I used to take care of myself. I made certain I looked my best most days. I exercised. I watched what I ate. Unlike many women who lose their appetite post divorce, I couldn’t seem to eat enough. I stopped exercising and had a steady diet of junk food. I always took care of myself to please my ex-husband. I worried he’d leave me if I didn’t live up to his expectations. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it didn’t matter. I was looking better than I had in ten years and he left. And with it, my desire for self care walked out too.
Now 4.5 years later, I’m ready to take care of myself but finding the strength to take the first few steps seems overwhelming. 30 pounds needs to go for health reasons. I know exercise is an antidepressant and will help keep the demons away. I also know how I feel about myself is directly related to how connected each link in my circle is. Each thing needs to be connected to the other.
Link One: Me time-it’s okay to make an effort to look attractive. It says I love myself.
Link Two: Exercise makes me feel strong and when I feel strong, my confidence grows.
Link Three: When I feel healthy, I look better and feel better.
Link Four: Creative time- whether I’m writing or sewing or reading, I find it nourishes my soul. And when my soul is being fed, I feel happier.
Link Five: Don’t isolate myself. It’s been easy to do but being with people is key to me feeling better.
Now all I have to do is find the willpower to take those first few steps to begin rebuilding my links of strength.
My life on an unexpected path 