Everything Seems Impossible...

Posted on October 8, 2014

Here I am, at the beginning of my weight loss journey. With over 100 pounds to lose this journey probably should have begun much sooner. But, a wedding and 2 kids and a new house and life got in between me and my health.

It's scary to begin something. Scary to see your goal so far above you and know that you can only reach it one day at a time, a couple pounds a week. That means I'll be on this journey for a good 2 years. That is what I would call epic. A 2 year journey of meal planning, calorie tracking, working out and learning how to overcome cravings. Yep, that's pretty epic and it's easy to get discouraged. It feels impossible.

Nelson Mandela once said, "Everything seems impossible until it is done." Wise words from a wise man. Truth is, I've been on this journey before. 10 years ago health issues casused me to gain weight until I was about where I am now with 100 pounds to lose and a determination to be better. I lost 80 pounds before the wedding and babies came along and I lost my focus. But the important thing is, I did it and I know I can do it again.

This ain't my first rodeo. That means I know what needs to be done to get the results I want and need. I'm hoping Diet Bet will be a great motivation as I take these first steps on my epic journey. I have to win. There is no other choice!

Comment Now!

CraigM

10/09/2014 3:05PM

You CAN do it. You WILL do it.

:-)

Dave M.

10/09/2014 8:14AM

Nelson Mandela WAS a wise man! "Impossible" is a tricky word -- if we accept that term, that becomes our reality; and then our brain works to prove that it is, in fact, "not possible". "Scary", "epic" and "difficult" -- all words you've used above -- acknowledge the challenge, but at least allow that it IS possible!

Your "two year journey" can instead become your "new norm" . If you're successful in establishing a new routine of meal planning, etc (and that will occur much more quickly than two years) then that becomes your inertia. It's not two years of actively working against your nature, but rather a much shorter period to establish the new norm, and then maintaining that norm over the timeframe. Case in point: I've been on a juice fast for less than two months, but to me that now feels "normal" (and has for probably the past six weeks).

Last points: 1) You've done it before. 2) You now have the FWers to draw on / contribute to, as needed. You can do this!

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MandiLynn

10/09/2014 5:45AM

I remember that feeling! And since you've done it before, try and remember how awesome it feels to wake up in the morning feeling good about the choices you made the day before, and to be excited about making good choices in the day ahead. I know with me, before I started trying to get in better shape, I'd wake up every morning feeling dread/exhausted/ashamed because I wasn't who/what I wanted to be. And it's not just the weight or number on the scale, it's making the choice to do something that I initially don't want to do - like going for that run, or eating that salad for lunch instead of going out. Making the 'right' decision when faced w/ those choices makes me feel good about myself. Which makes it easier to make the good choices! If that makes sense. It's a positive feedback loop sort-of-thing. Once you get started, it'll feel so good and it'll get easier! But you know this! I'm excited to follow along on your journey with you! :)

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Julie Lama

10/08/2014 8:20PM

So excited for you. And you have done it and will do it again now. It's kinda fun as a group. So I hope it wins a special place in your heart as this group does for me. Life is about the journey. So enjoy each day and each little change. Feel empowered and be grateful for taking the time to make your health and well being important. You are so worth it and you will be able to give your family the best of you by doing so. They too will grow up learning self care. Win win for everybody. Many blessings on your journey. Make it amazing.

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Amy B.

10/08/2014 7:35PM

I love that you recognize and respect the scope of the journey ahead. However, you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time. Each hour, each day, each week. Work your plan, and time will pass, and the job will get done, because you made it happen. One day at a time. Hugs to you!

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Biking Syl

10/08/2014 4:19PM

You did it before and you will do it again! The only difference is: You already know it can be done! The challenges will be different, doing it with a family in tow, - but it might put your whole family on the path to a healthy lifestyle. What a great gift to give to your kids - a and also a big motivator! You can do this!!

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