That darned old scale!!! Just when we think we have it all figured out and we can predict its every movement, every bob and weave; from clear out of nowhere it throws a curve ball, high and tight. Sometimes we stand and stare at it, often with a modicum of contempt, daring it to inch higher. We become angry. Some of us have even been known to hurl epithets at the darned thing and threaten to throw it out the window. How dare it show us gaining weight?

When I was really young I never really grasped the concept of the first commandment: “Thou shalt not have strange gods before me.” None of my friends had altars with four headed dragons who spouted fire. None of their parents dressed in tribal robes, shaking shrunken heads on the front lawn!!! It had no meaning. Then, I met The Scale. I weigh on Saturday morning. I have a hard time sleeping Friday night. I start reviewing everything that went into my mouth the previous week and even some foods I simply lusted after in my mind and heart. Will the scale know? I always position it in the exact same place and wear the same clothes and weigh in at almost exactly the same time each week. After all a controlled environment works best, correct? I approach the scale with reverence and respect. As I enter its holy sanctuary I’ve often wondered if I should have candles burning. My lower lip trembles as I ascend the steps one at a time. Is it me or does the scale glow? Is it me, or do I hear a faint rumbling and a low deep chuckle? That can’t be lightening outside the bathroom window is it? There is that moment, as the scale cycles though, that all of time stands still. I look down waiting, heart in my throat. Then it renders its verdict. Maybe that choir in the hallway is singing “O Happy Day,” or is that the sound of a funeral dirge moving closer and closer that I hear? My existence hinges on that digital readout. My self-esteem hangs on that weekly evaluation.

Maybe you’re laughing right now. “Oh John,” you say. “You have such a way with words but you’re exaggerating.” Really, I’m exaggerating? Query me this dearest ones. If that’s the case and I’m following some flight of frenzy why is it we have those insidious little weight tickers? Why do we define ourselves as having lost or having gained? Why are the most popular blogs on any weight loss sites the ones that have the good old “Before and After” pictures or the details of how someone lost a ton of weight? What about the healthy people who aren’t stick thin? We live in a world that emphasizes what should be rather than what is. Are you happy, are you healthy, are you adopting different nutritional strategies? Are you bouncing to the gym or in the family room and down the street more than you used to? Then my friend, you are a success. You are move your “is” towards your “should be.” Did you ever stop to think that such a large number of amazing, wonderful and loving, caring people converge on the same web site each day by chance? Scale be damned, you’re amazing and you grow more amazing each day and I am glad you are part of my life even if it’s only in a virtual fashion.
I wrote this blog to support my Spark Friend JENNYBOYKIN. She’s going through the same stuff you and I do and she’s a bit discouraged. I feel all of these things from time to time and I’ll hazard a guess so do you. The good news is we are here to love and support each other and to me, that is worth a lot.

I had a 1.4 pound gain last week. You still love me don’t ya?