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Last week, a girlfriend and I were sitting in the sauna. It’s her birthday, and we’ve spent the past couple of weeks playing Schedule Tetris to pull off a few hours together. As the sweat begins in earnest, our conversation (naturally) turns to age and then weight loss
“So, dare I ask how old you are today?”
“Old enough to start lying,” my friend says with a wink
She tells me her theory that as women age, we need to weigh a few pounds more than we think if only to keep a little fat on our faces. “I swore I’d never join their ranks, but then I find myself lamenting sagging skin and the number eleven permanently indented between my brows. I just don’t want to look like I’m mad at everybody all the time.”
“Don’t worry; you don’t look like your mad at everybody.”
“Neither do you,” she says, and we both sip our lemon water.”
(Old enough to start lying)
— — —
For the record, here’s where I stand on aging:
It’s never been something I’ve feared. I’ve had some pretty incredible examples of doing it well.
I’m looking forward to the perks they shared – good health well into their 80’s and 90s, and confidence with a few extra pounds. Not to mention, more life experience, more wisdom, more permission to fall asleep by 8 pm after a rousing night of Scrabble and glass of something bubbly
(Can. Not. Wait)
But yes, I can
Photo Credit: Cup of Jo
I’ll never forget a sixty-(something)-year-old woman I had the privilege of coaching once. She was still kickboxing at the gym, walked more miles every day than anyone I knew, and had the coolest philosophies about what a healthy weight should be
“Honey. You have to get quiet with yourself and figure out where you draw your value from. Some people ask their friends ‘Do you think I look good? Do you think I need to lose weight?’ Or maybe they find somebody to identify with, say in their Instagram feed or want to wear the jeans they loved in college. Or maybe they want to make their doctor happy because of their place on the BMI chart
The question is: what’s a healthy weight that you’re able to maintain? We can all lose it. But it’s all about finding the sweet spot between where you think you should be and the things you’re willing to do every day to maintain it.”
— — —
In my small circle of friends, I’m often the guinea pig. Texts fly back and forth touting curiosities for so-called game-changers: Can you sit down the day after Cross-fit? Why is there a food sensitivity test hanging on your fridge? Which leggings were you talking about the other day?
It’s not that I’m the resident expert; it’s that I’m the resident tester
I love a good experiment.
But I’ve always been skeptical of weight-loss products and programs. How do you know if it’s working outside of the number on the scale? How can you tell if it’s the program or good genes? Am I really showing signs of being a healthier me, or is this another quick-results program?
Still, the experiment always beckons
Photo Credit: Glasbergen via SparkPeople.com
“Honey, you have to go inward and ask ‘Am I happy with myself?’
The answer might be no. Not because there’s social pressure, not because your doctor says you should be a certain number on a BMI chart, but because you’re not happy. Then you have to start looking at what you’re doing daily that you’re willing to change without resentment.
Maybe you’re not interested in counting calories, but you’re willing to use a smaller plate, keep an eye on portion sizes, go for a walk around the block, drink more water, or add a veggie to every meal.”
— — —
The test was simple: sign up for a 10-week fitness challenge at the gym. See what happens
— — —
A brief sampling of a conversation between my husband and me in the kitchen, circa week one:
“Quick question. Do I look a little thinner today?”
“That is not a quick question.”
“But do I?”
“Ummm .. thinner than who?”
“Than me.”
“How can you look thinner than you?”
Photo Credit: Glasbergen.com
“Honey, we don’t always have to be shooting for a weight-loss goal.
For years I was twenty pounds heavier than I am today, and I felt pretty good in my skin. It was a weight I could maintain doing the work I was able to put in. I’d made peace with it. I gave myself permission to say, “It’s ok not to lose weight. I’m just going to stay here
As I went along, circumstances changed, as did my approach and weight goals. I switched jobs; my kids left home, my husband retired, I started volunteering. At each point along the way, I was able to decide if I wanted to go after it, and approach it differently.”
— — —
Here’s how you can feel good about yourself, despite the number on the scale: Decide to.
Stop by the gym on your way home from work, because you want to because it will help you unwind after a long, hard day because you’ll sleep better tonight. Make a healthy dinner for yourself and share it with someone you love. Write a few sentences in your gratitude journal. Make a cup of tea. Whisper a sweet nothing to the person or furry creature on the pillow beside yours.
Let the day be finished
Watch a new one arrive tomorrow
Photo Credit: Instagram – @dallasclayton
“Honey, I have this thing about the scale. For the longest time, I worried that if I didn’t weigh myself every morning, things would quickly spiral out of control. So I bought myself a really well-fitted outfit, one tailored to me, and I made it a goal to try it on every other week.
If it still fits, that’s great. If it were a bit snug, then maybe I’d start to cut back on a snack or dessert. Nothing drastic, just a few small modifications to my habits.”
— — —
A brief sampling of a conversation in the kitchen, circa week three:
“How about now? Any thinner?”
“Absolutely. 100%. Without a doubt.”
(He’s old enough to start lying)
— — —
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about weight loss or loving yourself right where you are?
ps: This post is part of a series about the 10-week fitness challenge at the gym I belong to. More stories from the challenge can be found here
pps: For more Midweek Inspiration: Good reads for our nightstands .. What’s inspiring you this week? .. and Instagram accounts you’ll love to love
( Featured Image Photo Credit – Instagram – @groehrs )
99 Comments
I agree with you on ageing. We should not fear ageing. It is all a part of the life cycle and we need to embrace and learn how to enjoy each moment to the maximum.
I think we all go through life scrutinising our bodies and wanting to be thin. As long as you eat healthy , exercise and have a balanced lifestyle a few extra pounds will not harm you. Of course if we could all loose it and be slip thst would be the icing on the cake.
think we all go through life scrutinising our bodies and wanting to be thin. As long as you eat healthy , exercise and have a balanced lifestyle a few extra pounds will not harm you. Of course if we could all loose it and be slim that would be the icing on the cake. I think regular exercise is the magic cure to this.
I have some issues with aging and gaining weight as well. As any women I suppose. I never quite was afraid of aging until this year. I’m approaching 30 and that scares me like hell…I think I just imagined me doing more than I done until I get to that age.
And the weight…well from when I met my chosen one and decided I want to do everything with him and not let him breathe cause there was and still isn’t enough time in a day to spend with him, we started eating all kind of wrong foods. So I gained a lot of weight. We got married last year, so we are now eating at home. That’s a plus. I still did not lose the weight, so I have days when I’m ok with it, and days when I’m not. I’m happy that I’m healthy, and that I think that is the most important thing.
I think it’s important to just make peace with yourself.
I don’t fear age itself, it’s just a number. I’m not too comfortable with one or two things come with it but the idea of wrinkles don’t trouble me.
I would like to maintain a healthy weight and I know it’s not easy. With the bouts of bingeing that happens every now and then, and my inability to perspire regularly, but manages to eat in moderation most of the time. Many years ago when someone from my childhood days became my inspiration, it was easy for me to lose weight which I find difficult these days minus him. What matters too in life is the character we form as we age. 🙂
I have struggled with weight for my entire life. I think we all want to be thin because that is what the media tells us is attractive, but as long as we are healthy and feel good, that’s what counts.
I’m having a petite body and everybody thinks I look younger than my age which indeed is a compliment for me. Sometimes it’s a blessing and sometimes it’s not but I think people should not be bothered so much about how they look. Every body shape is truly beautiful. xx
I don’t believe in weight loss products either. I do it the old fashioned way: watch what you eat and exercise. When people talk about shakes and pills, I get nervous and avoid them.
I don’t tend to focus on ageing or ‘fear’ it either. I am quite concerned about my weight though because this is something I’ve always struggled with. I do think, like you mentioned, that dealing with your weight is all about deciding to do so and doing it. I think knowing what works for your own body is key and not trying to compare yourself to others. x
I totally agree that weight loss begins with your attitude, and feeling great leads you to looking great! Personally I do intermittent fasting (I fast 16-18 hours a day and have an eating window in the remaining hours) and it’s worked wonders for me! I exercise to stay healthy — but it’s not how I maintain my weight. That’s what the fasting is for.
I am still trying to find what works for me when it comes to weight loss. I do not need to lose a huge amount but I do need to lose a few pounds. Everything I try to far has not worked but I will not give up.
I love this inspiration…very true. It all starts from the decisions we make! Even loving ourselves and taking good care of ourselves is a personal decision. AS much as many try to lose weight, some of us struggle to gain weight!Oh my!I was so possessed with that until I got no hopes of ever increasing in weight. So I decided to love myself and here I am dressing my petite body as I love and as many love… just the inspiration behind my blog! Thanks for sharing this!
This is the first of your posts to appear in my inbox. Late to the party, I only discovered your work a few days ago. Silly me.
Thank you for the Friday morning smile:-) I’m already looking forward to what comes next. Cheers!
I have honestly struggled with my weight for so long, a few weeks after I start my diet I’m so excited and feel motivated. Once I step on a scale a see results, it’s almost like I stop trying. The scale is definitely not my friend! This was a great post! Thank you for sharing.
This is amazing. I had struggled with my weight for years and when I finally lost it, I realized keeping it off was going to be an entirely new (and harder) battle. This post was very encouraging.
The older I get the more I realize aging isn’t that bad. I remember when I was in my teens and 40 was old but ahem 40 is not that bad. Now I feel like I’m in the middle of society. After seeing what 50 looks like (a Zumba instructor in my gym) and 60 (Ellen Degeneres). I’m not quite worried about aging.
I have always struggled with weight, except in high school. I have relied on food a crutch ever since my oldest daughter was born, almost 19 years ago. I’m in my mid 30’s, and for my whole adult life I was only happy with myself on one occasion. On that occasion I was within only about 10 pounds of my high school self. I think we all scrutinize ourselves for different things. Even the skinniest of folks aren’t always happy with themselves. It’s something I am working on.
As a almost 60 year old, I think it is time to sit down and talk with myself about my life’s values and get to it. I have friends who aren’t living as long as I have lived now. I want to enjoy more of what life has to offer.
It’s crazy because when I was younger I always thought that 18 was “old” (because you’re an adult), or 20 was old or 30 and so on but now I’m 25 and I still feel young. And I no longer think 30, 40 or even 50 is old. My mom is in her late 50s and she’s anything but old. She’s super active, travels a ton and doesn’t look a day over 40! I think it’s not about the number but how you carry yourself and take care of yourself.
What a nice read I just celebrate going to the gym for a month a few days ago. I’m in my late 20’s and I Been comparing myself to my 18 year old self and now that I’m working out I like my new found fullness in places ? so my body goal is now different and I’m sure it will be different in my 40’s and 50’s but I do feel refreshed after the gym and that all that matter . Look forward to reading your 10 week fitness challenge post
Everyone struggles with something whether it be weight, career or the fear of getting old. This post resonates so much many people go through life and sometimes aren’t happy with their life especially when we look to other people other than ourselves for happiness.
Women are way to hard on themselves. I let my hair go gray and a friend just was so upset I did this. I actually like the color and how it look s.
We are all so hard on ourselves. I think being honest about staying healthy is key to living a full life, but we just need to enjoy who we are the and the life we have!
We TOTALLY need to stop looking to and asking others, or looking at social media to tell us how we look – or should look! We need to know self! If we feel good we will look good. When we shine on the inside we DO shine on the outside regardless of our shape or size. Love this article!
I have always struggled with my weight. It wasn’t until I finally decided to do something for me and commit to it 100% that I was successful. Funny thing is, it took doing everything I thought was wrong before to be successful!
I think the problem is that the rise of technology outlets like social media can have an impact on our body image and aging process as we often compare ourselves to others. But I echo Nanya’s sentiments in saying that as long as you don’t succumb to fads like diet pills or anything harmful along those lines I think that you can have your own approach to staying healthy. Although I am one to talk i’m not exactly the world’s most healthiest person but I am hoping to be more active this year. I even have a hot yoga class at 9.15 am on Wednesday . I am not a morning person but I am always up for a challenge!
I have never had to worry about my weight, I was always just naturally skinny & tiny. Then I hit 45 and BAM, brick wall on the “natural” part of keeping weight off. My problem now is that I am quite literally the most ridiculously picky eater, so there’s that. I see junk food, I love junk food, I eat junk food. Junk food does not love me! ☺
I’m that friend everybody loved to hate – I can eat everything I want and not gain a single pound. Until I hit a certain age (I’m old enough to be lying too!) then I started to gain 1 lb then 2 then 5 then I started to panic. But you know, I’ve never been healthier or more active in my life. Sure, I’m not my old thin self anymore but I run and I bike and I do CrossFit. I may not fit into my old jeans anymore but that gives me an excuse to buy new pretty dresses! 🙂 Life’s good.
LOl I am the same as you Jolina but the only issue is I actually wish that I was curvier but then they always say we want what we don’t have. It is like my hair, I wish it was straight and not curly but then some people prefer curly hair. I have definitely started to exercise more, as I was very active when I was younger and now although I am always on the go, its not usually for fitness. Although I do run for the train LOL.
We all have a different perspective when it comes to aging. I love hearing others’ though on the topic. I personally don’t fear aging either.
Women are the hardest on ourselves. I actually think it is photoshop that really does it to us. Why because you see these unreal images of women in the media, which is photoshopped. I always struggled with my weight but learned to just love who I am, which is not easy sometimes
The only way I can lose weight is through portion control. the moment I start depriving myself, I binge . The best weight loss tip I’ve received and given was to eat healthy and exercise to BE healthy…not to fit in a small pair of jeans.
I have days where I hate my body and want to lose weight and other where I don’t care. Losing weight requires discipline and so much will power. Not ready for that at the moment and a good advice I got was just to start when I was ready to fully commit!
I was raised in a country where you get a boob job at 15 and that’s the norm … it has taken me years to try and be in a happy and healthy place. To me team sports motivate me and make me want to get up early int he morning for training, it’s the commitment.
Age is something that doesn’t really bother me. I don’t mind growing older, but fear the things that I will not be able to do (my current struggle is giving up on the idea I won’t be having anymore children). Body image is an entirely different situation. Everyone say you look so thin, but when I see myself I see loose skin and fat. Health eating is my answer and as so as I stop injuring myself, working out. I want to be a good role model for my kids!
I never feared age until I realized I was going to be 25 this year! Crazy how fast it goes.
How fun! Best weight loss advice? Ketosis! I love it and it keeps me healthy and loving the season of life I’m in!
Yes, I totally can relate to that. We are getting older and gain the weight eventually. That freaks me out. All we can do just eat healthy, exercise regular, have positive attitudes, and love ourselves.
Weight loss, such a tricky thing to deal with but very rewarding, nonetheless. Someone once told me that it’s 75% of what we eat and 25% of the exercise that we put in. It made sense to me and I started paying attention to what I ate ever since. I think fitness programs work well if you find the right one too.
I have to admit I don’t know how I feel about ageing, I already feel so old with my ailments, the idea of adding more age to them is in a way quite scary.
I no longer worry about age myself, even though I know I’m getting older I’m just thankful to be alive! I know many of us are really hard on ourselves when it comes to age and our weight. I’ve maintained the same weight for the last 5 years but, I would love to drop some weight and find a daily regiment for workingout.
Ageing and gaining pounds are so much related, though I’m yet in 30’s, I’ve seen my mum gaining few pounds but she is a super healthy woman, who loves to exercise and meditate daily . Seeing her super active, I feel the main point is that you should be comfortable in your skin and feel healthy and happy at the end.
I have gained weight as I got older and entered menopause. It’s harder to lose it now, too. It’s importantly to,love yourself as you are. I like exercising to relax, not to lose weight.
