When I was younger, and cast my eye on some gold ring, I would start that desire with "When I lose weight."
When I lose weight I'm going to write that book.
When I lose weight I'm going to go to my class reunion.
When I lose weight - all my troubles will be solved, all my dreams will come true, all my hopes will be fulfilled.
When I lose weight. All I've really done is given myself an excuse not to write, travel, solve my own troubles, make my dreams come true and fulfil my dreams.
What exactly am I afraid of? What exactly am I avoiding overeating is a better alternative?
Succeeding. I am afraid to succeed because the opposite of success if failure and I would rather not try at all than fail at something.
This weight loss thing is really hard mentally and I'm serious here. Losing and retooling has been difficult in the sense that I'm having to learn to change and expand my comfort levels.
And I think I've said it before, it's harder losing what I have to lose than it is 5 or ten pounds. The mental toll can be a bit overwhelming. And yes, it would be easy to pull my proverbial covers over my head and just stay where I'm at.
But where is the growth? Where is the satisfaction?
I've only been able to budge 26 pounds off me, but actually have been consistently losing for about 8 or 9 weeks. And with each pound gone, it seems I gain something inside.
I know it sounds insane, but lately I'm more likely than not to stand up for myself, to complete promises made to myself and others, to attempt something I might not have done 26 pounds ago.
I seem to be losing, along with the weight, a certain amount of inhibitions that are allowing me to live differently.
One thing I've always feared about losing weight is that who I am would be redefined and my personality would change.
But you know something? Change really is a good thing!
I encourage you all to step out of your comfort zone in one area and try something new that you have wanted to do, but for one reason or another haven't.
It's different. It's a little exciting even.
I had a baseball player friend in college, who isn't with us anymore, and I was interviewing him for a playoff game. He gave me probably the best comment on his feelings, and it's what I am feeling now, and hopefully what you will feel.
"It's scary...but I like it."
weirlosingit@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Gotta go around it!
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." Henry Ford
I wish I could take credit for digging this quote up but I can't. I have a friend who posts inspirational quotes on his facebook page. He got me with this one.
How often has someone not achieved their goal because he or she saw the obstacles?
I am my own worst enemy sometimes. I can be rolling along quite well, thank you, on this overall improvement quest when I will see a stumbling block - could be small like going to a buffet for dinner or large like knowing the enormity of the task that lies ahead - and it suddenly is my undoing.
I know I am not alone.
It's hard to commit to change, to cast off what we've allowed ourselves to become comfortable with - whether it be food or drink or self pity. We really want to change, to be a better person, but we see that roadblock and it delays and even sometimes ends what we really want to do.
We have to learn to be comfortable not in who we are, but in what we can become. We have to learn to leapfrog or go around those obstacles to obtain what we want.
Everyone faces obstacles - real or not - we face them. What we need to do is face them down.
I wish I could take credit for digging this quote up but I can't. I have a friend who posts inspirational quotes on his facebook page. He got me with this one.
How often has someone not achieved their goal because he or she saw the obstacles?
I am my own worst enemy sometimes. I can be rolling along quite well, thank you, on this overall improvement quest when I will see a stumbling block - could be small like going to a buffet for dinner or large like knowing the enormity of the task that lies ahead - and it suddenly is my undoing.
I know I am not alone.
It's hard to commit to change, to cast off what we've allowed ourselves to become comfortable with - whether it be food or drink or self pity. We really want to change, to be a better person, but we see that roadblock and it delays and even sometimes ends what we really want to do.
We have to learn to be comfortable not in who we are, but in what we can become. We have to learn to leapfrog or go around those obstacles to obtain what we want.
Everyone faces obstacles - real or not - we face them. What we need to do is face them down.
Monday, May 23, 2011
What Am I Really Losing?
In other words, what does the "It" in "Weir Losing It" define for me?
At first I thought it was just weight - you know, "Weir Losing Weight" or "Weir Losing Fat" - however you wish to interpret it - but a few weeks back, I thought "If Dr. Hall read that (Dr. Hall being on of the professors at the college I attended) she would ask what 'it' is."
I guess, for me, that one little two letter word is more than dropping pounds. There is a whole lot going on when someone is losing a substantial amount of weight.
For example, I am starting to lose that part of me that puts everyone first to the neglect of self. That is significant. I do for people. I love to do for people. But at some point along the way - this giving nature of mine as turned into neglecting nature as well.
I'll use socks as an example. If I'm at a store with my spouse and son and mention I need socks, well, my son will need them too. So, you know, I forgo my socks and get the boy socks. Because he really did need them. And he apologizes and says no mom, you get yours when he sees I'm not getting any. But that's OK, because as I said, he needs socks so he gets them...and I don't.
