Slow and steady wins the race
As of 10 this morning, I am down 7.8lb. It has been 16 days since I've started this journey. Well, the truth is, I have started this journey a long time ago. It is just 16 days ago that I have become serious about it. The way I see it, I have been stuck in seemingly one spot for years, saying I want to take a step forward. I am so far from my goal that instead of doing something about it, namely taking one baby step forward, I sit in a ball, complaining that life is unfair and I will never get to my destination. But a few weeks ago, a light went off in my brain. I am fully capable of taking that step. Then, I can take another. And another. Sometimes, I might stumble backwards, but I have 2 choices when that happens: say that it's not worth it, curl up in a ball again and come to the conclusion that I am incapable of moving forward again, or I can take it in stride, dust myself off, and continue on.
I hear a lot that this isn't a sprint, but a marathon. I actually disagree. Sometimes there are moments when all you want to do is crawl on your hands and knees because it seems impossible. And that's ok. My mom loves the saying "slow and steady wins the race". She relates to the turtle, because even though it seems impossibly slow, the turtle gets there in the end, unscathed and well. That doesn't mean the turtle didn't face obstacles, but it did continue on, slow and steady, until eventually it reaches the destination. Of course, I will inevitably fail sometime during my health journey, but I can also have the choice of how to react to it. So, instead of a sprint or marathon, I need to just put one foot in front of the other, and continue on with my slow but steady journey.
Mentally, I am in a better place than a week ago. I actually dedicate a lot of that to being able to go to the city and see two of my favorite people, two women whom I respect and admire more than I can put into words, in their respective shows. It gave me something to focus my energy on and I had an absolute blast. I wish I didn't have to go back to 'real' life. Of course, my threshold for anxiety is still lowered, but I am taking it minute by minute.
This time around, I'm trying not to focus as much on weight goals, but more on health and dietary goals. This week, I am really wanting to incorporate more veggies into my diet and cut down on sugars, refined or not. Even by putting broccoli in my pasta tonight, I was able to bulk up what I already have in my bowl and not feel like I was eating like a bunny.
I am hoping that when I get discouraged in the future, I will be able to come back and read this post. It is so sappy and cheesy, but hey, this is me unfiltered.
I hear a lot that this isn't a sprint, but a marathon. I actually disagree. Sometimes there are moments when all you want to do is crawl on your hands and knees because it seems impossible. And that's ok. My mom loves the saying "slow and steady wins the race". She relates to the turtle, because even though it seems impossibly slow, the turtle gets there in the end, unscathed and well. That doesn't mean the turtle didn't face obstacles, but it did continue on, slow and steady, until eventually it reaches the destination. Of course, I will inevitably fail sometime during my health journey, but I can also have the choice of how to react to it. So, instead of a sprint or marathon, I need to just put one foot in front of the other, and continue on with my slow but steady journey.
Mentally, I am in a better place than a week ago. I actually dedicate a lot of that to being able to go to the city and see two of my favorite people, two women whom I respect and admire more than I can put into words, in their respective shows. It gave me something to focus my energy on and I had an absolute blast. I wish I didn't have to go back to 'real' life. Of course, my threshold for anxiety is still lowered, but I am taking it minute by minute.
This time around, I'm trying not to focus as much on weight goals, but more on health and dietary goals. This week, I am really wanting to incorporate more veggies into my diet and cut down on sugars, refined or not. Even by putting broccoli in my pasta tonight, I was able to bulk up what I already have in my bowl and not feel like I was eating like a bunny.
I am hoping that when I get discouraged in the future, I will be able to come back and read this post. It is so sappy and cheesy, but hey, this is me unfiltered.
One foot in front of the other is the best way! Just take it one decision at a time and you'll get there. And not every decision will go the ideal way, but you can start over again with the next one. Eventually it will all add up! You can do it!
ReplyDeleteKathryn, I agree with Amy--and remember to breathe deeply whenever you start to feel defeated or if it seems like your progress is too slow. I applaud your desire to identify with my ol' pal, the turtle. I agree also with your focus being on health, not just weight loss. Primarily, continue to find a way that works for you and will allow you to reach your goals, while enjoying the ride.
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