Hi Everybody

[Pray_Lady]

Just checking in to see how we're all doing.

My almost 10 year old daughter and I are going to run in a 3 mile race this Saturday. We're both excited about it. It will be our second race together (well, actually, third, but she was really tiny in the first one). Anyway, it makes me feel so good to give her these experiences. I want her to grow up feeling healthy and strong, knowing that her body is a tool for her use, not an enemy to be fought.

I grew up with such a weird body image, and a weird relationship with food. My mother was hungry growing up - lots of times there was no food, and there were no food stamps back then. Even though there was always food in the house I grew up in, I still related to food as if there wasn't going to be enough. Today is so different. On Sunday I went to a potluck and had taken too much dessert. I was full by the time I got to it, but I was sitting next to the lady who had made it, so I felt obligated to eat it. (Pretty silly. I could have wrapped it up and taken it home.) Anyway, I was really full when I finished, and it was a strange feeling because for so long now I've been stopping just when I'm full. It definitely reminded me of why I don't want to stuff myself anymore - it didn't feel good! My mom eats like that at every meal. But I don't have to.

I can be different and still love and honor her. Not joining her in sickness isn't abandoning her. I can still stay here and be with her and be myself at the same time.

Thanks for listening. Hope everyone's having a great week.

Love, Pray Lady

[firefly]

Hello Pray Lady,

I hope you have a good week end too

good luck tomorrow,

firefly