This is a test. This is ONLY a test. If this had been a real emergency...

One of the biggest predictors of longterm weight loss is how successful one is at staying conscious of living in one's body. It doesn't matter if one has gotten to goal weight or not, if one still avoids dealing with the reality of their physicality, the likelihood of their going "unconscious" and "numbing out" rather than celebrate and maintain their permanent WLS guidelines is dangerously high. The TEST: Celebrate Valentine's Day with ALL your physical senses and not just your emotions. Don't be so busy loving others that you neglect to love yourself!! Find healthy, joyous ways to celebrate being in your own skin! a massage, a manicure & pedicure, lovemaking, dressing up and going out with someone who notices! Give yourself the pleasure of savoring your favorite food in your mouth. Eating can be a highly erotic activity. And the slower you eat, and the more attention you pay to its enjoyment, the less you need to consume to feel full. If you're at least 9 months post-op, see how long it takes for a single small square of high quality bittersweet chocolate to totally melt in your mouth... What's your favorite fragrance? Perhaps you're in a rut, same old same old... Visit the fragrance counter at your favorite dept. store and sniff away. Surprise yourself! And do the same for your sweetheart. Find a fragrance you can imagine on your lover and make it your surprise gift. Have fun testing it out! And who says you can't buy yourself roses or whatever flowers you delight in? Like all holidays, Valentine's Day gives us the choice to use it to regress to our addictive behaviors (any action that numbs you out, gives you temporary relief from anxiety or sadness) or heighten our pleasure at being healthier, happier and more alive! On Feb 15th you can assess what the test showed you about yourself. All the best, Lauralyn www.embodysuccess.com PS IF there's going to be an OH conference in Chicago this year, I'll be there!

Lauralyn, This is ABSOLUTELY wonderful. I am pre-op, but this "test" can be appreciated by all. I hope you don't mind, but I would like to share this with a few people that I know. Thanks, DeeDee

Dear DeeDee, I am delighted that you found my thoughts helpful and, of course! you have my permission to pass them on - with attribution! When I was studying New Testament, one of the observations that got passed around was, "You know, 'Anonymous' was a woman." Sadly, I never did learn the author of that remark so it's attributed to, you guessed it! "Anonymous." You might also find my article on "The Key to Overcoming Self-Sabotage" carried in the Spring 2006 issue of OH magazine worthwhile. I'd be happy to email you - and anyone else reading this - a digitized reprint. Just let me know where to send it. I visited your Profile before responding and was very moved by your faith, enthusiasm, humor and determination. Meditate on the meanings of the concept of incarnation and see what the Holy Spirit shows you about yourself as a child of God! After all, Jesus taught that whomever followed the Word of God was his mother and brothers and sisters... Here endeth the lesson! Please keep me posted on your journey. Hope to see you if I get to Chi-town! Blessings, Lauralyn www.embodysuccess.com