What Will You Gain When You Lose

I adore the principle of the Kellogg’s Gains Project. You’ve seen the commercials that ask the question “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” The campaign is all about women deserving to feel more beautiful and sharing positive inspiration. While, the campaign takes this personalized approach to weight loss, it makes me think of the weights that hold us back from living freely in mind, spirit and body. What will you gain when lose?  We’re often afraid that to release means that we’ll lose some key part of ourselves. But what would happen if you lose fear? Doubt? Insecurity? Thoughts of Lack? What could we gain by releasing these limits?

I recently had a conversation with a friend who lives on the West Coast. I shared how sometimes it seems like while we work hard, I doubt whether we make the impact that we desire to see in the lives of women. I’m not sure if women “get IT”, that feeling of support, accomplishment and growth. Well, in her unique no nonsense way, she sho’ put me in my place. She helped me to lose so that I could gain.

“Says who?” was her response.  She spoke from her truth, sharing that she’s attended our annual conferences and seminars since 2008. “And not cause I like ya’ miss ma’am.” Well the nerve of her, of course she likes me. Lol! I literally tried to laugh off the conversation. How many times have had awkward moments where we feel vulnerable and want to rush through the experience?

Not with my sister friend, she made me face the scale with her own level of vulnerability. She shared that our events have helped her gain renewed purpose and clarity. Her journal writing and poetry went from a dark place to light and fresh. She is healthier and feels freer to be herself, which affected her family in much the same way. But that’s not all; she’s started a successful businesses based on her passion, has made an awesome connection with a national organization for her emerging business and moved across the country (a long time dream). Her words, “I know it’s a reflection of HWHN.”

Needless to say, I was humbled. Then I felt that emotion rise from my belly and bubble out of my skin…gratitude.  Imagine if I allowed that weight to lay on my mind and heart. Often we don’t move because we’re afraid of being exposed, yet when we do, we can find freedom in that movement and greater joy where fear once lived. What we gain, when we lose is filled with amazing freedoms. The principle of gratitude, no matter! The joy of learning something new! The ability to teach what we’ve learned! The chance to change a life!

What will you gain when you lose this week? You never know the difference you’ll make in the life of another. 

About the Author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna