Taking the time to realize that I'm worth it is often something I struggle with, but when I give it a minute and really think on it, I remember that it's true.

I drift on and off of the VSG board depending on how busy my life is and the events surrounding my job and family that take up the majority of my time, so I don't always get to read every post on this forum... but of the ones I do get to peruse, I see a lot with strong themes of people wondering why their friends and family are making nasty comments, why their partners aren't "on the ball" with their getting healthier, of coworkers and others pressuring to eat off-plan foods and the struggle with how to deal with it, and lots of posts about body image (something I really struggle with in my own life).

And while reading these posts I feel badly that the poster is feeling sadness, anger and stress over the issue at hand, and I recognize times in my life when I felt similarly, and try to lend support, or if I have some that sounds smart enough to share, some advice.

One thing that I do try to make a conscious effort to do on a daily basis though is to take a second and remember (out loud sometimes) that I'm worth it all. I'm worth this HUGE decision to have surgery to get healthier. I'm worth changing my life to bring about a better me. I'm worth distancing myself from people who seem to want nothing more than to bring me down. I'm worth looking and feeling so much better. I'm worth speaking out about myself and requesting help and support when I need it. I'm worth the effort and money it takes to help me live a longer, more substantial and fulfilling life. I'm worth the attention I get from friends, family and strangers. I'm worth the time it takes to make all of this work.

So if you ever get to feeling down, or doubtful of yourself, or sad about a change in a relationship with a friend or family member that you've got, try to spend a brief moment refocusing on yourself and tell yourself (and others, too!) how important you are. Remember that focusing on the fact that you really are worth it all can do wonders to help other people realize it, too.

really nice post!! 

Thanks, Dawnie. :)

Thanks for the reminder!

Anytime, Kim. I think it's just so easy to forget and put every other person in our lives before us, but there has to come a time when we realize that we have to come first for a while... realizing that I'm worth it helps me to understand that it's OK for me to come first. I'm hoping that other people out there who aren't putting themselves first in life will read this also as a reminder and feel/understand their own self-worth and know that it's totally OK to put themselves first for awhile!

Great advice. Even though I had some confidence in my worth before surgery, there was still lower esteem because of my size and lack of control with eating. Getting rid of those feelings takes time, and doesnt often drastically change just because other people start to treat us like we are actually human beings or because they start to be negative because of our success. The self-talk really does help. We all spent so long with negative thoughts, it takes time to kick them all to the curb. Peoples assitudes or compliments don't change who we are.

Very touching post. Thank you for this. I needed this reminder. Blessed

 I really love the video on Youtube
"

I am, You are, WE are WORTH IT! Motivating and Inspiring Pics/Video

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLQiieWYyy8