Pounds Lost: 38
It must be the time of year, but I find myself focusing inwards, becoming reflective, introspective; mindful.
Perhaps it’s just that autumn has always meant the beginning of the school year for me, so I’m in the habit of dusting off the old noggin’ and stretching the neurons when the leaves fall. Or maybe it’s something deeper. Fall is a time of harvests – of collecting the fruits of one’s summer labour and taking stock of stores before winter hits. We prepare to hunker down and pass the time in winter, so that we can emerge renewed and refreshed once again in spring. Culturally and religiously, autumn is a time to take stock of and even atone for our inner beings, and to give thanks for the bounty we’ve received.
But whatever the reason, I’m falling into this pattern myself. I’m taking stock of my weight loss journey to date, setting some new goals and giving thanks for the success and support I’ve had so far.
Taking Stock: It’s been 19 weeks and I’ve lost 38 pounds. And although it hasn’t been entirely consistent, it’s a loss, on average, of two pounds per week. That’s one of the goals I had set for myself and one I’ll keep until I achieve my final goal weight. I’ve lost three pant sizes (18 then; 12 now), several bra sizes, said good-bye to anything with an X before it (you know, XL, XXL) and even shaved a 1/2 size off my shoes. I have a chin…and a neck…and a waist. I look in the mirror and see a "normal" person, not a fat one.
Setting Goals: Although I’m thrilled and proud of my success to date, I don’t want to fall into the pattern of so many people who’ve lost weight (myself included) – of settling for less. Making excuses. Giving up. How many times have I, or my friends, or the people on the weight-loss reality shows I love so much, said things like, "but I’m just a big person", "I could never be that small", "I never weighed that…even as a teenager". Or, even worse, "I’m happy with what I’ve achieved so far…I don’t think I need to lose any more."
I’m here to say, right now, that I REFUSE TO SETTLE. According to the guidelines used by both Health Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a woman of my age and height should weigh between 131 and 164. I’m shooting for the middle of that range, and have set my lifelong goal as "I want to weigh in the 150s". I know I can do it. And I believe that just about anybody can do it. It’s a matter of whether we’re willing to do what it takes to get there. Some aren’t. Not yet…maybe not ever. But right now, I am. And it doesn’t matter that the last time I was in the 150s I was a teenager…why should it? Yes, I’m nearly 40. Yes, I’ve had 2 children. So? If anything, those should be reasons to get to a healthy weight, not excuses to stay overweight.
Giving Thanks: Where to begin? First, my husband Dave. If it hadn’t been for him suggesting it, I wouldn’t have joined Weight Watchers in the first place. And without him with me every step of the way, I wouldn’t have made it this far. Second, my family. They’re always there to listen to my stories, my brags, my whines…and they always, always praise my photos! Third, my friends…both IRL and online. Thank you! Your comments, your encouragement, your camaraderie…I’d be lost without you!
Thanks for joining me on my journey of introspection…join in below in comments and let me know what you’re reflecting on this fall.
Wow, Kath, that’s really impressive. So many of us never take the time to do what you have done – take stock, set goals and give thanks. What a great way to gain perspective on where we are in life and where we want to go. Jen is right, your post was inspiring and I plan to do some reflecting of my own really soon.
On another note, I can completely relate to your weight loss journey. About 3 years ago, I decided to take charge and lose my extra baby flab (my youngest was 3). I weighed 165 pounds and am 5’8″. I wasn’t overweight by much but I just did not feel like my best self, ya know? So, I decided if I was thin before kids, I could be thin again. In that year, by getting active and eating smart, I managed to lose 35 pounds and I went from a size 14 to a size 3. I remember the milestones along the way (160, 150, 140) and the emotion that came with each one. I remember saying many times, “Even if I don’t lose anymore, I’ll be happy.” I don’t know if things like that came out of my mouth because I was tempted to settle or because I was afraid to fail. But, even as I said them, I knew they weren’t true – I wanted to keep going and I wanted to reach my ultimate goal. And, you know what? I did keep going and I achieved more than I ever dreamed I could. Not only did I reach my goal weight and stay there, I learned a lot about how strong and capable I am. I gained confidence, not just because I became thin and looked better, but because I left so much self doubt behind with that extra weight. I realized that even when something seems too difficult to try, just doing gets things done. Lessons I learned by pursuing those goals has been invaluable in other areas of my life.
And, I can tell by your honesty and positive attitude, you’ll reach your goals, too. Congratulations on your amazing accomplishments and good luck with the rest of your journey. I can tell you’ll do great!
You are truly amazing. Not only did you describe autumn so well that I could actually feel it, you inspired me to step back and reflect. The last year has been a whirlwind for me and has produced some wonderful opportunities both personally and professionally. One of the main things I am thankful for is the opportunity to work with and connect with some of the most incredible women this country has to offer…you of course being top of the list!
I am so proud of you. Your attitude and no excuses approach are not only inspiring but truly honest. You say what many of us are afraid to admit.
Thank you for being honest with us and so true to yourself. I know you will achieve your goal and look forward to reading about it!
I can be my own worst enemy when I start feeling sorry for myself. You are so right in not settling. Life’s rewards are sweeter when you have worked hard for them. What better reward could their be than good health. If things come to us easily, we take them for granted and the joy of scared moments passed us by.