Or I have plans to do something, but someone needs me to do something else so I cancel my plans. Or I shorten them. And you know, I say, Oh that's alright, no problem. And when I think to myself it is a problem, I then feel selfish.
So this weekend, I did for myself. Some might call it selfish, but I still feel good inside. I went to a spa day at Burton's Last Resort - a tavern type establishment right on the lake. And I mean right on. The deck extends a bit over the water so you could hear the waves lapping up underneath you. Well, I had my toes done. I've never had my toes done before. I've never had them polished. So I did. And it was fun. And I was late doing something for someone and I don't think she was too happy when she found out why but you know, I just didn't care because I was doing something that made me feel good. My husband also gave me a bit of a dirty look. Again. Don't care. Doing for me.
Giving to people in and of itself is not a problem; however, it becomes a problem when it is to the degree you are not doing anything for youself. You need to do for yourself. When you are with your friends, with your collegues, with the public in general, you are presenting your whole self, not just that physical shell. When you do things nice for yourself, you are being the best you can be and you in turn give that to the people that surround you. So give them your best.
That's what this column will focus on - what we can lose and what that loss helps us gain!!
What is your "It"? What can you lose to better yourself?
weirlosingit@gmail.com
At first I thought it was just weight - you know, "Weir Losing Weight" or "Weir Losing Fat" - however you wish to interpret it - but a few weeks back, I thought "If Dr. Hall read that (Dr. Hall being on of the professors at the college I attended) she would ask what 'it' is."
I guess, for me, that one little two letter word is more than dropping pounds. There is a whole lot going on when someone is losing a substantial amount of weight.
For example, I am starting to lose that part of me that puts everyone first to the neglect of self. That is significant. I do for people. I love to do for people. But at some point along the way - this giving nature of mine as turned into neglecting nature as well.
I'll use socks as an example. If I'm at a store with my spouse and son and mention I need socks, well, my son will need them too. So, you know, I forgo my socks and get the boy socks. Because he really did need them. And he apologizes and says no mom, you get yours when he sees I'm not getting any. But that's OK, because as I said, he needs socks so he gets them...and I don't.
Or I have plans to do something, but someone needs me to do something else so I cancel my plans. Or I shorten them. And you know, I say, Oh that's alright, no problem. And when I think to myself it is a problem, I then feel selfish.
So this weekend, I did for myself. Some might call it selfish, but I still feel good inside. I went to a spa day at Burton's Last Resort - a tavern type establishment right on the lake. And I mean right on. The deck extends a bit over the water so you could hear the waves lapping up underneath you. Well, I had my toes done. I've never had my toes done before. I've never had them polished. So I did. And it was fun. And I was late doing something for someone and I don't think she was too happy when she found out why but you know, I just didn't care because I was doing something that made me feel good. My husband also gave me a bit of a dirty look. Again. Don't care. Doing for me.
Giving to people in and of itself is not a problem; however, it becomes a problem when it is to the degree you are not doing anything for youself. You need to do for yourself. When you are with your friends, with your collegues, with the public in general, you are presenting your whole self, not just that physical shell. When you do things nice for yourself, you are being the best you can be and you in turn give that to the people that surround you. So give them your best.
That's what this column will focus on - what we can lose and what that loss helps us gain!!
What is your "It"? What can you lose to better yourself?
weirlosingit@gmail.com
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Fish Gotta Swim Bird Gotta Fly...
Boy has to have a birthday. Sigh. My lovely grandson Jacob, who lives in Brighton, turns a big 5 next thursday. And of course, there will be a party.
This weekend. In Brighton. On Sunday. The day of the 5K. Again, sigh!
This should have been an easy one - miss the 5K. I mean, did I even need to think about it?
But, I did. I was resolute. I was walking - tell him I said hi!
Ah, but the better part of me took over.
We leave at 6 AM Sunday for a funfilled day of cake, bounce houses, sticky hands and huge smiles (void of a tooth here or there, I suppose, because he's at that age).
Did I even need to think about this?
So, Sunday, not walking. But I am keeping my ears open for another 5K - I'm sure there will be one in the future somewhere.
And, I'm still on program - little fat, little simple carbs, lots of veggies, fruit and protein.
You all have a good weekend!
I'm going to!
weirlosingit@gmail.com
This weekend. In Brighton. On Sunday. The day of the 5K. Again, sigh!
This should have been an easy one - miss the 5K. I mean, did I even need to think about it?
But, I did. I was resolute. I was walking - tell him I said hi!
