What if I cheated – just a little – on Mother’s Day?

Home 9 Inspiration 9 What if I cheated – just a little – on Mother’s Day?

What if I cheated – just a little – on Mother’s Day?

As we all know, weight loss is not a one-and-done thing, but an ongoing management of our relationship to food. It’s all too easy to slip back into old, destructive patterns of eating. Discipline is key to staying on track, as is maintaining good emotional health.

It’s important not to feel like you are alone on this journey. All over the world people struggle with the same issues—spinning out of control or losing focus. Whatever the reason, it is important to go easy on yourself, remember your value, and get back on track!

I Haven’t Stopped Eating Since Mother’s Day

It has been one year since we have moved into our new home, which we chose for its fully equipped and furnished one-bedroom, ground-level apartment. It was going to be perfect for my parents, but before they could move in, my mother passed away.  So, instead, my son, daughter-in-law, and new grandson now live downstairs, which is an amazing gift.

For Mother’s Day, we planned an awesome brunch. After a day of eating and lounging, we cleaned up and everyone retired for the night.  The next day I ate leftovers, and the day after that, and the rest of the week. I was fully aware of what I was doing, and also not sure why. But, once the leftovers were gone, I just said, “Well that is it, get back on track.”

But I didn’t. I continued eating the entire next week. At the same time, I began an educational series by Neale Walsch, bought the 90-day Wildfit Challenge and a Bowflex! But at the end of week two I was still eating!

On Saturday, I went to friend’s party, had fun and didn’t eat too much, but I did have dessert. Then Sunday was my father’s birthday. We ordered out (pizza and salad), had dessert, and I ate seconds after everyone left. I felt gross and full. I still didn’t know why I was eating.

During this entire time, I was doing my “I am’s,” doing major work during my morning meditation, and getting my shopping list together.  So, I did not sabotage my other inner game efforts, which was a change for me! And, one thing I do know, I did not judge myself too harshly over the last two weeks. I’m not saying I didn’t criticize myself, but it I was trying to be gentle because I know I have changed. Something was going on, and I needed to figure out what it was.

So, after my dad and brother left, I stepped into our beautiful living room and told my husband that my mom would have loved it here, she would have really loved living here. I suddenly realized that I did not think of my mom once on Mother’s Day!  And the weird thing was that I didn’t feel guilty about it, nor I did not judge myself—that’s just what happened, but it is obviously worth mentioning.

I walked out of the living room and down the hallway and began to cry. I went onto the front porch and sat down. I began to think about my childhood, my mom, and how I used to feel so upset and guilty leaving her. Like when I went to school in the morning, or when I left the room to go and play, or went to a friend’s house for a sleepover.

I took care of so many things in my parents’ home. I cooked; I cleaned; I watched my brother; I did lots of other chores outside—I took in the wood, raked leaves. And, I always volunteered to do stuff for my mother because I felt sorry for her. There was something deeply vulnerable about her, something almost helpless at times. I felt I needed to be there for her.

That night on the porch, for the first time since she passed, I talked to my mom. I felt compelled to tell her that I loved her very much and I knew she loved me. Right or wrong, I surmised that it was my job to take care of her.  Right or wrong, I thought she needed me to help her, but now I didn’t have her to care of her anymore. She is in a place where she is well taken care of. I did not realize till now that there was a void in my life which I was filling with food.  I did not realize that I didn’t close the door on the chapter of my life as caregiver to my mom.

What Did I Learn?

I looked back and recognized that I kept doing the good things for myself (class, Wildfit Challenge, Bowflex, “I am’s”).  Even though the old self came out big time over those two weeks, my habits of taking care of my inner game, the healthy habits that I have been instilling for years did not stop.  And that is major progress!

I can now stop sabotaging myself and my self-care efforts due to the fact that I am not taking care of my mom.  It was so ingrained in me to think about her and her needs. Now I don’t have to do that any longer. I know the message I received that night on the porch was that it is time to focus on taking care of me and just me. In fact, I am supposed to be doing that and I now have my own permission.

In the month since that night, I have not had the desire to eat out of control.  We are all a lifetime’s worth of information. Peeling back the layers will continue to help us see who we are and what makes us tick.  If you are willing to look at the inner game and ask why, then you will be rewarded greatly!

In honor of this realization, I have come up with a new affirmation: I am free to take care of me; I have my permission!

I say this every day and will continue to do so until I see that I am doing this without reminders!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Real People. Real Success.

We believe in the program so much we have done it ourselves!

Founder of Alula Wellness, Nan Jenkins, was Our First Client way back in 2011. Since her success in her journey she has dedicated her life to helping others lose weight and exceed their health goals.

Hundreds of people have completed the Breakthrough M2 program and you can too!

Ray J. lost 92 lbs

in 110 days & went from size 42 to size 32 pants

“This program is life changing! The office team and the support system of the entire Breakthrough family (on Facebook) held me accountable and enabled my success on this program. I lost 92lbs in less than 4 months. My pre-diabetic sugar levels are now normal, my fatty liver reversed, and my cholesterol levels & ratios are excellent! Thank you BTM2 family!”

Thomas M. lost 25 lbs

in 50 days

“I was a skeptic in the beginning until I committed myself to try the program for at least 30 days. I stayed focused on the goal and meal prepped, meal prepped and meal prepped! I am no longer snoring, no more acid reflux, no acne, & had my BP medication reduced. I just feel better!”

