I know I have said this before, but this time I mean it! I am so done with the scale. The other day, I stepped on it and was happy to see I was down a pound. This morning I stepped on it and was disappointed to see I was up a pound. Just because I’m fickle, doesn’t mean I want to deal with the fickleness of the scale. It frustrates the living day lights out of me.
After contemplating just how far I could kick it across the room, it dawned on me that the scale in all it’s “glory” doesn’t even begin to accurately measure my journey.
It doesn’t measure the joy I feel after accomplishing a goal.
It doesn’t measure that “feel good” feeling I have after completing an intense workout.
It doesn’t measure the fact that I did 10 extra crunches or ran an extra mile or lifted 20 extra pounds.
It doesn’t measure the fact that I am not huffing or puffing when I reach the top of a flight of stairs.
It doesn’t measure the fact that I said no to that muffin, or bag of chips or quart of ice cream last week.
It doesn’t measure the fact that I chose to pray, or journal, or go for a walk in my melt down moment instead of reaching for food to comfort me.
It doesn’t measure that I was able to zip up my jeans without sucking my stomach all the way in until it touched my back.
It doesn’t measure the fact that I’m able to take in more oxygen in my lungs or that my heart isn’t beating as fast after my three mile run.
It doesn’t measure the exhilaration I feel after putting together a kick-butt Zumba routine for my class.
It doesn’t measure the fact that it’s taking all the strength that I have to start all over AGAIN.
It doesn’t measure the determination and perseverance I had to conjure up to press forward with my workout when EVERYTHING in me screamed STOP because my muscles were so sore.
It doesn’t measure the guts it takes to walk into a gym full of trim and fit people and get on the treadmill next to them and chug along.
Yes, the scale is a form of measurement, which tells a portion of the story, but it does not even begin to tell the whole. So why am I giving it so much power? I don’t know, but I do know that as of today, the scale doesn’t have anymore power over me.
Although my goal is to lose weight (100 lbs. to be exact), my ultimate goal is to be fit, healthy and happy. None of these things can be measured on a scale. So with that, I’m done with it. I may hop on at the end of the year, but starting today I will use my ultimate goal (To Be Fit, Healthy and Happy) as my measuring stick!
Laurel Regan says
I LOVE this post! So inspiring, and such the right attitude! I need to learn from you on those days when I put too much importance in that number and forget all of the other MORE important stuff. Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted…Mindful Writing Challenge January 2014: Small Stones 5-10
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Laurel! Thank you!! I’m telling you once I realized that the scale was just one small way to measure my progress it freed me up to recognize and give myself credit for all the things I have been able to accomplish since embarking upon my journey. Trust me, if I can do it you can do it too. You are more accomplished and successful than any number on a scale!
Liliana Marsden says
Hi I truly love your post.
I lost 42 lbs in 2013 and on the Feb 15, I start another diet to lose the last 13 lbs to be on target. I have been an emotional eater all my life so this really had such an impact with me: “It doesn’t measure the fact that I chose to pray, or journal, or go for a walk in my melt down moment instead of reaching for food to comfort me.”
I can proudly say that since August 28, 2013 I no longer reach for food to falsely comfort me.
Great inspiration post.
Liliana Marsden recently posted…Autoresponders: Generate Leads
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Liliana! Love your name. Bravo to you for losing 42lbs!! I know that’s got to be a great feeling. I too am an emotional eater, and it doesn’t matter what the emotion is. Learning to stop and breathe and remember that I have a choice in my next decision is something I’m still learning to master. I’m glad those words had a positive impact on you AND I’m proud of you too that you no longer reach for food to comfort you. Keep up the fantastic work!!
Amar Naik says
i read somewhere that being happy is one of the ideal way to loose weights, since depression adds unnecessary fat. so your goal seems to be correct too. very inspiring post.
Amar Naik recently posted…Window Live
Stacey Strickler says
Thanks Amar. Never thought of it like this, but it makes sense that if depression aids in packing on the pounds, that a joyful disposition can aid in taking it off. Thanks for stopping by and sharing that insight.
Kirsten says
Yes, kick the scale habit, I did in January 2013, I know when I have gained and I know when I have lost I don’t need the scale to tell me. This is all about becoming healthy and being happy and that scale is not a factor in that. That have a great weekend!
Kirsten recently posted…Lessons from Lakeisha
Stacey Strickler says
Kirsten, after stepping on that scale to see that I had GAINED after all the work I put in…that was it for me. No More Scale! I am definitely taking a page from your book and January 2014 is my last time on the scale. Hope you’re enjoying your weekend. See ya soon
Kim says
I believe more and more that love should be the impetus for discipline. It should be why we commit to a healthy lifestyle change and improvements. Loving yourself can catalyze you to do great things. You have a great perspective! #BLMGirls
Kim recently posted…While I’m Waiting
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping by. I couldn’t agree with you more. You know, the more I think about who I am, and who I want to be and how I want to show up in the world (in a loving and giving way), the less I care about the scale and the superficial reasons for being on this journey. Because I do have a healthy relationship with myself and the people I love, I want to commit to being healthy so that I can continue to be there for those who have been there for me. Thanks so much for you words of encouragement…Blessings