Ah, but the better part of me took over.
We leave at 6 AM Sunday for a funfilled day of cake, bounce houses, sticky hands and huge smiles (void of a tooth here or there, I suppose, because he's at that age).
Did I even need to think about this?
So, Sunday, not walking. But I am keeping my ears open for another 5K - I'm sure there will be one in the future somewhere.
And, I'm still on program - little fat, little simple carbs, lots of veggies, fruit and protein.
You all have a good weekend!
I'm going to!
weirlosingit@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Feeling Calm
Strange, isn't it? How one thing, one phrase, one comment can turn you in a new direction. And, how odd the feeling.
As some of you know, I had a gall bladder attack in the not too distant past. At that time, the doctor in ER talked to me about the function of the gall bladder and how high fat and greasy foods can inhibit or interupt that function. Hence, the attack.
I haven't really eaten much with fat or grease in it since. And I haven't missed anything really. I've gotten quite used to my new meal plans and unlike the past gabillion times I've tried to eat healthy, I'm actually enjoying it.
I can't help but wonder why? Doctor's in the past have told me that I need to eat better for my heart, my liver, my life. I don't know why this time was different, and I suppose I shouldn't question, but that is what i do. I question. Everything.
But the bigger thing is this - when he said that, I felt like a weight had been lifted - like my penence, for lack of a better word, was over. Odd, isn't it? I felt like, in that moment, I had finally been released. I still feel that way. To the point where, when I think about it, I get kind of teary.
And I feel great! I'm still losing - another I think, 6, down, since the last time I wrote. I had my massage and scheduled another one. What a great idea and treat that was. I usually don't like people touching my feet but the reflexology was amazing. The rest of the massage therapy was too - but I was concerned about the whole foot issue.
So, down over 20 pounds now (23.2 to be exact), not unhappy, don't feel deprived, in a good place. And it can only get better!!!
This journey I am on, I know will be long, and I'm pretty sure there will be more hills and valleys. But I'm enjoying this oasis I have found.
weirlosingit@gmail.com
As some of you know, I had a gall bladder attack in the not too distant past. At that time, the doctor in ER talked to me about the function of the gall bladder and how high fat and greasy foods can inhibit or interupt that function. Hence, the attack.
I haven't really eaten much with fat or grease in it since. And I haven't missed anything really. I've gotten quite used to my new meal plans and unlike the past gabillion times I've tried to eat healthy, I'm actually enjoying it.
I can't help but wonder why? Doctor's in the past have told me that I need to eat better for my heart, my liver, my life. I don't know why this time was different, and I suppose I shouldn't question, but that is what i do. I question. Everything.
But the bigger thing is this - when he said that, I felt like a weight had been lifted - like my penence, for lack of a better word, was over. Odd, isn't it? I felt like, in that moment, I had finally been released. I still feel that way. To the point where, when I think about it, I get kind of teary.
And I feel great! I'm still losing - another I think, 6, down, since the last time I wrote. I had my massage and scheduled another one. What a great idea and treat that was. I usually don't like people touching my feet but the reflexology was amazing. The rest of the massage therapy was too - but I was concerned about the whole foot issue.
So, down over 20 pounds now (23.2 to be exact), not unhappy, don't feel deprived, in a good place. And it can only get better!!!
This journey I am on, I know will be long, and I'm pretty sure there will be more hills and valleys. But I'm enjoying this oasis I have found.
weirlosingit@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thank you for asking
I am doing well, thank you. I have, to date, lost 17 pounds and gained a bit of self confidence.
I walk a little taller, smile a bit more, have more of a pep to my walk. I am still following the gall stone diet - that's what I call it. Very limited to no fats, greasy foods and or cheese. And, even though it wasn't part of the problem, I eliminated diet cola from my diet as well. I drink ice tea or water.
It's odd, but I feel like I am on the right side of something. You know, like a log roller? I feel I'm actually on the log, not hanging on or falling off.
I am still doing well with the 5K training for May 22 and am on track.
Oh, don't get me wrong, it isn't all perfect. After I walk, my feet hurt till I walk again. Thanks to a great suggestion via email, I will be getting new shoes this week. I wanted to go last weekend but Easter and all that goes with it got in the way.
And, yes, eating out is hard. Went to lunch today and couldn't have my usual sausage omelet, gravy and a side of hash browns. I settled for salad bar and a cup of turkey vegetable soup. Thanks to what I know about salad bars, I successfully avoided fat traps. But that macaroni salad did look good.
You know, lately I've been making outward changes too. I wear jewelry now and sometimes makeup.