Dawn Marie D. lost 112 lbs

in 7 months & went from a size 28 to a 14!

“Absolutely amazing program with incredible support! The tools this program teaches you stay with you if you choose to want a healthy, wonderful lifestyle! I can’t imagine getting here without Breakthrough M2! I’m so grateful for this program. Keep the faith and you can do this!”

Debbie B. lost 24 lbs

in 63 days

“Nothing better than the quick rewards and reinforcement when losing weight fast and safely. What a blessing to have been directed to Nan and her Breakthrough M2 program. Fantastic support, program organization, features and benefits and so affordable. The results are amazing and I am proud of myself for succeeding & reaching my goal! “

Cindy T. lost 21 lbs

in 58 days

"I feel amazing! I used to just have my husband take photos from waist up or I would crop them…now I am loving the full body photo! I can cook my own food within their specifications. I enjoyed talking to my coach every week. I love the heart of Nan and the staff! This really works!

Kristina M. lost 102 lbs

in 7 months

“The Breakthrough M2 Program is amazing, and it changed my life. I never thought I would be able to look or feel as good as I do, but with hard work and determination, I made it! I lost over 100 pounds with this program, and gained my confidence back.”

Cathy R. lost 70 lbs

in 220 days, losing 45 inches & going down 5 sizes!

“I am truly amazed with this program. I have slowly gained weight since I turned 40 and tried half a dozen diets. Nothing worked until now. I’m now 47 and a half. 5 ft 7 and 135 lbs and a size 6 !!!!”

Carol R. lost 33 lbs

and 26 inches in 82 days

“This plan is amazing! Such a simple to follow lo-cal regime, and a total recharge and awareness of mind, body and food connections. I truly believe this is the last diet I will ever be on. (At 68 years old it was about time!) My excema, dry skin, and brittle nails, that have plagued me since my childhood, are gone! Love Breakthrough M2, the plan, the staff, the research and the support!”

Kayla H. lost 80 lbs

in 7 months, going from size XL to a small!

“I was unhappy with my self image for a long time, but the Breakthrough M2 Program was an absolute life saver. My self confidence is back, and I can actually say that I am finally happy with how I look and feel. All my aches and pains have gone away, and I have never felt better! This program is the best thing I have ever done, and I am so happy that I was able to change my life forever.”

Deborah D. lost 21.2 lbs

in 49 days

“Breakthrough M2 helped me get past my weight loss plateau and get to the lowest weight I have been in over 20 yrs.!!! (lower than College and even my senior year of high school)!!! & surpassing my goal weight!! I can now fit a Medium from a size 2X clothing!! Gave me a reason to go shopping!! I love the way I look and feel in my clothes now!!”

JoEllen L. lost 41.4 lbs

and went from a size 16 to a 12!

“I am so blessed to have been introduced to Breakthrough. Thanks to a dear friend that shared it with me. I had very bad stomach issues and after the first week until now I have never been sick!! I have never felt so healthy and thanks to the program and my coach I am on the right track.”

Mallory B. lost 70 lbs

in 191 days and went from a size 14 to a 4!

“When I started this journey, my goal was to lose 50 lbs- I was hopeful, yet skeptical. Fast forward 5 months and I can whole-heartedly say that this program was successful and life changing for me in more ways than I can count. It gave me the structure I needed and a plan that I could incorporate into my daily routine. Some days were easy, and others I struggled to follow the simple rules set before me. While it’s been an emotional rollercoaster, I’ve gained confidence, energy, self esteem and relearned that it’s okay to put myself first!“

Diane L. lost 52 lbs

in 130 days going from a size 18 to an 8!

“This is the only program where I dropped more than 12 pounds.I feel better overall with more energy and less aches. I tried everything from WW to keto. I love Breakthrough M2!”

Maggie S. lost 65 lbs

in 170 days, going from a size 18 to an 8!

“I have struggled to lose weight my whole life. I reached my goal of 135 pounds for the first time since my wedding day 38 years ago. I now have no more reflux, better quality of sleep & my mobility has improved!”

Frank B. lost 62 lbs

in 110 days, going from a size 40” pant to a 34”!

“I was in a place I no longer wanted to be. My blood pressure had consistently been high for the last year, my doctor told me I was a walking heart attack and to start a regimen of medication. I knew I had to make changes as I didn’t want to be imprisoned by medication, plugged into a CPAP machine or fall asleep when I sat down to relax. I started BTM2 & have lost 62 lbs, have energy again, don’t use the CPAP machine as I don’t need it & my blood work shows all numbers down. No regrets!”

Ann W. lost 56 lbs

in 112 days, going from a size 20 to a 14!

“I am amazed how well I did on this program because of its simplicity. This is the first time that I was able to lose 56 pounds in such a short period of time without any exercise. It took dedication and commitment but seeing the weight loss gave me the motivation to continue. I am able to move better such as walking up and down stairs & I have no more acid reflux! I feel amazing and overall better about myself.”

Brenda F. lost 65 lbs

in 110 days going from a size 20 to a 14!

“I have lost 65 pounds in total!!!! Yeehaw! I’m so happy from size 20 to a comfortable 14! I can now wear the ring my hubby gave me when we were first dating 22 yrs ago and I have donated 3 bags full of clothes that are too big!❤! I have found a whole new outlook on life! This program has been a complete game changer! I’m living my best life and I couldn’t have done it without all of you! Thank you and cheers to all of our success! Go Breakthrough!☺️”