Maintaining Your Ideal Size

Moving Beyond

Letting go of your fatter self should be easy, shouldn't it? Not necessarily. Even though you didn't like being overweight, it was familiar to you. The truth is, you and your overweight self spent lots of time together. You were, after all, on an intimate first-name basis.

This exercise lets you finally cut the ties that bind you to that old persona. Using the exercise, you'll complete a quick makeover that will put you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually in sync with your ideal size.

The “Moving Beyond” Exercise Steps

Here's how it works. Give yourself a half-hour or more and, with notepad and pen in hand, do the following:

• On the top of the first page write, “Why I am thankful for having had a weight issue.” List what you learned and whatever else comes to mind. List items such as protection, padding, and avoidance of hard choices.

• On the next page write, “What I leave behind with my weight issue.” Save space to list any personality qualities you want to leave behind, along with activities, big-size clothing, relationships, and so on. Be sure to add overeating to the list, as well as telling yourself that you're fat.

• On the third page write, “Who I forgive and why.” Be sure to include yourself. List people you know as well as media figures and magazines that have made you feel bad or have affected your eating behavior. You can even forgive fast-food restaurants for introducing the “supersize” meal!

• On the fourth page write, “What I learned from having a weight issue.” Some of your answers could be duplicates from the preceding lists, but keep on writing everything that comes to mind. For instance, you've now learned how to eat as a thin person, how to master your weight, and how to take good care of yourself.

• On the fifth page write, “What I look forward to as I live at my ideal size.” List your dreams, clothing, health, fitness level, activities, relationships, and career.

Take your time and fill out each page, listing your answers to the questions. Just write what comes to mind. It might take a while, so don't feel rushed. Then set an appointment with yourself for your “moving beyond” ceremony.

The “Moving Beyond” Ceremony

At your “moving beyond” ceremony, you can light candles, burn incense, go to a beautiful location, or do whatever pleases you. Then read your lists aloud and enjoy the feeling of release from your weight issue once and for all. Yes, you can even burn the pages at the end if that will add to your sense of completion.

The ceremony isn't just for show. Our clients who take the time to do the “moving beyond” exercise and ceremony are much more successful at staying at their ideal size. It empowers them to walk away with finality from any attachment they have to their former weightier selves. It solidifies their weight loss and their commitment to a new lighter self.

Part of your ceremony could include giving away overweight clothes to the thrift shop and paring down your wardrobe to fit your ideal size. Resolve never to need fat clothes again.