Navigating Rough Waters
Making changes in our lives is never easy. Not only is there the impact it has on ourselves; how we feel about who we are going into it, the changes we make emotionally and internally as we change externally. There is also the impact we have on others.
Much of the impact is positive. Others will look to us as encouraging role models. They see the changes we make and they feel that they, too, can make those changes. Even if we don't realize it, we are being watched.
Others may have trouble with our changes. Initially they may be supportive, but as time goes on and we change inside and out, it makes them uncomfortable. Being aware of this affect our changes may have will help us to be more sensitive.
In every person's life that we interact with on a regular basis, we play a role. When I was 100+ pounds heavier, I had a role of the "reliable fat girl". As I changed outwardly, my biggest changes were inward. With more confidence came the power to say no. As I changed, my relationship with others changed as well. At first it was very confusing because I was still a nice person, just not a doormat. But it was the confusion with who I was becoming that was frustrating for some of the people closest to me. As I recognized it wasn't me they were reacting to, but the changes they were seeing or perceiving, I was able to handle it in a more sensitive manner. As I was redefining who I was, I was careful not to expect anything from others in reaction to my choices.
Change isn't easy. We go through periods of questioning ourselves in change, so it is not surprising that others might question us as well. We struggle with adjustment to the new us, so others might as well. Being aware that this will happen in ourselves as well as in others will make it easier on everyone.
Eventually everyone I cared about came back around and our relationships are closer than ever. I have never been sorry for a MOMENT in this journey. I am thankful for everything from living as an obese woman to the challenges confronted through gaining back my health. It wasn't always easy, but it was WELL worth it!
Much of the impact is positive. Others will look to us as encouraging role models. They see the changes we make and they feel that they, too, can make those changes. Even if we don't realize it, we are being watched.
Others may have trouble with our changes. Initially they may be supportive, but as time goes on and we change inside and out, it makes them uncomfortable. Being aware of this affect our changes may have will help us to be more sensitive.
In every person's life that we interact with on a regular basis, we play a role. When I was 100+ pounds heavier, I had a role of the "reliable fat girl". As I changed outwardly, my biggest changes were inward. With more confidence came the power to say no. As I changed, my relationship with others changed as well. At first it was very confusing because I was still a nice person, just not a doormat. But it was the confusion with who I was becoming that was frustrating for some of the people closest to me. As I recognized it wasn't me they were reacting to, but the changes they were seeing or perceiving, I was able to handle it in a more sensitive manner. As I was redefining who I was, I was careful not to expect anything from others in reaction to my choices.
Change isn't easy. We go through periods of questioning ourselves in change, so it is not surprising that others might question us as well. We struggle with adjustment to the new us, so others might as well. Being aware that this will happen in ourselves as well as in others will make it easier on everyone.
Eventually everyone I cared about came back around and our relationships are closer than ever. I have never been sorry for a MOMENT in this journey. I am thankful for everything from living as an obese woman to the challenges confronted through gaining back my health. It wasn't always easy, but it was WELL worth it!
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