You are such a fabulous writer! I really enjoyed reading this. I’m re-starting a fitness journey this very day, and man is it a struggle. But the first day is the worst, right?!
Seems like there’s so much pressure to stay super thin and “look youthful.” As long as you’re feeling happy and healthy that’s all that counts. If you don’t feel a need to excersie intensely everyday and eat healthy 100% of the time then don’t, don’t do those things because people tell you to!
I definitely would like more permission to fall asleep by 8pm! Ha! I’m not too afraid of getting older. I just hope I can do it with class and style.
I think we can all relate to this in some way. I’m always struggling with my weight or my looks.
Being comfortable in your own skin at any age is tough, you’d think as you get older you care less and less. What truly amazes me are the older men and women killing it at the gym or get as much cardio as they can and still look and feel young.
Great read! As I approach 40 here in the next couple months I have found myself in a pretty amazing place I’ve never been… I’m actually comfortable in my own skin! I never thought I would be able to say that but here I am, saying it and meaning it. I agree with finding your weight, the weight you’re comfortable with and that you are comfortable maintaining.
Literally my motto in life: Decide to. As i approach my ripe old age of thirty (LOL), I can definitely feel my body slow down. Playing volleyball is not as easy; just working out can be a struggle. I think I am past the caring for appearance stage, but just want to be healthy!
I guess it’s all in the mind and how we see ourselves. I am in my thirties and I love the whole me. My body, my skin, everything about me. I hope it will be the same view I have or to be more positive when I also reached my forties. It’s a matter of being comfortable and as long as healthy.
it is funny how the widely social accepted body shape changes thru the history but also in different cultures while .. we don’t really change but just struggle to keep up with what’s “fashionable”.. just eat healthy …move a bit and be happy you are how you are and you are gorgeous this way
It’s crazy how “the ideal body” and weigh loss is such an important topic in women’s life. I used to be the one always making faces when somebody started talking about fitness regimes and salad diets, I never had an issue with my weight…..and then, I’ve got pregnant, I gained 22 kg during the pregnancy, and 12 kg got stuck on me no matter what I did after. I was obsessed with losing it, and weight is still an everyday topic for me. Now I’m pregnant with my second…already gained 6kg and it’s still 3 months till giving birth. Who knows where the scale will stop at the end…
Aging with grace is so important. And I don’t mean in the physical way, but mentally. Some people get so caught up in it and let it drag them down, but it’s a part of life to embrace! As my dad says, the alternative to getting old is much worse…and I couldn’t agree more! xx
Ah I’m right there with you. I’ve felt those pains myself. Always trying to stay fit and up with the times. I am comfortable in my own skin and love looking good, but sometimes I find myself caring more about how I look than about the health of my body.
I have to admit, most of the time I am lazy and even forgot to take note or check out what I am eating. But now, my goal this year is for me to be able to live a more healthier life.
I wish we weren’t so hard on ourselves. I am the heaviest I have ever been in my life, yet my size was once the norm for woman in hollywood. I do need to try your ways to feel better about myself, because I think at the end of the day our mental health is what fuels us.
I have given up worrying about my age but the weight is creeping on and i want it to stop
I need to get into a better weight loss routine as although I know getting older I’ll put on weight I’m just not happy with the way I look and feel x
Well, when I was younger I was teased for being too skinny. Now I’m on a lifestyle change to loos weight and have a healthier lifestyle. So you just have to be happy on the inside and set your own goals.
To be honest, I really don’t believe in weight loss or something like that. What matters most is not the figures in the scale, but how happy you are to yourself and healtier you are.
Do what feels good for you! My theory is, the less you worry about it, the less weight you gain. Ask me if I feel the same in another 10 years = )
A lot of my girl friends think I am crazy when I tell them I am not sad that I am another year older. Age has never bothered me. I do not flinch when they ask how old I am either. Maybe I am weird. Growing older means more experiences and memories in my book.
