Perhaps it makes no sense, the title of this blog.
Because of course when you are hard-core on program and losing weight you are already reclaiming your life right?
Because when you are overweight you can’t do all of those things that you want to do, even normal activities are difficult. Like taking the stairs. Running for your bus or train. Walking.
But I’m not there. I’m not in a place where I can’t do things. I can do a lot.
I can run.
I can take stairs (and do so willingly)
I can run for my bus or train.
I can walk, for ages and ages, without having to stop and sit.
I can ride my bike for hours and kilometers.
So the only thing now that is stopping me from living my life right now is the scale. The pressure each and every week to do all of the right things, stay within points, avoid chocolate, say no to samples, exercise because I have to not because I want to, etc.
This bloody scale and the number upon it is taking over my life and creating a lot of unhappiness. Because the measurement of success in the form of a number on the scale is not happening right now, people.
But the measurement of success is in SO MANY OTHER THINGS. Things that in reality matter MORE than the number on the scale right now.
Size 42 (US size 12) jeans.
Running.
Biking.
Feeling STRONG.
Being healthy.
I’m taking a break from the scale now and reclaiming my life.
So, I’m not going to weigh in on the scale for a while. I’m thinking of more ways to measure success and I’ll post soon what it’s going to be.
I love this Renee, I think it’s an awesome way to go. I hope that you’ll take mental notes and share how it goes for you-I know a LOT of people would be interested in your experience.
Also, I’m so impressed with your size 12. SO IMPRESSED! You’ve worked so hard and you just keep looking for new ways and new attitudes to pull you forward. I think you’re totally right…if you’re doing all the right things and are so strong and healthy then experimenting with losing the scale for a period of time could be a great tool to “take on”.
The possibilities are exciting: You might only lose ONE pound in a 4 week period, but each day you’ll be happier and more hopeful and will embrace healthy living like you already do…but without the emotional baggage. I’m so interested to know how it goes. I’ve been contemplating it as well.
thank you so much Katie. I have really mixed feelings about it, but I think like with any kind of “addiction” (and let’s face it, getting on the scale is kind of an addiction) it takes a little while to get out of your system and then it’s fine.
this is a lifelong thing right? and we have to find real sustainable ways of doing this, so that’s what I’m aiming for now :)
I’ve been thinking about you and your new plan all day long. I’m not exactly sure what I’ve been thinking about…I know, dumb…but I’m not. I just feel sort of unhappy lately with things-and overwhelmed and sick of it all. I just keep thinking about how it doesn’t feel healthy to be so wrapped around the axle about this weight loss stuff. I think I need to make some changes, but darned if I know what they would be. This is the reason I’m wanting to hear your experiences with new things a la…the scale, for example.
you’re not dumb Katie!
this is a lifelong thing full of changes and tweaks to get it right. What more can we do than whatever our best is for that particular day. But if it feels unhealthy, it may be – just keep talking and reaching out and writing so that we can figure this thing out together!
haven’t removed the scale yet but haven’t gotten on it either. am going to remove it soon…