Oprah Winfrey and Geneen Roth “Women Food and God”
I am watching Oprah today, and it is a repeat. The author for "Women Food and God, " Geneen Roth discusses her book. I appreciate seeing the show again, because the first time I saw the concepts such as; "you owe it to yourself to care for yourself," and you must learn to find the kindness and love within yourself seemed new. I have now read her book and tried to apply the principles so I have some experience to work with. Geneen maintains that Shame and self loathing do not lead to change. We must learn to look at ourselves with different eyes. I have been struggling with my weight or keeping weight since I was a young girl. Looking in the mirror is a struggle, currently, because all I see is my flabby arms and my chubby cheeks and thighs. Geneen Roth says "kindness is the only answer." Its never too late to change.
Well, since I saw the show last time, I have tried more conscious eating. I have tried not to overeat or undereat. I have tried not to compulsively cut out all sweets, and become a food nazi. I have quickly gained 10 pounds. I feel shame. Ok. Genenn Says you will never stop the yo yo until you address the underlying pain, we will never be able to give up the struggle. Have I ever addressed my core beliefs? Why can't I trust myself to care for myself? Why did I eat ice cream or cake every night last week? I am making some progress (I credit myself), because I did stop when I experienced fullness.....sometimes even throwing the rest away rather then forcing it down." I just don't understand where the line is? Where does treating yourself become abusing yourself. I guess I mostly related with the last woman who talked. She had imagined her life differently and feeling differently once she got to her goal weight. When she reached the goal weight and didn't feel any different inside, she would start to gain weight again. She said she had to learn to care for her emotions separately then her body. She realized, if she listened to her body and what it needed, she could trust it to communicate effectively. It was when she mixed up her emotions with what she was choosing to eat that she crossed the line.
More on this subject tomorrow.
