2 lbs gained and 10 reasons why I won’t give up this time!
I won’t go back.
I know that 2 lbs gained IS NOT a big deal! However, this is my first official gain since I started this journey in May, so it honestly does feel like a big setback to me. Objectively, though, I know I sound like a big old whiner to complain about 2 stupid pounds. The thing is, and as crazy as this sounds, this is precisely where I would have given up in the past. Yep, despite losing more than 50 lbs and completely changing my approach to life, this is where I would have said, “Screw it, I’m a failure, I’m better off being fat,” and thrown my running shoes to the back of the closet, and spent a weekend watching old episodes of “Sex and the City” while eating potato chips and homemade brownies and ignoring my friends before not stepping on the scale Monday morning. Oh, I wish I could say I was exaggerating there, but I cannot tell you how many times in the past I’ve engaged in any and all of those behaviors.
I won’t go back.
In fact, here’s a list of reasons to not go back:
1. Friends, and the experiences I share with them, are more important than food, and way more fun than being lonely and fat. Since May, I have been more social than ever in my life and it’s heaven to give and receive support from these people who I used to avoid or make excuses to not see.
2. So many people have faith and belief that I can do this: friends, family, BuddySlimmers, Trainer Daniel and my fellow boot camp classmates and, most importantly, I have faith and belief that I can do this! A first, by the way.
3. I am really, really broke right now and, having thrown away or donated all my bigger clothes, simply cannot afford to buy more! Sounds like I’m joking, but it’s absolutely true!
4. I’m just starting to understand how to feel and be sexy, and not only will I not let that frighten me, but I will embrace it and have fun!
5. There are people on this site who are fighting bigger battles and have some really intense obstacles, and are not swayed on their journey. Even if life events compel them to gain a bunch of weight or stop exercising, they never give up. People here have seen marriages fall apart, had to flee abuse (or are living with it), raising children, taking care of parents, are managing school and/or multiple jobs, and have to cope with huge health issues in themselves and those they love…and they never give up. I owe it to these people, some I know and some I don’t, to stay on this journey. It’s disrespectful and dishonorable not to.
6. If it takes me a year or 5 years to get where I want to be, it’s still far less time than I spent being fat, and (better yet!) far less time than I have to enjoy being fit.
7. Turning my back on health and wellness is turning my back on joy, adventure and life itself.
8. Not giving up forces me to continue making myself my own first priority. As long as I’m vigilant in my choices, and putting myself first, I know I can ultimately be there for everybody else. Feeling great and healthy makes me a better friend, sibling, daughter, co-worker, volunteer, dog owner, neighbor and, eventually, lover.
9. I want to inspire others…how can I do that while eating Chubby Hubby and sitting on my couch?
10. I love falling in love with myself.
There you have it…2 lbs gained, and what I’ve learned from it.
I won’t go back.
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