Monday, April 19, 2010

Getting back up.


You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.
~ Ralph Marston

I saw that quote over at Speaking of Witch and I thought YES! What a perfect quote to relate to the frustration that so many of us feel when we stand on those scales.

As we battle bravely against the bulge, we can sometimes feel like there is never going to be an end. After weeks of losing weight bit by bit, a gain can send us into a total tailspin before we even have the chance to think about what might have caused it. It isn't until much later that we consider the possibility it might be retained water or muscle mass. We are so wrapped up in the misery that comes with gaining that we are sure it is something we did. Sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn't and there really isn't any point in stressing ourselves out about it.

Yet that frustration sits there, simmering away at the surface. That frustration can get in the way of future success. It can make us wonder what the point is in continuing on our journey. It can, for those of us who eat our emotions, cause us to come home and do something silly.

What we forget is that we have done it before. We've had weeks and weeks of relatively consistent losing, so we know how to do it right. We shouldn't let one (or two or three) weeks of staying the same, only losing a small amount or gaining to stop us in our tracks, turn us around and send us back to BlubberVille.

Instead, we should take that frustration and put it to good use.

Last week, I only lost 400 grams (0.88 lbs) at weigh in. (I can feel Tex just itching to smack me for my use of "only lost"...a loss is a loss. ) I was frustrated by that because I'd been eating really well and working my butt off at the gym and pool so to not see that manifest itself on the scale was hard for me. I was a little miffed the whole way through my meeting and all evening. Then the next day, I went and kicked ass at the gym.

Work off the frustration and the stress...put it to good use. I don't know about you, but I work harder when I'm trying to burn off stress.

Another thing for you to try, and I'm going to tie this in with a brag, is to Take. Your. Measurements!!! And take progress pics.

Check this out.....I finally got around to taking another progress pic and doing my measurements. I've lost a significant amount of inches, especially off my waist and hips. My arms are looking (and feeling) more toned. And when I look at these pictures, I can see the difference in my neck and face. I'm even beginning to see some definition in my ankles!! Say goodbye to the cankles.

Do it. Trust me, it's worth it!

Click on the pic to see it in all it's gory glorious detail.


It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up.
~ Vince Lombardi

14 comments:

  1. Look at that beautiful face! You are doing GREAT! I am so proud of you. Next time, I have a suggestion, though. BEFORE you get on the scale, measure your progress. Do you feel better? Do your clothes feel different? Did you give it everything you had that week? I think if you measure success before the numbers, it will carry you on through the "Only" weeks!

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  2. Well said, Maggie! I love to visualize this: "Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration". I can picture myself pushing and shoving that big bolder of frustration with "weight gain" written all over it until it rolls out of my way. Great quote! I've been there a million times, so frustrated at my gain or lack of loss. We really need to keep it all in perspective when its so hard to do.

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  3. You are looking great!! You should be so proud of your self.

    I know people say "a loss is a loss" but I too only lost 400grams this week and its frustrating and a little disheartening to be 'good' all week and loss so little. Hopefully both of us have bigger losses next week eh?

    x

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  4. Awesome photos... I did the same thing when I went from 128 kigs to 67 ... you look fabulous already! Certainly can see the difference. Well done.

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  5. Hiya. I use http://www.fatsecret.com/ its free and awesome. Records your weight, exercise and food.

    I saw on your other blog that your daughter knocked her tooth out, but at the time you couldn't afford to go see the dentist. Not sure if you have gone yet or not. But maybe research lumino dental to see if there is a bus or practice near you. And your daughter should be able to get free dental care as shes under 18.

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  6. What an incredible difference Mag. You must be feeling really good about yourself? If you're not...you damn well should be! lol

    Keep going!!

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  7. You look amazing!!! You can definitly see it! I am so proud of you!!! I wish I could stick to my diet but I love those damn carbs!!!

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  8. You can really see the changes - keep it up doing a great job - I am sure you body is feeling much better already!! Great quotes - especially the last one.

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  9. great job! you can definitely tell in the pics the progress that you have had.

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  10. Your progress is amazing and inspiring, Maggie. Thank you for writing so eloquently about your journey - it helps slackers like me stay motivated. So proud of you!!!

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  11. For some reason, my name does not link you to my blog.....the address is www.karynlh@blogspot.com

    Just in case you wanted to drop by....

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  12. Great progress!! I know what you mean ......I feel like I am losing so slowly.

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