This is a thought process that runs through my mind at least a few times a week. Fortunately, it’s much better than it used to be. A year or two ago, every single thought balloon in this comic would have read “I feel fat and ugly”. I thought about making that version of this page for comparison, but even thinking about it depressed me. It’s nice to see how far I’ve come with this stuff.
Because, in the end, I really do have so many more important and interesting things to occupy my mind. Like making comics, or cooking, or spending time with my friends, or writing stories, or riding my bike, or learning Japanese, or playing with watercolors. If I spent all my brain-juice thinking about dieting and finding desperate, urgent methods to lose as much weight as fast and as visibly as possible, I wouldn’t have much time or energy for any of the good stuff, the important stuff; the things that a full and fun and complete life are made up of.
Best just to keep thinking about comics and bikes and watercolors and try to remember to eat a little bit better every day. Because when I die, no one’s going to get up at my funeral and talk about my BMI, you guys. And if you do, I will come back as a ghost, and laugh at you and mock you loudly and mercilessly for having such messed up priorities. And that’s a pinkyswear.
Big thumbs up.
You do have better things to think about, like the number of people that love your awesome comic. Also, that helmet looks bad ass!
@Melissa: aw, thank you!!! Also, here is an actual photo of my helmet, which I painstakingly decorated with cut up squares of reflective tape:
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4056/4463387972_2c3e7ba4e1_o.jpg
It was 100% inspired by Diesel Sweeties.
I often have the same thought processes myself. I’m learning that while it’s nice to lose weight, it’s not great to hang my self-esteem and confidence by it. I am healthier than I have ever been in my life right now and I feel that is more important than continually setting weight goals. (Of course, I won’t argue if I reach ’em but I won’t push/stress myself out to get there!)
Also, I am envious and admiring of your commitment to year-round cycling. I am too scared to use my bike all the time even in the summer up here!
Someone once told me that I reminded them of you. One of the best compliments ever actually, but when you post a comic like this… I begin to see it. I’m pretty healthy– I eat good food (not as delish as yours), am active a lot of the day, but I’m pretty overweight.
I think at the end of the day, if it makes you unhappy, change it. Otherwise, keep being lovely and talented and making me laugh on Twitter! 20lbs will never change that. (:
Ugh lady I hear you…I have that battle constantly and come up with the same answer as you do everytime…will it really make me happy to lose 15-20 pounds? most probably not..lets go bike riding and make some crafts instead…love your comics, read them religiously..you are the best..big hugs from across the pond…Lola from Sydney