Welcome back!

This is a picture of my new front deck. It was built last summer and it replaced a much smaller, very rickety version of the entrance to my home.  My house was built in 1979 and because I live in the mountains where the weather is a bit more in-your-face, that old deck swayed a bit and made entrance to the house scary.  Do you like the rustic look of the handrails?  It’s a nice ‘mountainy’ touch, I think.

We are on the downhill slope of 2008.  January is just around the corner and all those New Year’s Resolutions are looming.  Don’t you think it’s interesting how we all feel somewhat compelled to make them? 

For me, the resolutions have always been about what I’m going to accomplish inside myself - where my spiritual/mental life lives. And I thought about The World of Within and you all.  I wondered if you know how to get “within?”  Well, first step is to build a new front deck to get in there! I’m experienced now; I’d like to help you get that deck built.  I’d love 2009 to be a big turn around year for you when it comes to loving your own within and the self that lives there.

Your deck (resolution to go within) has to be strong and sturdy.  How would a sturdy resolution look? One that would carry you a long way into 2009? I’m thinking it might answer these questions, so here they are for you to answer for  yourself?

What do I want to accomplish in 2009 that will change the inside me, so that by Dec. 1 next year, I will feel really, really accomplished?

What fear prods at me the most? Could that be my 2009 project?

What is there about myself that bugs the shit out of me? Do I see what I can do to change that? Am I willing to do whatever it takes?

Try to compile a list of at least five things.

Now, whittle it down to the two that mean the most to you.

Now, create a monthly plan for the steps you’ll take every month to manifest your two accomplishments.

Now, break it down into daily steps you will absolutely take, and create some consequence for when  you just don’t want to do it so that you’ll do it anyway because you detest that consequence.

Seven steps to building that new deck of yours that will get you inside yourself and be a strong support for the doing.  See how good you are?

Christmas gift idea:  If you know someone who would really appreciate, enjoy, or simply ‘need’ these types of ideas, MY CATS might make a splendid Christmas present.  And if your friend is a large woman, this is one gift that for sure will fit her.

Pat

I hope you liked yesterday’s posting of the first chapter of my book My Cats Have Seen Me Naked. Today, I have another gift for you.  It’s one of the Top Ten Lists I created for those who join our Community.  You’d have to be on the inside to see this, so, here’s my gift to you.

Top Ten Ways to Discover the Details About Your Intrinsic Goodness

1. Make a list of the things you do with some level of skill. Only your intrinsic goodness would permit that.

2. Ask your closest friend what he/she thinks is your strongest character point.

3. Ask a relative who knew you as a small child to tell you what you did well at an early age.

4. Take a course about human psychology and craft a list about you as you study it.

5. Without speaking, just observe your reactions throughout the day. What’s good about them?

6. Who have you been caring for all your life? Bet you didn’t say “Me.” That kind of caring is an indication of goodness.

7. Do you volunteer your time to help others with their projects? Goodness motivates your generosity.

8. Expressing acceptance about your appearance as you pass a mirror is an indication of intrinsic goodness.

9. Do you stand in awe of a beautiful sunset, a dew drop on a flower petal, or a baby bunny? Your goodness permits that appreciation.

10. Enter into deep, silent meditation and ask yourself to share some more about your goodness with you. It will. There is so much more. Write it here.

If you haven’t read the book My Cats Have Seen Me Naked, you’re invited to visit our Bookstore. My Cats wants to come home to your library!

Please send this document to another obese woman who could use a fresh perspective. Ask her to read My Cats and to sign up for Insights, our ezine.

With gratitude for all the things I am Giving Thanks for today and with love,

Pat

It’s true, I’m an old fart, and old farts don’t change easily.  We’ve gotten comfortable with “how it is” even though “how it is” may no longer be working.  So I challenge myself to change frequently.  Can I give up my creature comforts?  Can I do things differently?  Can I institute new successes if I change?  Can you change?We’re at a political place in our country where people want change.  I’ve got a question for you: should only they change or are you willing to change as well? How much would you be willing to do differently?

Would you like to think differently about yourself?  That would be a big change, wouldn’t it?  If you’re fat, you’d have to give up on thinking about yourself as someone who is somehow less than. You would have to stop expecting people to poke fun at you.  You’d have to stop looking at yourself in the mirror and wrinkling up your nose because you don’t like what you see there.  You’d more than likely have to take an inventory of all the negative ways you view yourself and one by one, change them.

That’s the kind of thing we talk about at The World of Within. I happen to think that if you and I and Obama do our changing all together, wouldn’t this be a better world?  Let’s do it!

Pat Matson

909-867-2413

www.theworldofwithin.com

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Helping the world’s obese women find

their voices, self-acceptance, and self-love