I can honestly say that I am enjoying the process of losing weight. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and see Beyonce’s body in the reflection. You do know that child took my body, but since I can’t snatch it back, I’ve got to take the long route. In going through the process:
I’ve come to embrace the fact that this is a life-style change, not a diet or a quick fix
Once I reach my goal, I don’t want to find myself back in a situation where I’ve gain more weight because I came off my “diet”. I’m working too hard to have to turn around and try to do it all again. The changes I’m making are not for the moment, but for a lifetime. It takes time for good habits to stick. I am realizing that the same thing I’m doing to lose the weight is the same thing I’ll have to do to keep it off, so I have to look at this as my new way of living, my new normal.
I am learning to be patient
I did not gain this weigh over night, although to me it seems like I did. As much as I don’t like it, it’s going to take time to lose it. It’s going to take time to undo all the damage that has been done (bad habits, faulty thinking, unresolved issues, etc.). But for the first time ever, I’m not trying to do this for a special occasion or someone else. I’m doing it for ME, and I’m taking the advice of one of my Zumba instructors who simply said… “Don’t be in a rush, take your time and celebrate the little changes”, which brings me to my next point…
I’m loving the transformation my body and abilities are going through
Because this is not a quick fix and progress is not happening over night, I’m able to notice and fully appreciate the small changes I see in my body and my abilities.
- I have so much more energy
- I have to use safety pins in my clothes because my waist line is starting to reappear
- I am able to run (now that’s amazing)
- I’m able to walk/run longer and faster
- I can do simple things like take the stairs or walk through the mall without getting winded
- I’m able to walk the streets of NYC with my younger sister Candie, and actually keep up with her
- My knees don’t ache as bad
- I’m not as stiff as I used to be in the mornings
I am learning how to recover quickly and bounce back when I experience a setback
There are times when the scale doesn’t budge or if it does it goes in the wrong direction. There are times when my schedule or illness or fatigue, cause me to skip my exercise. And then there are times when I don’t make healthy choices because of cravings, emotions, or I just don’t feel like it. But as I continue to go through the process, I am able to pick myself up quicker, and get myself back on track rather than continue down the road of destruction.
Oh yes, there’s great benefit in the process of change. Slow and steady wins the race. I’m so glad I understand and can appreciate that now.
Much Love
~ Stacey
Candie says
Exciting stuff, Miss Missy!! Very inspirational.
Stacey Strickler says
Thanks for being my biggest cheerleader Ms. Candie…Love You!