With a little help from my friends

Jul 18, 2017

Yesterday I decided to attend my first support group meeting. It came just in time because although I have friends and family who support me, they have no idea what I'm feeling or going through. I know their hearts are in the right place but if I hear one more person say "just wait until next summer when you're in a bikini" I'll scream.

Anyway I was trolling through the Ontario forums and I noticed that not only was there a support group in my city, the meeting was that night. Before I could talk myself out of it, I responded that I would attend. All the way to the meeting I was thinking of all of the reasons that I should not attend. What if they didn't like me? What if they had ito all together and thought I was a basket case? What if they were all successfully attaining their goals and I was just beginning. What if, what if, what if. I looked up and I had arrived at the meeting place. I looked through the window of the coffee shop and saw a group of about six women, of every shape and size, laughing and talking and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that group. I walked in, picked up my coffee and walked over to the table. Before I had a chance to say anything one of the women lookred up, smiled and said,  are you with us. Then all of the women looked up, smiled and, seeing the acceptance in their eyes, and knew, yes, i was with them. I sat down and immediately felt accepted.

Each of us introduced ourselves, who we were and where we were on our journey. There were women who were waiting for a surgery date, women who hadress recently had surgery and women who were close to their goal weight. Although each woman had their own story, we all had one thing in common, the want to lose the weight that had been holding us back. That evening was spent laughing, sharing, learning, and yes, crying, I learned that I was not alone, that what I was going through others had been and they had suggestions to help me. I was now a part of a community.

I left that night with the knowledge that I could do those,  I could maintain a lifestyle that would create a healthier, happier me. I have made friends who are just a text away. I am no longer doing this on my own. Knowing these things has made me feel that I am in control and that I will succeed on this journey.

If you feel that a support group is something that would help you, check out the forums under your state or province. If there isn't one listed, think about starting one up. I'm sure that if you reach out to a member running one in another area, they will be happy to help you out. I'm really glad I did and look forward to next month's meeting.

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