Léna is also a Regional Manager for Writopia Lab whose mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in kids and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing.

"Well, the question is, what do you want to believe? Do you want to live in a world where things are possible, or in one where they aren't?" Cin, Edges.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Artemis and the Post Partum Thirty

Deusa ArtemisImage via Wikipedia
Publishing a book was a little like having a fourth baby. It was both more painful and more beautiful than I expected, and demanded my complete attention. It rocked my world just the way my sons and daughter have, and now it has become it's own entity. Fly little book, fly!

I gained weight with each child and joined Weight Watchers when they were a few months old to lose the excess weight - thirty pounds. I became a Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers in 2002, but now after the birth of Edges, I have thirty pounds to lose all over again.

I have become aware and accepted that my body doesn't feel right. I am uncomfortable. So instead of shrugging it off as I have for the past few months, I am finally taking action.

I have been ambivalent about going back because I know that losing weight is not just physical, but it is psychic and spiritual as well. It's going to force me to focus on taking care of and paying attention to myself. I have to work on my relationship with food and bring it to a healthy place. We're in couples therapy, food and I.

I didn't have that psychic energy before. It was all focused on the book and then the next book, and moving and renovating and my kids and Writopia - we all have those lists!

Do I have the psychic energy now? It's not about will-power. I need help! I believe that I need to find the willingness to turn over my relationship with food to a Higher Power. For strength and courage I am going to call upon the Greek goddess Artemis as my Goddess-du-jour. Her name comes from the Greek artemês, which means: uninjured, healthy, vigorous.

And that's what I want to be! 

PS I promise that I won't blog about this issue or my journey with it again unless it has some bearing on my Lit Life! If anybody is interested though, maybe I'll start another blog on a spiritual journey through weight loss. Let me know!
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9 comments:

  1. This is why I love Bikram Yoga so much! It got me to think about me and my body and what I eat AND the pounds seemed to MELT away!
    I also find when I'm in good physical shape my brain works better and I'm a better writer... good luck! You ALREADY are beautiful, tho.

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  2. You had me at Artemis--my childhood favorite and still now beloved goddess.

    I heard Jennifer Lauck speak last night--beautiful presentation on memoir. She discussed rumination quite a bit and how looking deeply in can become a gift, can close the gap of consciousness between you and someone else.

    I think that's what you're doing here. Thank you. xoxo

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  3. Sounds like a great blog idea. Or notes on FB at least. :) All the best!

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  4. Thank you people! Arlaina - there was a period of time when I was doing vinyasa yoga 6x a week and I NEVER felt better!

    And Jen - Artemis' energy is what I need the most - (it's kind of like my tiger tattoo!) I even channeled her for my driving test!

    And HBD to Wondrwegian!

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  5. Léna let's do some yoga! xoJennifer

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  6. I'm right there with you! I need to do Yoga...*sigh* I can't afford to go to a class right now, so it's videos and Wii Yoga for now. I'm sending healthy body thoughts your way...

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