Once upon a time, I used to believe that the key to happiness was hidden inside a tiny little dress size. Yup, I fell for that age-old trick, just like so many others. I thought that if I could shrink myself, my life would suddenly turn into a sparkling Disney movie, full of rainbows and sunshine. Little did I know, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

You see, losing weight might ease some of the burdens dragging you down, but it won’t wave a magic wand and make all your problems vanish into thin air. When I shed those pounds, I traded my old set of problems for some fresh ones. The reason behind this madness? Well, it all boils down to one thing: we mistakenly think that being thinner automatically makes us more worthy, and that’s where the chaos begins. Why? Let’s break it down:

Losing weight won’t solve the real issues

Let’s face it, there’s something deeper making you feel like a grumpy cat on a rainy day. You might not pinpoint it right away, so you link it to your weight. Trust me, I’ve been there. If you tether your happiness to external measures, you’re in for a wild goose chase. You’ll constantly chase something, reach it, and still feel like you’re stuck in Groundhog Day.

Missing out on life in pursuit of the perfect size

Imagine this: you’re turning down dinner parties, declining that graduation cake, and dodging brunch with your buddies all in the name of the weight-loss game. You think you’re getting closer to your goals, but in reality, you’re missing out big time. Life doesn’t come with a rewind button. Once those moments slip by, they’re gone forever.

Your worth isn’t a number on a scale

When you tie your self-worth to external measures, you let others take the wheel of your self-esteem. They dictate how you feel about yourself, and that’s a dangerous place to be. You’ll start clutching to things you think you can control – like food – and find yourself trapped in a never-ending loop of misery. Trust me; I was the reigning queen of that toxic loop.

The never-ending “not enough” cycle

The problem with letting your weight define your worth is that it’ll never be low enough, your legs will never be skinny enough, and your size will never be small enough. You reach that dream weight you’ve had in your head for years, and it’s still not enough. You’re like a hamster running on a wheel, chasing something that doesn’t even exist.

Now, I once read a quote (can’t remember who said it, though), and it hit me like a ton of bricks: “You know when you look at an old photo and think ‘how did I hate my body back then?’ That’s your proof that it has never been about your body.”

The Truth Bomb

Happiness goes much deeper than the scale or the size tag on your clothes. It’s an inside job. If you’re hunting for happiness in external measures, you’ll be stuck in a loop, just like a pup chasing its tail.

If you’re struggling with this, start by asking yourself two crucial questions:

• Can I still be happy if I never hit that magic number on the scale?
• How can I bring more balance into my life?

Let go of the numbers, let go of the illusion, and start your journey towards real, genuine happiness. It’s a story worth telling, and it begins within yourself.

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The Best Guided Journals To Start A Journaling Practice 

Just so you know, I do review everything I recommend. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission.

“The Five-Minute Journal”

A widely acclaimed guided journal designed for daily gratitude and self-reflection. This journal prompts users to express gratitude, set positive intentions, and reflect on daily achievements, fostering a positive mindset.

“Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration” by Meera Lee Patel

This beautifully illustrated guided journal encourages self-exploration through a series of thought-provoking prompts, creative exercises, and inspirational quotes. It’s a visually engaging journey of self-discovery.

“365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Precepts” by R.J. Palacio

Inspired by the best-selling novel “Wonder,” this guided journal offers daily precepts, quotes, and prompts to encourage kindness, empathy, and reflection. It’s a heartwarming and insightful companion for personal growth.

“The Mindfulness Journal”

Geared towards promoting mindfulness and reducing stress, this journal includes daily prompts for meditation, gratitude, and reflections on the present moment. It’s an ideal tool for those seeking a more centered and mindful lifestyle.

“Bullet Journal Method” by Ryder Carroll

While not a traditional guided journal, Ryder Carroll’s method has gained immense popularity. The Bullet Journal is a customizable organizational system that combines to-do lists, calendars, and reflections, offering a flexible and personalized approach to journaling. Click here for a bullet journal. 

“The Artist’s Way Morning Pages Journal” by Julia Cameron

Based on Julia Cameron’s transformative book, “The Artist’s Way,” this journal encourages the practice of “morning pages” – three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing every morning. It’s a tool for unlocking creativity and overcoming creative blocks.

“52 Lists Project” by Moorea Seal

This guided journal provides a year’s worth of weekly list prompts designed to inspire self-reflection, gratitude, and personal growth. Each list is thoughtfully curated to explore different aspects of your life and goals.

“Calm the Chaos Journal”

Targeted at those seeking stress relief and emotional balance, this guided journal combines mindfulness exercises, prompts for self-reflection, and spaces for creative expression. It’s a holistic approach to calming the chaos in daily life.

“Q&A a Day: 5-Year Journal”

Perfect for those who prefer a long-term commitment, this journal offers a daily question for five years, allowing users to track their thoughts and experiences over time. It’s a unique way to witness personal growth and changing perspectives.

My other favorite guided journals.