[CHANGES] No Longer with WW

[Sandra Ahten]

"Changes" --the name of this newsletter is certainly fitting for many 
aspects of my life right now. I've decided to resign from Weight Watchers. 
This is my last week in the meeting room. As you know I am an artist and I 
have an art-teaching studio. As planned and hoped for many doors have been 
opening lately. I feel like it will be effort well directed to focus on 
these opportunities right now. At the same time I've been contemplating how 
I can continue to share my journey with you. The last four years as a Weight 
Watcher leader have been such a vital and wonderful facet of my life.

Thirteen years ago, at 29 years old, I began a journey of recovery from drug 
and alcohol addiction. I have had spiritual awakenings, failed 
relationships, a new marriage, starting school (at 32!) and job decisions. 
I've raised my son and watched as he struggles with his own addictions. I've 
witnessed his recent incarceration and have had to learn when to hold on and 
when to let go. I learn constantly about the struggle of self-care versus a 
real need to be an active participant trying to make the world a little 
softer for my having been a part of it. I have learned how to be a friend.

I have more to learn in many aspects - but especially in the relationship 
that we Americans (me and you in particular) have with food.  I want a 
chance to think about this and to look for solutions and patterns in 
everyday life while I am not wearing the hat of "diet guru". Why is this 
such a struggle for so many? My parents just returned from Germany-- where 
they report very very few overweight people.

THE FUTURE
As for my future as a "diet guru" I don't have a firm plan beyond keeping up 
the Changes newsletter and compiling my writings into a website. I'd like to 
give up the title "diet guru" and WW leader and replace it. But I don't know 
exactly what to replace it with. I am leaving myself open to possibilities.

In "Changes" I will continue to share my ideas, thoughts, tips, struggles 
and successes with you. I would also like your input. I would like to 
collect your essays about your journey as you've headed toward your own 
healthy living goals. If you would like to write an essay or even just a 
paragraph, let me know. If you need advice… I might like to try doing an 
"advice column" in this newsletter-- be sure to include enough details so 
that readers who don't know you can get the picture. If you have advice to 
pass along -- send that my way also.

In the meantime, if you live in the Urbana-Champaign area it would be great 
to have you take one of the art classes that I am offering. Everything is 
connected and you can learn much about your needs and satisfaction issues by 
focusing on creativity. Be well and I'll keep in touch.

Sandra

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