Hi! Remember me?
I know it’s been some time since my last post. In fact it’s been 4 1/2 months. A lot has happened in that time. As it relates to my weight loss journey I wish I could say it’s all been good. But sadly I cannot. In fact the news is rather bleak.
This morning I stepped on the scale for the first time in months…and let’s just say I am right back at square one.
After waiting for the digital reader on the scale to settle down, my heart sank when I saw that I was right back at my starting point. It pains me to confess that I have gained back all 71lbs. that I worked soooo hard to lose. What’s even more painful is that I am feeling the affects of the neglect I have taken my body through. I’m stiff. I’m achy. I feel heavy and burdened. I have low energy and I’m suffering from slight depression. It’s a hurtful thing to come to terms with the fact that I have to start all over again to work my way back down to a healthy weight. Honestly, if I allow myself to think too long or too hard about all the work that needs to be done I might just throw up my hands and say the heck with it.
But a quitter I am not!
Those of you who know me and those of you who have followed my journey know that quitting is not my style. This post represents day one of my journey’s reboot. With the craziness of the past few months behind me…and with the hope of relief for my back (in the form of epidural shots, one of which I had today), I see better and brighter days ahead of me.
Priority #1
I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and I’m ready to do the work. I am making the commitment to myself to make my health and well-being my number one priority! I’ve also come to terms with the fact that this leg of my journey will be quite different from before. I’m a few years older with some limitations I didn’t have when I first started out. I also have a clearer focus and that is this…I am working towards having a better quality of life as I make my way to my 50th birthday. I refuse to live the 2nd half of my life in bondage!
As I restart my engine to prepare for my journey I will stay mindful of the following:
1. Don’t Get Stuck On Shoulda Woulda Coulda
Okay, so yes I’m back at square one. And yes I should have been more vigilent with my eating and making better food choices. If only I would have kept up with my exercise regimen I would not have let things get out of control. If only I could have forseen how bad I’d feel as a result of my unhealthy eating. But you know what, the past is the past. I cannot go back and change a thing…but I can move forward and change everything. And so with that my eyes are firmly fixed on the path before me. Yes I will allow myself to learn from my past mistakes but I will not allow my past mistakes to hold me hostage and keep me from reaching my goal.
2. Start Where You Are
It never ceases to amaze me at how quickly the body adjusts to your treatment of it. It didn’t take long for my body to start feeling bad when I began to neglect it. On the flip side, it didn’t take long for my body to submit to the healthy foods and exercise when I began to treat it in a healthy manner. That being said there are some things my body cannot do…right now…and that’s okay because I know that a few weeks down the line once it’s been conditioned it will start to cooperate with me once again. The key is for me to 1) get started and 2) to do what I can for as long as I can until I can do better.
I realize I cannot start running out of the gate. I cannot even walk 3 miles the first few weeks, but with consistency I will one day soon be able to do those things again. What I can do right now is walk for 20 minutes. I can do light stretching. I can even do a few yoga and pilates moves. These are the things I absolutely can do and so that’s where I will start!
3. Go Slow
The reality of my situation is that it took more time (3 years) to regain the weight than it did to lose it. I lost 71 lbs. in a year and a half. I didn’t “diet”. I didn’t take pills, drink shakes, eat soup, or have surgery. I simply changed my eating habits, moved my body daily, took my time and had fun. I am committed to doing the same thing again. Yes, I would love to wake up tomorrow and be down 71 lbs. but that ain’t gonna happen. Besides I know the benefits of going slow and trusting the process. I’m going to do the work, focus on my actions and behaviors and allow the results to take care of themselves. Slow and steady wins the race. It will happen!
4. Focus On One Day, One Step, One Meal At A Time
The big picture is daunting. The thought of having to work at losing over 100 lbs. is paralyzing. When I think about all of the time, energy and effort I will need to expend everything in me wants to run for the hills (or maybe crawl). In the words of one of Fantasia’s songs…”it’s all too much for my mind”. Therefore I won’t allow myself to go there. I won’t allow myself to think about losing 100+ lbs. I won’t allow myself to think about exercising everyday. I won’t allow myself to stress over what to eat at each and every meal. Nope! I won’t do it! Instead I will focus on one day at a time and the goals I have for myself that day. I won’t try to go from 1 to 100 in a week and burn myself out before I get through the 2nd day. Although I will do meal planning each week I will not stress over each and every meal and beat myself up if I’m not perfect on a few. I will keep my focus narrow by taking it one day at a time, one step at a time and one meal at a time!
Your Turn To Share
What are some of the ways you reboot yourself when you’ve gone off track with your weight loss journey?
Hailey says
Well done. I am starting my weightloss journey ….again. Before I had my kids I managed to drop 30kg with little effort and was at the lightest I had ever been as an adult. I wasn’t counting calories or even working out, it just fell off me. After having two kids I now have 45kg to lose. Its a massive struggle but I would love to follow along with you on your journey.
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Hailey!! Thanks so much for stopping by. First let me say kudos to you for being able to drop 30kg in what sounds like a very authentic way. I love the fact that you were able to do so without counting calories. For both you and I, if we did it once I am confident that we can do it again. We are in this together! Please keep me posted on your progress and know that I am rooting you on.
Nicole says
Congrats for getting back on the path, Stacey! Anyone on this journey knows how hard it is to maintain the weight loss and how much harder it is to get motivated when you have lost progress. After writing my blog post for your site, I have gained some weight myself but like you said, every meal, every day, every step is another chance to make a positive, incremental change. Remember that by sharing your honest journey will help you and so many others improve their health and quality of life. We are here with you, sis!
Stacey Strickler says
Hey Nicole!!! I often say losing weight is easy, keeping it off is the hard part. You hit the nail right on the head about how hard it is to rev yourself up once you’ve lost steam. It’s a lifelong battle but small consistent steps over time will get us back on track. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I can’t tell you how much it means to me…XOXO
Cynthia Hayward says
Hi Stacey
I’ve missed you. Thank you for your candidness and I will be praying for you. This journey is not an easy and we all go through a rollercoaster ride when it comes to weight. You are still my shero and I look forward to seeing you back in zumba as soon as you’re able to
Stacey Strickler says
Hey Lady, I’ve missed you and the crew too!! Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. Thank also for being one of my biggest cheerleaders! Love you much…and yes you will see me back in Zumba real soon…XOXO
Deidre says
What a courageous step! Your words were profound and heartfelt. Conquering this weight loss journey is truly a challenge. I too have been faced with the error of my ways and have been trying to get a leg up but to no avail. Each day I tell myself you can do it, you are capable, you are able but I fail to move beyond the pep talks w/myself. Thank you for allowing me to see I’m not alone and that there is HOPE moving forward. May God bless us through this journey. I was moved & motivated by your sincerity!
Stacey Strickler says
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. No my friend you are not alone and yes there is definitely HOPE!!!! We can and we will do this! Keep your head up and commit to taking it one day and one step at a time. Small steps consistently over time is the key. And whatever you do, remember to be gentle and kind to yourself. We’re in this together! I’m pulling and praying for you my sister!! XOXO
Carolyn Jeans says
Hi Stacy,
You are a blessing and inspiration to me as I fight this fight with you. I appreciate your candidness and honesty. We are in this fight together. Myra’s workshop and weight accountability class are tools I plan to add as we (I) move forward. Let’s remember “quitters never win and winners never quit “. Thanks for the winner in you motivating the winner in each of us.
Stacey Strickler says
Hey Carolyn!! Yes we are in this fight together and I echo the same appreciation of you. I love your “won’t quit” attitude and your sweet sweet spirit. It was great seeing you at the conference. I’m just sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk. You look beautiful and I love your hair!!! Yes Myra’s workshop was a blessings and it reinforced my resolve to get back on track after the conference was over. You hit the nail right on the head…we are winners and we will do this thing. Love you my sister! Keep the faith…xoxo
Carolyn Jeans says
Stacy, I love you more ‼️ I’m taking the CBI class, saw Myra in the ladies room today and she challenged me. Does this work for your schedule? Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. ???