Do you ever feel "out of place" ... ?

Last night I joined over 50 women and men for a phenomenal Company Opportunity Meeting. I go there monthly, and I absolutely love it! The energy that fills the room electric and I leave there feeling rejuvenated, revitalized and ramped up.

I did notice a little feeling "I am inadequate" last night. Many of the women are beautiful -- some are my age, some are younger, but they are "all" confident, slim, well dressed -- and I feel my own insecurities arise about being a large-sized woman.

I've looked back at photos of myself as a young woman and as a kid, and noticed that my weight began becoming a challenge in my 30's. I believe this was in large part to a lower back injury that occurred when my ex husband and I had a small farm. I can be a stubborn lady, and I would often do much of the work that was required with having livestock -- moving hay bales, grain sacks, mucking the stalls -- and usually the responsibility was mine to physically move animals from pasture to pasture, or take care of their health needs.

With my ongoing back pain has come a lack of exercise. Coupling that with my age, my weight has slowly crept up. Watching those wonderful women last night, I was acutely aware of my ongoing sense of shyness coupled with my negative body image. And I found myself last night just wanting to kind of fade into the background because of a sense of disconnect between me and everyone else.

I'm in direct sales and holding myself back does not create my dreams -- instead, it keeps me trapped in a nightmare of my own making.

Acknowledging that personal truth is a huge step. Taking action to change my body image is what takes me to another level. I've recommitted myself to my ongoing weight loss. I've reconnected with two different websites that support me, and I've recommitted to writing down my food on paper as well.

There is nothing different between any of us -- except the stories that rattle around inside our brains.

Someone who has achieved success in my company emailed me today when I expressed my frustration with myself .... "Just Do It has always worked for me," she said.

Just do it, Terri. You'll be glad -- on all levels! -- that I did!!