I want to age like my great Aunt Joan. She was endlessly classy and I remember her long silvery hair that hung to her waist well into her 90s. Other woman cut off their hair as they aged because that is what society expects; she refused because her long hair was her. That is how I want to age – not giving a damn what society expects!
C x
I think scales shouldnt be the only way we determine our weight. It is about toning and even feeling better, so changing your eating habits and just doing things to make yourself feel good in your body is what matters too.
When it comes to aging I have a very different story. I have been skinny all my life and now in my 30s I have gained some weight and I think I am the happiest I have ever been.
I think this sounds like me on the daily. it can be hard to accept who we are at the moment, even though change can happen, particularly when it comes to how we look
Oh I LOVE this!! I am very *lucky* that I could eat and eat and eat and never gain an ounce, but I know that one day that may catch up with me. That said, I agree that as you get older you need to carry a little more weight to fill your face out. I know when I am a few pounds heavier I look way healthier, but it’s hard sometimes to keep those pounds on when you’re running around after four kids! Accepting your happy weight is such a good start.
I feel like even if you are a bit “thicker” but you are healthy and eating well balanced food the you should be about. But I do understand how it can be feeling a bit overwhelmed with weigh issue, I’ve been there. Beauty is within!
I enjoyed reading this post. You made it easy for me to understand and accept my body as it is right now. As long as it is functioning well, I am happy. I have a friend who is on the chubby side and she once said, “Who cares if I am fat? When famine strikes, I will only lose weight while all my thin friends would be dead.” Ha ha.
I love that you “decided to” feel good about yourself. I know all those weight loss drugs and wonder if they truly work or not. In the end, we should love ourselves, and our bodies, because it’s ultimately our choice to make that decision. It may be genetic that we’re overweight, or not, but deciding whether it brings us down or not is our choice.
I have horrible eating habits. I always have and until I had my kids it never mattered. I ate whatever I want and never gained an ounce. Everyone said it was going to catch up with me but I never believed them. Well they were right. I am still figuring out what the best way for me to get back to a weight that I am comfortable with but I know it will happen.
I’ve been there where I desperately wanted to be thin. At this point in my life I just want to learn to love me
It is so important to be healthy, but it is just as important to learn to love yourself and your body. I agree that the gym should be another form of self-care along with writing in a journal and sipping hot tea.
I grew up a dancer and had an eating disorder as a child to stay super skinny. Now I have an extra 25-30 pounds on my I don’t want or need. Loving yourself where you are has always been tough for me bit I give it a go everyday.
We are all obsessed with ageing at different times whether we admit it or not. But age is really a number, you are as old as you feel. That does not, of course, mean defying logic, but it means knowing your limitations and coming to terms with it.
I stopped using weight scale about 10 years ago. I just want to be healthy and try to keep my body active.
I don’t actually fear aging, I try to look at it in a different way and get excited about the journey I’m on and where it’s going to take me.
We can be far too hard on ourselves sometimes. I used to fear aging when I was younger but now I am getting older, I don’t seem to fear it as much – I love myself far more than I did back then. Yeah, I do still sometimes have little wobbles about my weight, my appearance – but it is totally human to do so, right? It is so important to learn to accept ourselves and be happy x
Im awful for putting myself down in relation to my weight. Im not the slim girl i used to be but I’m making changes and I just need to learn to love myself more through the transition x
I think as long as you eat healthy, I’m good with that. We were created in different shapes and we should be comfortable in our own skin.
Thanks for the post. I really need to feel good in my body. I realized that I was dissatisfied with my appearance when I had 20 pounds less than now… Now I hope I will take off so much and I will be happy. Then I realized that pleasure does not hide in pounds, but in my own idea of myself.
I rejoined the gym today, I have wanted to do it for ages but it’s just getting push and like you say, pop in after work because I want to. I need to find time for it in my schedule and I am sure it will feel less like a chore 🙂 x
Looking forward to hearing about everything you are doing with regards to fitness. Trying to get back on track myself but it’s not always easy. And its especially not easy when I have a ton of different things going on in my life. Ah well. As for the lying, I think I am old enough to start lying as well. Although given my baby face I don’t need to much. Most people get affronted when I tell them my age and they call me a liar because I must be younger.
