Several years ago, I was expressing my frustration in a small group of friends about my weight, my size, my triathlon speeds, and pretty much whatever else was bugging me at the moment when one of my friends, who I will call Susan (because that’s her real name), sort of nailed me.

She basically said, “Well, you have a script that you’re living. The script of ‘I am overweight and slow and miserable as a lawyer and will always be that way.’ And for whatever reason, you just keep re-reading and re-playing that same script. Sure. Maybe you edit it a little, but really it’s the same story.  If you don’t tear up that script and write a new one, you’re going to always live the same outcome. This is sort of like the idea of insanity, repeating the same thing and expecting a different outcome.”

Her words sort of stuck with me. (Though at the time I think they sort of made me mad).

This was around the beginning of 2013–so it’s taking me about three years to come full-circle with her words, and sort of where it lead me.  I mean, she was right.

The script idea?  It stuck with me, haunted me, bugged me.

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“I am NOT re-reading the same script,” I would huff and puff.

(And then turn to page 33 on my script and resume reading:  I can’t lose weight. I am slow. I am…)

Okay, so I knew she was right.  But what in the world could I actually do about it?  

I hadn’t really thought about the whole “script” scenario for a long while, until this morning.

As I took my bike out to ride, I put on my new tri suit.

And, well it fit surprisingly better than most suits do at this time of season, historically.  I didn’t look in the mirror and curse. I didn’t suck in my gut and hope that I looked better from another angle.  I simply put on the suit, grabbed my socks, and walked downstairs.

That was it.

(What was it, you might ask.  Exactly. That was it.  I put on my tri suit and went downstairs.)

But what that doesn’t tell is the story:  My script had changed. 

I almost walked back upstairs, feeling that I had forgotten something. And I had. I had forgotten to say negative things to myself. I had forgotten to tell myself how I was no good, too slow and fatter than I should be. I had forgotten to hate myself.

Sounds a little dramatic?  Well, it’s not.  I can show you my script. But wait…  my script has changed. 

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As I rode out of my neighborhood and up the first real climb, I didn’t curse myself:  too slow to make it up hill, too slow to make it up the NEXT hills, too much time lost during my injury, too fat, pants too tight. 

None of that happened; I just rode.

And instead of those things, I was feeling other things—like I can get stronger. I am really still strong, even after not riding during this injury.

I felt it again, as I finished hill repeats.  The script was different.

It wasn’t: “If I can only make it up this last time.”

Instead, the line was: “Next week, I am going to do this climb six times instead of four.”

This is not a case of “I lost weight, so I am awesome” like this whole blog world and Instagram is full of.  This isn’t Transformation Tuesday or whatever.

Because guess what?  I have lost and gained weight my whole damn life.  I have weighed thirty pounds less than I do now (and was unhealthier than ever); and I have tipped the scales around 250 pounds. I still have weight to lose, blah blah blah.

Weight is not the issue–at all. It’s so much bigger (no pun intended, really) than that.

In looking back, I didn’t realize that I was in this slow process of tearing up the so-called script.  But my script was much longer and more whiny than just “I am overweight.” It had many woes and first-world pages and problems.  And I was tired of them.  Like, all of them.  All the whiny problems. And the real ones, too.

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So I had been, subconsciously, working on that script, tearing it up.  I didn’t realize that I had been until today.  [What do you think, Susan? How’s the new script?]

Here are four things that I, looking back, can identify as being catalysts for changing, and re-writing some of the troubling things.

1)  What is your script?

When my friend pointed out that I had this script–I saw it too, almost immediately.  I didn’t even realize that I was doing it.  But true, I had taken on this identity, and I was replaying it. Being overweight, tired, overworked, and dependent on wine to calm me and put me to sleep every night was part of who I had become.

And that is a sad script – and no one wants to watch that movie or read that book.  So I needed to change it.  And it has taken me years to figure out how and what and why—and I still don’t have it figured out, completely.

But I do know that once I tore up my script–the sad, really long and whiny one–that things began to change.

When I asked myself how wanted to change?  When I dared to ask myself the things that I really wanted in life?

Those were not part of the main act of that sad script.  They weren’t in that script at all.

2) Do something.  Take a baby step.

Sure you can’t change everything.  But you can change something.

For starters, I began with my job.  I knew I wasn’t happy with the way things were going back in 2013–doing the Atlanta commute insanity of an hour each way, kids in afterschool/daycare, and all of that.  So I gradually began to ask for what I needed–what my family needed to make our lives work better.  To stop the script of the insanity of 40 hour work week, 12 hours commute, and more.  I came up with a plan and a pitch. And I worked with my boss to change the role, the schedule, the flexibility.  Slowly, and over time, it worked.  The script changed to where I could work, and my family could also work—without the insanity that was growing like an elephant in the room.

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I changed my lawyer script.  To another lawyer script.  Same law firm, same job–different parameters. Different ways.

Baby steps.

Then I tackled food. And booze. And training. And many other things.  One little step and action at a time–which moves me to my next point…

3) Move and Act.  Don’t Sit and Stare.

