On Temperance, Children, & Weight Loss

Hi again. Happy new year. I hope the transition to 2023 can foster your connection with a gentle and divine hope of new beginnings.

What could change for us if the mark of the new year became less about ‘fixing’ ourselves and earning our worth, and more about opening ourselves more fully (little by little) to knowing God and knowing our truest selves? I think the growth that would come from that mindset shift would be pretty remarkable. And yet, even if nothing changes about us this year, we are still beloved.

Of course, this time of year is drenched and dripping in diet culture. And as I sit here writing that line, I find myself chuckling as the first image that comes to mind is the sight of a soaking wet cat. A feline with fur slicked flat like rubber—smelly and grotesque, yet demanding our attention and stares all the same. The presence of diet culture (and this slippery, smelly cat) is unfortunately rather intriguing. It’s hard to look away from; it’s hard to not get caught ruminating on it. Point being: diet culture is overwhelmingly present right now, and it’s hard to not be impacted by it in one way or another. It makes sense if it's on your mind.