Because April is National Poetry Month, here’s a poem I wrote as a reminder for all of us.
When you gain weight,
you may feel like a failure,
you may be convinced
you’ve done something wrong
you may think you need
to start counting calories
and cutting out dessert.
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When you gain weight,
you may think you
deserve to be punished
to batter yourself at the gym.
You may feel
the need
to call yourself cruel names
to motivate the supposed
sloth you’ve become.
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You may assume
the role of drill sergeant.
You may get out your whip.
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You may feel
the chill of disappointment
the heaviness of grief.
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You may fear running into anyone you know
Please, don’t let them see me until I lose the weight.
Please.
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You may feel like staying in.
You may sigh
or frown at the reflection
that you meet.
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But here’s the truth,
whether you’ve gained weight
because you ditched your diet
because you take certain meds
because you stopped working out
because you gave birth
because you’ve been eating more
because your body is naturally changing
because you’re healing a disordered relationship
with your body and yourself
because you’ve healed from a disease
or a painful injury
because you just did.
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Yes, simply, you just did.
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Whatever the reason,
it doesn’t matter.
Take a walk.
Take a break.
Pause.
Breathe.
Pay attention to your legs
as they carry you along the street.
Feel the balmy breeze
of spring against your skin.
Listen to the bits of dialogue
traveling through the air.
Listen to the
birds singing,
kids laughing,
cars honking.
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Feel your feet hit the ground
and touch the earth.
And remember,
you are no failure,
o wrong-doer
o judge.
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You are a person.
A person whose body
deserves acceptance
kindness,
and thanks.
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A person who deserves
to wear whatever you like
and participate in
whatever activities
make you feel alive.
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A person who deserves
to nourish your needs,
wants and wishes.
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A person who deserves
to smile at yourself.
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A person who deserves
compassion
care
respect
and love.
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Because no matter
what the voices
or messages may say
The scale is
o barometer
o measure
of any,
any of that.
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And they are apparently too stupid to realize how easy it is to ensure they are called out for their bad behavior.
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    Last reviewed: 5 Apr 2014
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