Finding the Profound.

There’s this hidden gem of profound interaction.

At the most unexpected of places.

A Weight Watchers meeting.

In Williston.

On Sunday mornings.

A cold, hard, fact: I am a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member.

I lost over 72 pounds, after the birth of my third child.

She is now sixteen.

It was a long, slow, touch and go process. It took years.

Once I hit my Lifetime Weight, I would sometimes bump into judgement by other members. “You don’t need to be here.”
Or friends, “You don’t need to go to Weight Watchers.” 
Or even just people in general, as their eyes scan my body, “Why do you go to Weight Watchers?”

I began to develop a kind of harsh behavior at Weight Watchers, over the course of the past few years. I would be solo, sit in the back, walk out the moment it seemed someone was judging me (even if they were not). I began to kind of “sneak” in and out, each month, no longer even trying to sit for the meeting. And I became snappy about it towards the people within those doors.

Finally, my daughter said to me, “Don’t feel bad about going, if you like it. Just go. Embrace it.”

So, a few Sundays ago, when I happened to be off from work, I went. To a meeting.

Instead of just the fly-by I’ve been doing, I went to the actual meeting.

There was an energy to the Sunday morning group, right inside the door, that was exciting.

Not only was I greeted with kindness, I found myself braving up and sitting in the front, next to two delightfully happy sisters.

Behind me was a very open, friendly, excited mom (whose two children sat politely and respectfully for our entire meeting) and several other open, excited, happy people.

Across from me, a larger group, also open, happy and excited.

It was like a party.

Then the meeting began.

It WAS a party.

People spoke openly, philosophically and, yes, profoundly.

I found myself inspired, in ways that had nothing to do with weight, or watching it.

Because none of this is actually about weight, I don’t think.
I think it’s more about respect of self.

Because when we feel inspired and empowered and brave and happy and strong: When we challenge ourselves, intellectually, physically and emotionally:
We tend to walk taller, behave better, respect ourselves and others, more.
And then we feel better, right?
Because isn’t that the problem that makes us seek out Weight Watchers in the first place?
That we don’t feel good.
And we want to feel better.

With just three meetings, thus far, the Sunday morning group has filled my soul with joy, my mind with profound thoughts and has brought me to a place to re-challenge myself in ways that suit me.

So. I am going to hold my head up high, a Proud Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers.