" for months (usually restricting my food intake) until I could "let loose" on Christmas.
Even with every intention to "start over tomorrow" and my annual New Year's resolution, I was never able to stay within a healthy weight during the Christmas season. My yo-yo dieting was an unhealthy lifestyle, and I hated myself as a result of it. Not just because my clothes were too tight; I was also miserable because this was the one area of my life I had failed repeatedly.
Six years ago, I was a broken soul, and I realized that I simply could not do this on my own. I was beyond human aid. I needed a miracle. I was hungry for something more than food. I needed God. To paraphrase the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous: "When I stopped living in the problem and started living in the solution, my life changed."
As I reflect on the year that just passed, I remain grateful for every aspect of my life. Even those things that didn't always turn out the way I expected. I realize that my daily obstacles are "luxury" problems. And excess food won't fix them. Gratitude will.
Today I am both healthy and happy. I am delivered from the mental obsession with food because God has done for me what I cannot do for myself. Just like the miracles we celebrate this time of year, I bear witness to divine goodness that comes from heaven above.
In deep gratitude, I praise God for all the blessings He has given me, including the privilege of serving as Intergroup Chair for the past few years. My term may be up, but my service and commitment to Overeaters Anonymous is not.
Wishing each of you a blessed holiday season!
In humble service,
"As Always"
Kara
