epic fail...

As mothers/parents, it truly is our job to be good role models for our children. Sometimes/MANYtimes it hits me—hard—how I’ve failed TLC at this job I took on more than 35 years ago.

I’ve had a “weight” problem 90% of my 65 years. (I start this at around my age 10.) This challenge was given to me from both sides of my gene pool. I’ve hated this gift/reality. I’ve done many STUPID and unhealthy diets to lose weight. I consider myself a fairly smart person. Not even close to brilliant. Adequately smart. Yet I’ve tried ideas that a kumquat would have known were RIDICULOUS.

Then I joined Weight Watchers. In January of 2017. And I FINALLY learned how to be a balanced, healthier, intelligent eater. I still make bad decisions and have days (mostlynights—that’s my weakest time) when I’m a little out of control. However, I stay successful at maintaining my 44-pound loss.

TLC joined WWs a few months ago. It completely took me by surprise. She didn’t have a lot to lose. And it really wasn’t as much about losing weight as it was about gaining control of her habits and being/eating healthier. For herself AND her daughters. As their role model.

She met her “lifetime goal” in three months. Slowly and with determination. She did it despite growing up with a mother who didn’t cook. A mother who took her through TOO MANY drive-thrus. A mother who was NOT a good role model for healthy eating.

She did it because her oldest daughter was diagnosed with Celiac disease when she was 2 years old. This diagnosis took the possibility of TLC becoming like me—The Drive-Thru Queen—away from Little Leighton and Belle (Belle may not be Celiac and hasn’t been tested because she’s not had gluten in her three years on this Earth—so any medical test would be virtually useless.).

I cannot begin to express my pride—in words—for the amazing role model TLC has been to her daughters. To me. Her Dad. Her family. She is a FABULOUS At-Home Chef. She plans her family’s meals with love, passion and true commitment. They are beyond DELICIOUS.

(Now if only I hadn’t also been a TERRIBLE role model concerning Diet Cokes/Coke Zeroes. TLC has many times, in the past ten years, given them completely up. For LONG stretches of time. But this evil PUSHER has tempted her with my fridge full of unhealthy sodas.

I’m sorry, TLC! Forgive me. I wish I could say I’ll do better. I fear that’d be a lie. At the least, I can role model honesty.

Happy Tuesday, Friends Everywhere! Be aware of who’s watching you with awe, loyalty and admiration. DO BETTER!!! TRY! Let’s all at least try...right?

Smooch...
ELC