I have always been on the chubby side and I don’t really mind because I love this body. My husband does not say I am fat, he says I am voluptuous. Haha. As long as I keep myself healthy through better food choices, and exercise regularly, I really don’t care what dress size I use. When you are happy and confident, and loved by the family you adore, everything is fine.
This is a really profound blog post. I believe maintaining a balanced diet is important with regular exercise. Everything is moderation. The 60yr old woman shared a lot of wisdom and happiness is so important. You don’t want to have your target wait but still be miserable. Life needs to be viewed holistically and light-heartedly. I like how you and your husband are doing this 3 week challenge in a fun, light-hearted but open minded manner. All the best with it.
Interesting! At this age we get so busy with our work and avoid our health issues. We keep asking others how they stay fit but even after hearing their words how they keep themselves fit with their busy lives. We never get into action.
We always like to check out muscular gymer but we are unable to convince yourself that we can do it too.
A person can do everything any second person is doing it just we have to set our daily routine in a way that we are bound to stay fit.
Goodness! You make this whole experience sound so beautiful and poetic. You have an amazing skill for writing, Ali. 🙂
I have been much happier in my 40’s than I ever was in my 20’s. Age really is relative and as long as you are enjoying life and living it to the fullest, then how old you are really doesn’t matter 🙂 xx
I am looking forward to going through the fitness challenge with . you. Maybe not exactly a ten week thing, but somewhere I can challenge myself this year to do things for my own health and wellness. For so long I have let things slide but no more. I really do like what that person told you about the sweet spot. The point where we think we should be and what we are willing to do to maintain it. Because its not just about the getting there. That can be done by anyone with enough time and drive. But its what we are willing to do once we reach there and where we ourselves can find happiness despite that. hope you are having an amazing week.
I am not in my happy weight right now. I decided to go to a gym but it is expensive. I think the first thing I need to do is accept what I am today and slowly change something my lifestyle.
So I love all things inspirational and that pic about impressing your 5 year old and 85 year old self is everything. Shared it all my social media handles before I finished commenting. Thanks for the reminder and the nudge awesome lady! Xoxo
I’m doing my own fitness challenge right now! And it’s actually going great. I’m trying not to worry too much about the scale, but more of how I’m feeling and know that despite the scale, I’m doing something great for my body.
This really resonates with me. I’m thinner now, as a mom of four, than I was in high school. I’m happy and healthy and could probably shave off another 5lbs if I stopped eating a bowl of ice cream before bed every night, but that’s a choice I’m not willing to make.
Lots of people I know comment on my commitment to my weight as if it’s unhealthy (it’s not, I eat 3 healthy meals a day, work out moderately – when I remember – snack and, like I said, eat ice cream… not that skinny kind either. Real, full fat ice cream… with hot fudge and sprinkles). I didn’t lose weight to make anyone else happy. I did it because one day I just decided I wanted to enjoy buying and wearing clothing. So I starting to count calories and lose weight until I could begin looking forward to splurging on a new outfit, or picking out a dress for a special occasion. And I work hard to keep it that way because it makes me happy, not for anyone else.
I really enjoyed this, I am at the point in my life that I feel like it is time for me to start changing the way I do things and lose 10kgs. But not because of anyone else, but because I want to.
I love reading these little snippets! Aging is a blessing, growing old is exciting! Grab it with both hands and embrace it xx
What a lovely message here. I remember being scared of ageing but not anymore. I embrace it all now.
Sometimes we can be our own worst critics, especially when we are younger. I honestly think that peer pressure plays a huge part in that, whether we realize it or not. At 34 though, I can truly say that I am happy and comfortable with where I am with myself today! If I gain 5 lbs or lose only 2 lbs, that’s fine with me. I own it! So long as I’m happy and healthy is all that matters ? This is the perfect motivational post, thank you for the reminders!