Hope

It is a powerful thing to observe Hope--to see if shift, shape, and lift a person. I have the privilege to witnesses this time and again at Weight Watchers. As a Weight Watchers Leader, I witness the transformation of countless individuals on their journey toward self respect. I believe in the dignity and potential of every individual -- I believe in the sanctity of human life -- that is why each Tuesday at 5:30 and Saturday at 9am and 11am are my favorite days of my week. At those times I see concentrated Hope.

To me Weight Watchers is about more than counting points and portions. It is about taking control of what really matters - because Life is much more than Food. When we master our intake, however, we master so much more. Self respect can sometimes come at a high price - especially because so many of us wait until the very last moment to get help. We're a strong and independent people and it is hard to say, "help me."

But, when we do, we grow. And when we are open to new ideas and information, we inch closer to that which we believe we can be. And that is the American Dream. Not cars, nor homes, or other material things. Being Free is a universal banner -- Free to be ourselves, free to think, breathe, pray, dream. Free even to fail, and try, try again.

At Weight Watchers I see weight literally and figuratively lifted from people. I see them change -- I see them glow. Sometimes I do not see the physical weight come off - because quite honestly I see all people in love when they walk through the door. I see them through a sense of compassion and friendship - I don't really see their weight. Then, so often, I will be weighing them in at the beginning of the meeting to find they have lost 23, 56, 77 lbs. I will stare up at them in disbelief and say, "really?" I see only their smiles-- on the meek and the bold. I see them care about themselves again; I see self-love.

This was God's plan for us--not wandering despair and hopelessness. There is a higher plan. That plan includes feeling satisfied with our achievement, self growth, and encouragement to the other. I don't think we really grow unless we help someone else to.

Yes, every week I see more than 100 people put on hope. I see them walk through the door. Sometimes they are fighting a deep, internal battle -- other times they yell in victory. They are not overcoming vices really -- merely championing what's best in them. We all have something to give -- from the 10 year old to the 82 year old at Weight Watchers -- in life. We all have something to give. Hope, fulfillment and encouragement are what we deserve.

Yes, hope is a vehicle to our destiny.