I finished re-reading a book the other day called “Feed Me!: Writers Dish About Food, Eating, Weight and Body Image.” I picked this book up years ago and decided to read it again. Sometimes you just need to be reminded of why you’re doing what you’re doing. What I love about the stories in the book, which are all written honestly from the heart, is that they are completely relatable. You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, feel their pain and share their victory.

At the beginning of the book, there is an “I-Love-My-Body Pledge.” The author encourages the reader to print out a copy of this and post it where it can be seen - may it be on your bedside table, vanity mirror or refrigerator door - as a constant reminder of why we’re all fighting the good fight.

I encourage everyone to pick the book and read it, not just once, or twice, but as often as you can. It’s a good read and offers a lot of lessons and insight.

The I-Love-My-Body Pledge

• I pledge to speak kindly about my body.
• I promise not to talk about the size of my thighs or stomach or butt, or how I have to lose 5 or 15 or 50 pounds. I promise not to call myself fat, pig, gross or any other self-loathing, trash-talking phrase.
• I vow to be kind to myself and my body. I will learn to be grateful for its strength and attractiveness, and be compassionate towards its failings.
• I will remind myself that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and that no matter what shape and size my body is, it’s worthy of kindness, compassion and love.