The answer varies from person to person, but in general it comes down to feeling better and living better, doesn’t it? I am working hard to lose weight because; 1) I’m tired of not fitting into chairs in public, 2) I am tired of having to buy my clothes online, 3) I’m tired of feeling incompetent, and 4) I’m tired of being ashamed. Sadly, my health is well down the line in my list of whys. I bet I’m not alone in that.

We live in a world that tells us if we aren’t a size 0 we’re worthless. I grew up hearing how disgusting I was because I was fat. All that negativity haunts me to this day. Some times I can actually feel pretty for a minute or two. Then, I look in the mirror and see myself and realize I am just a fat blob and that trying to look good is like putting lipstick on a pig.

I used to envy anorexics. I used to think they were the only pretty people. Then one day, I actually looked at them. They never look happy. They don’t look healthy. And they aren’t any prettier than anyone else. So I realized, I can look good and feel good about myself without being a size 0. I’ll never reach that size, even if I starve myself.

I have to have a different why. WW says your why is the key to your success. I think that is true. You have to have something to keep you motivated to take good care of yourself and be healthier. My new why is to feel good about myself, no matter what anyone else says. I am important. I do matter. I can be as happy as I make up my mind to be. Taking good care of myself makes me feel better and gives me a better life. No more punishing myself because I was taught that you have to make yourself miserable to deserve anything good in your life. What a screwy way of thinking!

So what do I mean by taking good care of myself? Eat healthy. Watch the way your food is prepared and how much of it you eat. Drink a lot of water every day. Be more active (my current goal is 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week). Actually clean and moisturize your skin and hair. Meditate and be mindful. Live in the moment and let go of the past and its pain (I journal a lot to accomplish this one).

What is your why? How do you achieve your goal?