Today was a big day for me. I attended a doctor's appointment. This was a VERY big deal.
The purpose of this visit was to address the lifestyle I have lived for the past 25 years or so that promoted and fed my weight gain.
This may not seem that big of a deal to some, but for me, this was quite the feat.
I don't think doctors are scary. For me, my weight is the externalization of deeply rooted shame, anger, fear, anxiety, and probably several other things. Thus, for me to see a doctor to address lifestyle change, to look squarely at my weight, and the damage done by my choices was very, very difficult. I feared I would be shamed even more (you know, the "How could you do this to yourself?" or "Can you believe how BIG she is?", and many. many other hard messages I heard growing up and continue to hear today.).
Here are the results of the process:
Monday - Pre-visit Interview:
I talked about how this was so very difficult, embarrassing.

My interviewer asked me, "What would the Father (God) say to you today?"
I responded by saying, "Oh, I know... "
My interviewer said to me, "No, I want you to say it."
*Sigh* "Ok. He would say that I am His precious daughter and that He loves me, UNCONDITIONALLY."
Unconditionally = it doesn't matter what I look like or what I have done. He just wants me to come home, all of me. And then I can work on the consequences of my behavior. My weight is a consequence, NOT a definition of who I am.
My interviewer then said to me, "Your Father in heaven already sees you as perfect. He is your life. Can you say that? God is my life."
*SIGH*
Me, "God is my life."
Strangely enough, I felt compelled to repeat it,"GOD. Is. My. Life."
Wow.
"Ok," I thought, "I can do this."
Tuesday - Reminder call (I bailed on this once before.):

"Yes, YES I was going to be there." At this point in time, I must. Enough dying in life. Enough. The power exerted over me as a child ushered in by evil, pronouncing death must, IS being broken. I remind myself of what I have said before: I choose life. LIFE.
In choosing life I grab hold of a piece of the power stripped from me, promised to me, endowed in me by MY CREATOR. It IS mine to have - the power of knowing, of choice.
Wednesday - Appointment:
Driving there was rather intense. Fear was on my dashboard, flashing red, screaming at me, "Danger! Danger! Don't go!" FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. Nope. Not going to listening to that today. No, this won't be easy. Yes, I will feel embarrassed disrobing, answering questions, filling in the questionnaires truthfully. Being seen. I am SO uncomfortable with being SEEN.
Arriving on the property: So beautiful. Peaceful. Lush. Green. Greeted by cardinals singing. Frogs chirping. An almost audible, "Yes. Welcome, my child. I am here." No, I am not crazy (really). Just loved.Check in: I was looking into their eyes, expecting ridicule, rejection, judgement, horror. I was met with Kindness. Goodness. Patience. Welcome.
Procedures and Tests: I expected the worst, but was met with noninvasive, gentle, fascinating (my mind will ALWAYS be curious!).
The Doctor: I hoped for what I had heard/read to be true. Expectations surpassed. Warm. Inviting. Gentle. Nonjudgmental. Kind.
This was good. It was right. It was were I needed to be, to land. Soft. Not hard. Hopeful. Not despair. Cradled in my Father's arms. Sweet and Tender.

Afterwards, I stayed for a little while. I sat outside. Took in the fresh, clean air. The bright sun. Warm breeze. For once, I could sit in the moment, be grateful, blessed by the sweet smell of grass and flowers and sun and spring. I felt that THIS day was a gift to me, FOR me, so that I could sit and be grateful and wonder at His love for me. This is going to be alright. I am going to be alright. I am going to be okay.
*Sigh*
I am His beloved Child. Daughter. Princess. And He loves me. Unconditionally.
I felt His embrace, His holy kiss brush against my cheek today.
I can take the next step.
Ever grateful.
With much Love and Blessings,
Erin

Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. I love you.
DeleteBeautifully written; full of hope and thoughtful, courageous action. Thank you for inviting me to walk alongside you on this part of your journey to wholeness, Erin. I'm eager to stay connected.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteI am privileged and blessed to have you along. I am grateful for your friendship.
Much Love,
Erin
Fantastic! I will take these words with me to India today, where I too, will face some real fears regarding the future of my job and work across 11 days. Prayers and blessings on your journey!
ReplyDelete-Armen
Hello Dear Friend!
DeleteI will pray for you in your journey, too - both over seas and here at home. I so appreciate your support and prayers. You are strong and honorable; God will honor you as you walk with Him. Fear not, for He IS with you, even now.
Be blessed, dear friend,
Erin
Dear Erin,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading what you wrote, I was reminded of the words that were spoken at the Women's Conference last Saturday from the Song of Songs Chapter 2:10-14
"My lover said to me,"Rise up, my beloved, my fair one, and come away. For the winter is past, and the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up, and the time of the singing birds has come, even the cooing of turtledoves. The fig trees are budding, and the grape vines are in blossom. How delicious they smell! Yes, spring is here! Arise my beloved, my fair one, and come away." Young man: "My dove is hiding behind some rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see you; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and you are lovely"
Norma,
DeleteTHANK YOU so much for sharing this with me! I did not catch all of it at the retreat, so I am grateful for you sending it to me!!
Thank you for your support and prayers. I am blessed to have you in my life!!
Love you,
Erin