Disappointment: Receiving the gift

    

Last  night I surprised myself.  I had hoped to be chosen to receive a scholarship for the Slim, Chic, and Savvy Immersion Program, "a French approach to weightloss and joie de vivre" --inspired and led by one of my favorite "teachers", Tonya Leigh.  Although I realized that I am far from technically savvy, and messed up not only my attempts at writing my very first blog post to submit to her, and at figuring out how to set up a Twitter account as well -- I still had my hopes WAY up that I might be chosen to participate in this program.  When I was not chosen, I was flooded with disappointment.  But, today, I am struck by the fact that this sadness -- this discouragement, is truly a gift with a message.

Over the next few days, instead of trying to drown my sadness with sugar, or some other unhelpful and life-draining distraction, I will sit with disappointment and let her teach me to honor the voice of my heart, and to listen to her deepest needs. 

My palms outstretched, I receive the gift.

~Elizabeth

PS:  Check out www.tonyaleigh.com .  If you are unfamiliar with her, and her writings, you're in for a real treat!

Looking to find my Joie de Vivre!

Dear Tonya, and her lovely Team,  http://slimchicandsavvy.com/

Over the last couple of years, I have been encouraged and inspired by the writings of Tonya Leigh.  In fact, it's her voice that has kept me afloat in some very difficult times.

Until my mother's death a few months ago, I was her caregiver -- for over 5 years.  As honored as I was to care for this lovely, intelligent woman, I still lost my joy, my verve, and my direction along the way.  Actually, I know all of it is still within me, I just can't seem to find it right now.

I have been living in in a state of overwhelm and overweight for some time now.  My once thin frame is now covered in 60 extra pounds.  And as much as I've tried to deny myself, militantly exercise the fat off, and "just say no" to desserts, I've continued to binge and gain.  I am now convinced that Tonya is right -- denying myself pleasure and beauty only leads to more of what I don't want -- excess weight, and depression.

I am now in a place where I have the time to get back into my career, but I feel as though I could really benefit from some mentoring from Tonya, and a community of like minded ladies. Finding my joie de vivre again, rediscovering my passion, beauty, and true weight is a longing I can't deny any longer.

I am respectfully requesting help in the form of a scholarship to Tonya's Slim, Chic, and Savvy Immersion
Program.  And when I rediscover my joy, and get back into my vocation, I will pay it forward when I have 
the means to do so.  It will be such an honor to pass it on.

~Elizabeth.