In my talk at NOVA back in March, one of the key points was basically:  get out of your own way.  And that’s a hard thing to do.  When we have a goal, but WE are our own problem—wow–that is a lot to ingest and admit, and then digest.

It takes a strong person to say, “Yeah, I am totally in my own way here. How do I stop this?”

I have been really open about addiction, and the struggles I have had for over a decade with alcohol and my whole life with food.

A friend of mine posted this on Instagram recently:

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I love the sentiment here.  (And disclaimer: I am not a licensed therapist, etc…. so this is all anecdotal.)

As someone who tried to quit drinking for over fourteen years “on my own” (with only successfully quitting for a short year in 2004 with AA)  and as someone who desperately tried the “moderation” route, I could look at this quote and think, “Yes, I was probably in the middle of something that needed a new life creation–that my patterns, my life weren’t working for me.”

I agree.

Okay. I need to create a new life.  But what did that mean?  Create a new life?  Leave my family? Buy a different house? Quit my job?  Leave my kids?  What?? That wasn’t a real option.  I didn’t want to create a new life.  I wanted to find what my life meant.  I wanted to see my life through the best lens possible.

Hillary Biscay once told me, “Why don’t you stop thinking so much about what you need to do in a given workout–and just do it?”

Huh. Action. Not thinking. Action. Action.  Do. Do not. Move. Go.

Ah-ha. The script again.  Don’t read it, tear it up. Change it.

When I decided that beer and wine were no longer working for me—that my script was really getting quite old and tired—I decided to stop thinking so much about why I “needed” those things or why I couldn’t seem to stop drinking—and I thought more about what action I could take. Right now, what I could do.  What could I change? What action could I take? What steps could I take to “create the life” that I needed?

So much in the spirit of AA–taking “one day at a time”–I decided to take action not to drink each day.  [And boy, let me tell you.  The act of NOT doing something… well, I think that might be harder than the act of doing something.]

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Again, I am not telling someone how to get sober. That is not my job, my qualifications, or my pay grade.  Taking action to go to an AA meeting is an action. Taking action to send a cry for help is an action.  Call a friend. Seek help.  Reach out.  Take the action that you need in whatever trouble you are in… that’s for sure.  Do that.

I just noticed that when I decided to take action (instead of thinking so much about things), I was able to slowly dissect some of the other stuff.  Creating the life first, was not what worked for me.  Stopping the pain and the haze and the dependency helped me be able to better filter through the other stuff.

It was doing what I could, immediately.  Action.

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4 ) Stop Hurting Yourself

This is a big one for me.  I am definitely the meanest person I know–to myself.

To change the script, I had to change the way I talked and treated myself.  I forget where I posted it, but I remember saying that until this last year I couldn’t remember the last time I had actually put lotion on my entire body.  That may sound dumb—but, I would lotion my legs, and maybe, if they were lucky, my arms. But I couldn’t stand to lotion the rest of me, because I hated the rest of me.

Little by little, I began to take care of myself a little more.  I ate nutrient-dense food and not filler junk–because why was I killing myself with pizza? Why?  What a dumb way to die. Death by pepperoni.  Hurmph.

I also took opportunities for caring for myself–lotion, and mud masks, or painted toes.  Getting my roots touched up.  Buying a lovely piece of dark chocolate–not a giant M&M Blizzard.  Small things, that add up.  I now slap lotion EVERYWHERE on this mom-bod, with a reckless abandon that probably should be on a YouTube video–except it shouldn’t. For reasons you understand, I’m sure.  🙂

With the little kind gestures, I found that I no longer felt this sense of hatred towards myself. I was a little nicer…and then a lot nicer.

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Not to say that my inner mean girl doesn’t get ahold of me… she totally does, and I have those days still where I can’t stand me.

But it’s better.  Thanks for reading.   Here’s to creating the script we want (and need).

Cheers (with fizzy water and lime, of course).
Love to you all,
M

45 Responses

  1. Wow! I just absolutely love to read your posts! Whether about triathlon training, racing, addiction recovery, distorted body image, motherhood, “wifehood” etc. You truly are inspiring and introspective. You have a talent to influence people to be a better version of themselves and I hope you continue to do that for a long time to come!

  2. Your blogs always seem to catch my eye and the exact moment I need them to. Thanks for the sharing and the honesty. By the way you look fantastic and have that whole glowy healthy thing happening. Congrats!

  3. I am in such a weird space right now. I’m not sure about what I should be doing vs want I want to be doing. I am restless and hoping for something to push me somewhere. I really loved your words of “re-writing” my script. Making a little change toward my goal is a great start. I’m just not sure what my goal is. Sad, but true. Thanks for getting me started!

  4. I see your strength mentally and physically growing… fingers crossed to see you at IMNC!

  5. Such a revelation to be able to see what you need to change in your life and a huge blessing to be able to make the change, little by little. Not alot of people has the wisdom or courage to do that. Well done to you. Celebrate all your victories, even the little ones.