I do believe life as I know it is slowly changing and evolving. For the better.
Oh yes, and by the time this is sent out and some of you read it, I will be getting that massage and my hands dipped in parafin.
Treating yourself is nice. Very nice indeed.
Thanks for following - I really don't think I could do it alone!
weirlosingit@gmail.com
I walk a little taller, smile a bit more, have more of a pep to my walk. I am still following the gall stone diet - that's what I call it. Very limited to no fats, greasy foods and or cheese. And, even though it wasn't part of the problem, I eliminated diet cola from my diet as well. I drink ice tea or water.
It's odd, but I feel like I am on the right side of something. You know, like a log roller? I feel I'm actually on the log, not hanging on or falling off.
I am still doing well with the 5K training for May 22 and am on track.
Oh, don't get me wrong, it isn't all perfect. After I walk, my feet hurt till I walk again. Thanks to a great suggestion via email, I will be getting new shoes this week. I wanted to go last weekend but Easter and all that goes with it got in the way.
And, yes, eating out is hard. Went to lunch today and couldn't have my usual sausage omelet, gravy and a side of hash browns. I settled for salad bar and a cup of turkey vegetable soup. Thanks to what I know about salad bars, I successfully avoided fat traps. But that macaroni salad did look good.
You know, lately I've been making outward changes too. I wear jewelry now and sometimes makeup.
I do believe life as I know it is slowly changing and evolving. For the better.
Oh yes, and by the time this is sent out and some of you read it, I will be getting that massage and my hands dipped in parafin.
Treating yourself is nice. Very nice indeed.
Thanks for following - I really don't think I could do it alone!
weirlosingit@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Be careful what you wish for?
My mother always told me to be careful what i wish for, it might come true. I'm sure her mother told her and so on.
Ahh. Let me explain. For the last two weeks I have been praying for guidance and help to stick with a healthy eating plan. Holy cow - or should I say Holy prayer answered.
Last Tuesday I took quite ill while at lunch. This painful sickness really took hold of me and continued through Wednesday on and off and Thursday. When the pain proved to be too much to bare, my son and husband encouraged me to go the the ER and get checked. I won't draw out the suspense.
Gall Stones. Yep. If you have never had them - the pain absolutely takes your breath away.
I saw my surgeon yesterday. Depending on the results of a more thorough ultrasound, I may not need surgery.
I have however, eliminated high fat, greasy foods, soda (I thought it may have been kidney stones) and all things unhealthy. Prayer answered. I guess.
You know, I have always been the one who didn't respond so much to a subtle nudge as to a shove from behind. So, I am considering this my shove.
And, I would like to say, yes I am still focusing on May 22, 5K. With the exception of a few days, I have been walking.
Even if you aren't focusing on a 5K, get out and walk (well not so much today, today I am looking at 6" of thick wet snow.) But, get out there when the weather changes - next week I here - and walk. If you can go 5 miles, great, if you can only get around the block or to the end of your driveway, fantastic. Just, well to steal this I guess from a big shoe company who may or may not send me a cease and desist letter ( and how cool would that be?), just do it!
Thanks for the emails. I enjoy reading them and they are packed with great advise!
weirlosingit@gmail.com
Ahh. Let me explain. For the last two weeks I have been praying for guidance and help to stick with a healthy eating plan. Holy cow - or should I say Holy prayer answered.
Last Tuesday I took quite ill while at lunch. This painful sickness really took hold of me and continued through Wednesday on and off and Thursday. When the pain proved to be too much to bare, my son and husband encouraged me to go the the ER and get checked. I won't draw out the suspense.
Gall Stones. Yep. If you have never had them - the pain absolutely takes your breath away.
I saw my surgeon yesterday. Depending on the results of a more thorough ultrasound, I may not need surgery.
I have however, eliminated high fat, greasy foods, soda (I thought it may have been kidney stones) and all things unhealthy. Prayer answered. I guess.
You know, I have always been the one who didn't respond so much to a subtle nudge as to a shove from behind. So, I am considering this my shove.
And, I would like to say, yes I am still focusing on May 22, 5K. With the exception of a few days, I have been walking.
Even if you aren't focusing on a 5K, get out and walk (well not so much today, today I am looking at 6" of thick wet snow.) But, get out there when the weather changes - next week I here - and walk. If you can go 5 miles, great, if you can only get around the block or to the end of your driveway, fantastic. Just, well to steal this I guess from a big shoe company who may or may not send me a cease and desist letter ( and how cool would that be?), just do it!
Thanks for the emails. I enjoy reading them and they are packed with great advise!
weirlosingit@gmail.com
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