What’s Different This Time?
This week I asked my weight loss buddies, “What’s different this time? Why do they think that they will lose the weight after failed attempts in the past?”
Around this same time last year, I was completely devastated by the fact that I had a new boss who was so diametrically opposed to my own way of thinking that it would invoke nausea every time I thought about interacting with him. Everything was so tragically emotional at the time and I had a really hard time coming to terms with the fact that things were changing. By March I had resigned on my own terms. In April, because tensions were so high, I was asked to leave early. This completely messed me up.
You see, I spent about good 40-45% of my day working or thinking about work. This amount of time might be good if you were passionate about the things that you were working on … but I was not. When you consider that 30% of my day was spent sleeping and the remaining 25% was allocated to “other” things (like being a parent or running errands or tending to my broken relationship), this virtually gave me zero time to pursue anything that fed my soul.
After my time was “suddenly” freed up, I went into a tailspin of WTF do I do now? I had to come to terms with what it meant to spend 7 years helping to realize someone else’s dream and not my own. The bitterness born from that notion eventually turned into the courage to deal with my self-esteem issues, my weight issues, my avoidance issues and all the things that kept me from pursuing my life’s purpose. All this work eventually led to me figuring out how to lead a more meaningful life. I vowed never to veer so far away from things that brought me joy again.
So what makes this time different? I’m different. I’ve changed on the inside, which coincidentally has manifested change on the outside. I am the happiest that I’ve been in quite some time and it has had nothing to do with looking a certain way or having a boyfriend or being financially secure (not that I don’t wish to have those things). I think all those things will come in time, but for now, who cares? I’m having a blast.
Read what everyone else has to say:
Joie De Vivre:
“To tell the truth, I’m not sure I will ever reach my “goal” weight, but this time IS different.” to read more click Joie de vivre: An amateur gourmet’s guide.
Nurit:
Dinner time. I help myself to another serving of… whatever. “What about portion control?” my husband asks. “Well…”, I say as I take another scoop, “I said it’s still a challenge…”
Keep reading at 1. Family. Friendly. Food.
Sunny:
“So first, do I think this time is different? Yes! Why? Well, I think I’ve finally learned what works and what doesn’t work for me…” read more at www.ThatExtra20Pounds.blogspot.com
Tags: cnn, ireport, weight loss photos, weight loss stats
This entry was posted on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 10:29 am and is filed under Weight Updates. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
You’re not only an inspiration (slow and steady wins the race, and 10 pounds gone is AWESOME), I’m starting to really be able to see the difference in your pictures. You look great, Giyen. More importantly: You sound great. You sound ready for anything!
Wow, look at those inches coming right off! It’s noticeable in your pictures! Pretty amazing. =)
This is such a positive article. I love the answer, “I’m different this time.” I think that people can change and you have to believe in yourself first. Thanks for the inspiration!
SUHHWWWWEEEEEET!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!
You’re doing it for the right reasons. You are doing great!
You are looking soooo good! I had a good week as well, 3.8 pounds down, 217.4 overall!
Good for you! Why do you think you feel happier now? Recently laid off and at odds with all the home time. Time to start my OWN biz..
Congrats on your weight loss, very admirable!
Great job! Can’t underestimate the power of ‘mind over fatter’!
Go Giyen!! Keep having a blast, it’s really working for you
Congrats–you’re doing great!
Asianmommy´s last blog post..Sweet Sushi
You look beautiful in that picture. Good job!
Kaycee´s last blog post..J’s Banana Orange Pops
I have lost 33 pounds since August 2008. The slow process can be frustrating, but the results speak for themselves. I want to lose 100 pounds total. I am anticipating that will take me 2 years from my August 08 start date. I am using Jenny Craig for my diet – walking 4 miles 4 times a week. I am forgiving myself on the weeks where I only lose a half a pound. I am committed, and it is different this time.
Good luck in your journey. 10 pounds is worth celebrating! I find that if I use 10 pound increments as my milestone it is much more achievable mentally. I am 5 pounds from my next 10 pound milestone as of today.
Stay with this journey. When you hit 30 pounds you will not recognize yourself!
Be well,
Marcia