Too many times on the road to self-improvement, people don’t take the time to stop and smell the roses. We are pressured into believing that instantly we are a new person, when the reality may be that we are just in the process of becoming.
I’ve been thinking about weight loss, and how it can be like other forms of physical change- putting on makeup, trying new clothes, or getting your hair done. When you get a new haircut, there is almost always that ritualistic take-down of your former self that I have seen happen in weight loss contexts as well. Tearing someone down until they must continue on to feel worthwhile creates a kind of dependancy that can motivate an individual. But, not this individual.
What I’ve found is that knowing and loving yourself can be just as powerful a motivator. Too many people want to tear you down in this world. Signing up for something you hate doing just seems like masochism. Why not choose an activity that fulfills your heart and mind, as well as your body?
While I deeply admire those people who can kick it, I prefer to remember every step, every motion, every minor change. For me to make lasting change, I must enjoy the process. I know this about myself, and working with that energy instead of against it has brought me tangible changes that I can be proud of.
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*For starters, although I ultimately decided not to pursue it, I did speak with a nutritionist. Learning that the most beneficial help was closer than I thought was my takeaway from that experience.
*I made room for exercise in my life by creating a space large enough to exercise in and dusting off my equipment. This was mostly in preparation for winter.
*I dusted off my rollerblades, and while goodness knows, I can’t skate as well as I used to, the fact that I can consider this for the future is a minor miracle.
*I started incorporating high-protein foods such as quinoa, seitan, eggs, and Greek yogurt into my diet. While I haven’t completely eliminated processed foods, I have dramatically decreased my intake. This has helped me with available energy, apparent muscle mass, and physical structure.
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The nice thing about this is that while I haven’t lost any weight, people keep coming up to me, telling me how great I look!
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With fall just around the corner, I am thinking about how to maintain this momentum, which has always been a struggle for me during the colder months. Once I come up with something, I’ll be sure to share, but suggestions and advice are always welcome! 
Congratulations on sticking to your goals! I’m having a tough time getting a more routine exercise program going in my life. I am sparatic at best with walks, runs, yoga and lifting. What keeps you motivated?
Thanks!
I’m not always motivated, that’s the truth of it. But what has worked for me is a change in perspective. Instead of a weight-loss mentally, I shifted to the attainable goal of just being healthy and enjoying physical hobbies.
Yoga is a favorite for me, too. So, I sign up for classes when I can. The next step is bringing it home. During the summer, I paddled. So, with me, it’s more taking up old hobbies then pressuring myself. I don’t have a set routine, and right now, that works. But, in the fall/winter, having classes to go to gets me out the door when the weather’s not so pretty. Hope this helps!
It’s great that you are being so mindful through these changes. Often we just want to get to the end result (sort of like taking a road trip and not stopping along the way to enjoy the sites) instead of acknowledging each step. I, too, find that I have cycles of being very positive and energized followed by days of feeling unmotivated and discouraged. Those are the days when seeing the big picture is most important.
Thank you! I am very grateful for your thoughts on this, and am so happy to see you back!
I agree those are the days where any kind of positivity helps. That’s part of why I’m trying to come up with a plan for the cooler months, to sort of help in an inertia way on those kinds of days.
This was such a lovely read, a lovely post! Good for you!
Thank you! That means a lot, I really appreciate your kindness!
Now here you are, echoing my thoughts! I totally agree with you- sometimes just embracing who you are instead of pushing for change can be the best motivator. I also need to truly enjoy what I do to make a change. Because life is meant to be enjoyed right? And if you really hate something it’s just not meant to be!
I couldn’t have said this better myself! Thanks!
Good for you! I too am in the process of a weight-loss journey and while it’s harder to take off what you have gained, just making healthier decisions goes a long ways towards improving your self-image. Continued success my friend!
Thank you! I wish you the same!
This really resonated with me too – I am always changing the way I eat and exercise and thinking everything will be perfect when I get to the as yet (in 40 years!!) unachieved goal! I am 1 week into another detox and am going to try and savour this rather than rushing through to my first cheat meal!!! Thank you and good luck to you
Thank you so much for sharing! I know what you mean and best of luck to you!