The Missing Piece / Peace

After I wrote my blog on "Food to Fill the Void" I received and email from someone. It was one of the most touching and truthful emails I've received. It made me cry (a lot) and then made me think. I'm going to share the email because it is a strong message, not only for me, but for others who feel the same way. I hope that the person that sends it to me does not get upset that I am sharing it, but the message is one I think other's should hear, especially some of my friends and family who are also going through the stage of life that I am at: "What happens if you find a man and have a child and then still feel the need to emotional eat? Eating is filling the hole that you assume is your missing husband and child. What if that isn't the hole you are trying to fill? Your recent relationships felt like you trying to force pieces into a puzzle because you think you only have so much time to finish it. Many people are in their 40's before they are married or have children? Have faith...I do.

What if your missing piece or peace is really within you already? What if the missing piece is your willingness and ability to love Melissa as she is. Today you are beautiful, generous, kind, thoughtful, successful, intelligent, and fun. You are needed and appreciated by many. You are worthy of love and attention and acceptance by everyone. Especially yourself!

My prayer and wish is that you love yourself as you are today -- any given day -- then you will find your "missing" piece/peace."

Now this may have been written to me, but for some if you replace Melissa with your name - it's spot on for you too.
I'm glad that this person sent me this because it just reiterated what 2014 is all about for me. Changing and doing -- for me, no one else. This is the year about Melissa. Finding and loving who I am, not who I try to be for others. I won't lie, when I say that this email is probably spot on. There are many things that I know I need to work on when it comes to filling the pieces or peace within me and number one is loving myself. For most that know me I am a happy person. I am always smiling. But sometimes the smile is just a cover to hide the true feelings, because I don't want to deal with what is really going on. Everyday is a new day. Everyday is a day to work on you.
Today is my day -- "I'm Melissa and I don't love myself as I should - but, I will because I know I deserve to be happy and today is the day I start."
~Melissa
Current: 187lbs Goal: 150-155lbs

I just want to note that some of these blogs are going to be personal. It's my journey of life, love, weight loss - that will hopefully, eventually be an inspiring book for someone else. With that, please respect my stories and me when reading these.