I’ll get the confession part of this post out-of-the-way right off the bat. I got stuck on my journey for a few weeks. I had five days of sickness, which had some scale advantages, but also weakened me considerably and contributed to my difficulty in getting back into my fitness routine. But honestly, my stalled-out-state was more mental than physical.
I got stuck in complacent mode.
Yes, I was still thirty pounds from my goal weight.
But …
I was over thirty pounds down from the weight I “settled” at after Andrew’s birth.
I no longer cringed when I passed mirrors or saw pictures of myself.
I was into the smallest clothes I owned, aside from a few favorite “thin” outfits I’d saved.
I was starting to think, “You know, I look pretty good for a mother of eight.” Not in a “maybe I’ll stay here for the rest of my life” kind of way, but in a “hmmm, maybe I don’t need to walk today after all” kind of way.
But you know what? “Hmmm, maybe I don’t need to walk today” thinking leads to “maybe I’ll stay here for the rest of my life” thinking.
Thankfully, I “woke up” last Saturday and remembered that my reasons for eating carefully and moving more are bigger than not being disgusted at myself or wearing a particular size of clothing. That being healthy and strong is much more important than looking “pretty good for a mom-of-eight.” That I don’t want to be the fat old lady who hurts her children and grandchildren as they try to care for her. That I want to be the mama and gramma who runs and hikes and swims and plays actively with her children and grandchildren. That I want to glorify God in my body.
So I got moving again this week. I walked with my friend Bethany on Monday and Wednesday, did lots of active work outside with the Blessings, and was thoughtful with my eating. It was nice when the scale showed the difference yesterday morning (I crossed 20 pounds lost since joining Sparkpeople and 35 lost from my “settled” post-baby weight), but better than the numbers is the way I’ve felt. I’m back to pursuing my health goals and becoming who I am meant to be in this area, and it changes my perspective and attitude about so many things!
Thank you, Lord, for the gentle reminders! Help me to be faithful to abide in You and to bring joy to Your heart as I pursue being the woman You’ve called me to be, both inside and outside.
Here are some pictures of my journey that I posted yesterday on my Sparkpeople page. I was surprised by how dramatic they seem to me…
September 1995 – Our Wedding Day
August 2010 – Three months post-baby and heavier than the aforementioned “settled” weight. I was already cringing at the thought of looking at this picture. Can you tell?
May 2011 – Making progress. And loving it!
Papa and I are so proud of your desire to be healthier, feel better and, as a benefit, to look better. You will enjoy being able to run (even slowly like me) and play with your grandchildren.
We love you!
Love this, Laurel. You’re looking great – I always remember you as being so beautiful! I lost 30 lbs. just over a year ago and agree with all you wrote. It’s about changing your life, wanting to be healthy, and wanting to glorify God in your body. And it is amazing how it carries over to other parts of life (finances, time management, any area that requires control and self-discipline).
You look wonderful, and I know exactly what you mean. When I am in my best shape, I am a better me. I have more to give to my children, my husband, and God.
Good job Laurel! You look great! I think I was sitting by you in that picture and thinking the same thing about myself. I have 30 stubborn lbs as well and trusting God to give me the strength and discipline to do it. My dream is to some day run a half marathon through Budapest. Come join me! (: Blessings to you and your Blessings, Debbie Pogány
You are sitting by me in that one, Debbie. And it’s such a bummer that I still feel sick when I see pics of me from that week. I’d love to have a picture of us that didn’t make me cringe at myself. Hopefully we’ll get to try again someday!