Thank you for being a friend

Like most people in the free world, I love Betty White.  I feel a real connection with her.  In fact, my ex-hubby used to tell me I even reminded him of Betty White.  As it turns out, Betty and I actually do have some things in common.  We are both huge animal lovers/animal rights advocates.  We have each had that "one great love" in our life.  And neither of us have had children (although Betty has step-children that she has said she loves as her own - and I believe her on that).  We are just a couple of freewheelin' dames with good hearts....and maybe a little dash of the devil at times.  In essence, Betty White is my spirit animal.

Betty White has a huge following of adoring fans.  She has the respect of her peers, both young and old.  And she has remained loyal to her circle of close friends for decades.  That doesn't happen by accident.  That is the sign of someone who is truly authentic and loving.   Sounds kind of like her character in The Golden Girls, no?  Life really does imitate art.  

I have been thinking a lot about Betty White recently in my search for lasting change for health.  What would Betty do if she were me?  I know there is more to this than just calories in versus calories out.  I know it's also an inside job.    

Looking inward, I have come to the conclusion that I have not been a good friend to myself over the years.  I have done things to my body that I would never allow anyone to do to my loved ones, and I have talked some serious trash to myself.  I am not just referring to positive self-talk necessarily.  Although I believe that is really important.  I am talking more about a healthy respect and love for myself.  Kind of like Betty has for herself, and her friends, peers, fans, and loved ones.  Could it be possible that if I am a good friend to myself that my body will reciprocate and shine for me in return, like Betty with her adoring fans?  I believe this to be true.  Right now though?  I am totally out of sync with my spirit animal!  

So again, I ask myself - WWBWD?  And I have decided that one of my top priorities on this journey is to be a better friend to myself.  To speak to myself with respect, keep my inner dialogue loving, and to treat myself like I would treat my friends and loved ones.  It may take a while to change my old negative thinking, and I may never have the self-esteem and courage to pose nude like Betty White did (Google it!), but I am making a conscious effort everyday to be kind....to me.