Am I There Yet?
Many years ago I lost 40 pounds, which was about half of what I needed to lose. Then I hit a plateau. A really big plateau. I couldn't budge it and I eventually gave up.
Fast forward to today.
I'm past the previous sticking point (barely), but the scale is definitely slowing down. That was to be expected, maybe even desired, because it means there's less to lose. I feel really good about that, but I'll admit I've also been a little antsy about it lately. What if this is as far as I go? It's a question that floats around in the dusty recesses of my mind, but thanks to this thoughtful missive from Moon which led to some pondering on my part, I have my answer.
Q: What if I I don't get there?
A: There never was a there.
Now I know why I never have a ready answer when people ask me how much more weight I plan to lose. I simply don't know. When a trainer asked what size I'd like to be, I shrugged and said 12 or 14 sounded good, even though I didn't know what that would look like.
For me, there is no real answer other than to be fit and healthy. From the beginning, my goal has always been to learn how to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Beyond that, there's not much I can do about the scale. I've always believed that in my heart, even if I need to be reminded of it from time to time. My body will decide what weight it wants to be based on what I put into it and the effort I pull out of it. That is the only thing I have control over.
All that said, it's still good to have measurable goals. The trick, I think, is in accepting that some of them may be just out of reach. And that could actually be a very good thing, because there's joy in working toward something. In fact, that's often where you find those other successes, like completing a 5k or lowering your blood pressure. And sometimes those successes you never expected: like size 12 Levi's 512 jeans. :) And there's no failure in that. No siree, Bob.
So I'll continue to work for shiny new badges, knowing that at some point there will be a badge that stays up there for a very, very long time. I'd like it to be a different one than the one I have now, but if it isn't? I'll still keep working.
~
Labels: lifestyle steps
13 Comments:
"My body will decide what weight it wants to be based on what I put into it and the effort I pull out of it."
Amen. :)
Years ago, I had joined WW -- even went to a few meetings. :) My first week, I lost .6 (point six) lbs. and was asked if I had expected more. I answered that honestly, I hadn't known what to expect. Later, I was told by the Leader that in a few weeks, I would choose a goal weight. I was completely floored by this idea of choosing a goal weight because I had no idea what I was supposed to weight. What if the weight I chose for myself was too small? After all, I am heavily influenced by Vogue magazine. Additionally, muscle weighs more than fat and I had plans to "get fit", so how could I know what number would tell me I was fit instead of just thin? I had the idea, even back then, that maybe I should just put in my effort, eat the "right" foods, and see where I ended up, where my body wanted to be.
My goal now is to "look good in a bikini". But the standards for looking good are entirely my own and not totally dependent on the numbers on my scale. I'm going to feel thrilled about being comfortable in my own skin in a bikini on the beach whatever number appears on the scale on that day. :)
wow. I just realized I've come so far. yay me! :)
Sweet new jeans, Miss C! And you're right - there is no "there" to get to. I think that's why I have the photos on my blog labeled as 'before and now' instead of the typical 'before and after'. After...what?
Anyway, big hugs and sistah solidarity in the keepin' on of keeping on in trying to be fit and healthy. :)
such a great post because I feel the same way! I sit here and have such a fear that I have hit a plateau and that this is it! that I will never get there. and that is silly! thanks for posting this, it helped.
I think you have much wisdom. It's somthing that I have been wondering myself, I don't really know when I will be happy with my weight. Is it when I get into my old summer clothes? When I climb a mountain and not pass out on the way up. I think it's something like that for all of us, for you right now it is the size 12 jeans. :)
I know I will hit that plateau again (last time is when I gained all the weight back) and this is what I need to think about when I get there.
Cheers to just doing what you can do!!
I hit a plateau last November at a little higher than the weight I am now. I decided to continue to exercise and enjoy the holidays. I gained nine pounds over the holidays, but it isn't a death sentence. I enjoyed not watching what I eat and I continued to workout so I built muscle which would help me burn fat later.
Cammy, this isn't a race. There are people that keep the weight off after taking years to lose even a much smaller amount than what you have lost so far. Take a deep breath, eat healthy and you'll either decide that you're comfortable at this weight or you'll break through the plateau.
I think plateaus are a way for our bodies to tell us to take a little time and reflect. All my best.
I'm Flajann's wife. I used his id since it wouldn't let me use my own, Lillian
Good post. And you're right, you're body will let you know when you're done.
I got to a really low weight 5 years ago and my body let me know that that WASN'T a good thing. It's all about eating healthy, exercising and feeling GOOD. Look at some before pictures and you'll know how far you've come.
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
I guess you will only know when you get there, once you get there. Sometimes its hard to not really now what your goals are.
One of the hardest things for me to do when I started this journey a short seven weeks ago was to pick a goal weight. Even now, it's hard to imagine what it will be like to weigh what I weighed in the SEVENTH GRADE!! Is it possible? I don't know yet.
What I do know is I don't want to sit on a church pew in the row with my family and look up and down the row and realize my thighs are bigger than anyone elses, and that I'm sitting taller than anyone else because my butt is padded with extra poundage. (Can you tell that happened yesterday?)
So, hang in there, Cammy. We all need each other; and you're a shining example of determination.
What a wonderful post. Maybe this will be your way of making all of this a complete lifestyle since no matter where all of this leads, the principles will always be about the same.
I think the other key is loving where you are at. I know you read in another post that you are out of plus size. This is huge! Take the time to love it and yourself.
Selma
You are so right! I have a very loosely defined number in mind. As for size, I have no idea!
I'm starting to wean myself off the scale. Because I'm learning to listen to my body, and not external devices.
Loved the link! Wow, what an inspiration...
I often wonder what if I never make it my goal. It is a scary thought. I have been at a plateau for over 6 months . I am happy with what I have done but going back is so scary to me. I am thankful that I am 87 lbs lighter than I was 2 years ago. Nevertheless it is such a scary question.
Exactly how I feel! I have already been able to free myself of a handful of medications every morning and I'm really proud of that! There are a lot of people who feel fat at 130 and those that feel skinny at 230...it's all relative!
Post a Comment
<< Home