  6. Such a revelation to be able to see what you need to change in your life and a huge blessing to be able to make the change, little by little. Not alot of people has the wisdom or courage to do that. Well done to you. Celebrate all your victories, even the little ones.

  7. Amazing post! Will be reading and re-reading and thinking a lot about this one.

    However, I have a minor disagreement – Death by pepperoni is EXACTLY what I want on my coroner’s report when it’s my time to go. ;-D

  8. Great post! This past weekend I completed an at-home/mock Olympic distance triathlon as part of my training for my 70.3 coming up. I knew my negative thoughts would likely be my most significant hurdle, so before I started I came up with my own script/mantra. With every stroke pedal or step, when I felt myself doubting myself I would repeat “you are strong, you are capable, you are ready”. It helped me stay focused and out of my head where all of the self doubt lies. I did quite well and I think changing my script helped tremendously!

  9. This is a great rebound post. It goes along way to pinpointing, not what we do to ourselves, but maybe what we say to ourselves that causes us to do those things.

    Great post, Meredith.

  10. One of your best posts to date. LOVE it. Love the “script” metaphor. My Gawd, I can think of the full script I have right now and how I wish I could go rouge and start ad-libbing a little :). Thanks for this!!

  11. Mantras are the best and huge helps! Congrats on your training Oly! 🙂

  12. I use written and picture “scripts” and social stories with my kids on the spectrum about what they can do in certain situations if something is not working for them (making friends, conversational exchange, how to interpret body language, etc.) and they really work. Maybe I need to write a book of positive/nice “scripts” for those who seem to need to re-write their story! I wrote my own in a journal at about age 16 and am living my script currently-P.S. The story has no end!

  13. Meredith…this is awesome and speaks to me in things I have been dealing with. Thank you. So simple when you think about it…”Change the Script.” I think I will work on that. Susan is awesome and wise 🙂

  14. The part about the lotion struck a chord with me. I never realized this is what I used to do to myself as well. Subconsciously I did not want to touch my belly because it represented failure to me. My inability to lose weight “there.” Once I started eating whole good foods and real chocolate, nourishing my body out of love for myself, I finally made peace with my belly. Thank you for sharing, it made me feel like I was not the only one.

  15. My trouble is that just when I think my script is flowing along nicely ALOT of the scenes that define my character’s motivations keep getting out or edited, leaving me floundering for a new narrative that makes sense to me.

    On the bright side, I’m writing new scenes, like the one where I’m able to (almost) run again (yay 2 minutes faster for yesterday’s 5K than the one 4 weeks ago). But sometimes I wish some things could be what they were.

    Anyway, I like your blog. It’s good to hear you’re doing better. Especially with your self-talk.

  16. Interesting that I read this today along with rereading the Self-Sabotage SBF lesson. Similar in my eyes. I need to get out of my way. Great insight Meredith!

  17. Just forwarded this to my mom, sisters and all my girlfriends! Thanks so much for sharing your story and struggles! I can so relate to this! Thanks for the candor and inspiration to this new mom and former attorney!

  18. By far and away, this is one of the most powerful posts I have had the pleasure of reading. Thank you. Deep, connecting and thought provoking. I have been working out with you for at least two months and just now exploring your path, script, adventure, and advice. Rock on. Blazing the trail for other women is inspiring. Thank you.

  19. I love your wise words, Meredith. And I also love that there is perspective to what you write. Today’s perspective that struck a chord is time. I always want things to happen now – to eat better NOW, to run faster NOW, to be able to manage hill repeats on my bike NOW, I want the weight to fall off NOW. And then your blog reminds me that if you keep working at it, it will happen. Not necessarily right now. But in time.

  20. I have been reading your posts for a few months now, off and on. Your words always resonate with me. This one though really hit home. I turned 56 the other day and say out loud that I am a triathlete. Yet deep down I don’t believe it. I have raced for 4 seasons. I do well for my age …yet I live by an old story, that old horrible self-loathing script about not being fast enough, gained a few pounds, not good enough… And your words of rewriting the script is so right on. Thank you for your courage and vulnerability to share and be present here. I will reread this blog post until my script is rewritten. Thank you!

  21. This article spoke right into my heart and my struggles. Thank you so much for writing down and sharing your struggles and successes. I whispered this triathlon goal to my husband (the ultra-runner) a few months ago. Your writing makes me feel like I could actually do this crazy thing!!

  22. On Saturday I had just finished my 3,800 mile bike ride from Washington to Key West and was standing in the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. The following is a transcript of what happened in my head in the matter of about one second.
    Me: man, this water feels so good. You should dive in.
    Script: You should, under absolutely no circumstances, dive in.
    Me: but it would feel so good!
    Script: you are wearing cycling shorts and a tank top, and you’re overweight and you’ll look ridiculous.
    Me: GET. IN. THE. DAMN. WATER
    Script: wait, I’m not ready… you got in the water.
    And the laughter as I got out wasn’t about my clinging tank top or my sagging cycling shorts filled with water. It was my loved ones wishing they had known I was going to dive in so they could get video of the JOY on my face.
    Ignore the script and you just might find the Joy.

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