Find Your Own "Directive" - the February Weight Loss / Life Style Change Challenge

[pjlla]

Another woohoo for today - I just did 20 minutes on the treadmill. I tend to get caught up comparing myself to others, and I have to learn to stop doing that. 20 minutes isn't as glamorous as 60 minutes or 90 or 120 minutes, but it's more than sitting on the couch, and I'm at a different point in my progress than the people who can do 60+, and I have to be ok with that. I'll never get to 60 minutes if I don't get to 20 minutes first.


GOOD for you for reminding yourself that you do NOT have to compare yourself to others.... in any way, shape, or form!


Thank you for sharing your experience!! It's really refreshing to hear. I have no idea what I'm doing really, or if my stats are where they should be at this point, or what. So it's nice to hear someone else's experience with a similar situation. Thank you!

And YES!! My dog is my WORLD. I've often told DH that he is a solid 2nd place and if I ever had to choose between the two, it likely wouldn't end well for him. Haha.


Ummmm... cat rule, dogs drool. I'll leave it at that.


Can't wait to hear how your meeting with the nutritionist goes!! Please be sure to share!



You are so welcome! And feel free to share all you want - I can't take any credit for the video, but I'm glad it meant so much to you, too! I LOVE both of the quotes that you shared!! Money is the big "I can't do this" excuse for 90% of our wild ideas, and it's so hard to juggle having experiences vs. having money to get through. We want to go several places this year - nothing huge, just a few weekends here and there, like going to Nashville or Atlanta or Orlando - and it's so hard because it's do you take a trip and spend a few hundred dollars, or do you save that money in case you need it for something down the road? There's no guarantees you'll be in a better situation down the road... Maybe next year you realize that you totally could've taken that trip in April but didn't, and now you legitimately can't for whatever reason. Or you decide to wait until you have a better job or more money, but then you get there and with the better job comes a less flexible schedule, or you've had kids and a loss of flexibility, or your health has deteriorated so you can't travel... But at the same time, if you spend that money and the next month your utilities are higher than expected or your car dies, then you feel guilty and irresponsible because you shouldn't have spent that money and now you don't know what to do.

30 years from now, do you want to look back and say "WOW, I'm so glad we went to Disney randomly for the weekend - what an awesome time we had! Yeah money was kind of tight for a couple of months after, but this is my favorite memory" or "Gee, I really wish we'd done that trip that weekend after all, because we had no idea there wouldn't be another weekend to do it." So what do you do? As someone who is NOT AT ALL good with decisions, it's definitely something that is struggled with in my house!

You said EXACTLY what I think on a fairly regular basis!!!! It feels SO NICE to know that I'm not the only one who struggles like this!

While I went home sick today because I wasn't feeling well, this email did perk me right up and gave me something to celebrate.

WOOOT, WOOOT... and MASSIVE, HUGE congratulations!!!!.............P

 

[flvy]

Another woohoo for today - I just did 20 minutes on the treadmill. I tend to get caught up comparing myself to others, and I have to learn to stop doing that. 20 minutes isn't as glamorous as 60 minutes or 90 or 120 minutes, but it's more than sitting on the couch, and I'm at a different point in my progress than the people who can do 60+, and I have to be ok with that. I'll never get to 60 minutes if I don't get to 20 minutes first.


Can't wait to hear how your meeting with the nutritionist goes!! Please be sure to share!

Trust me none of it's glamorous. There's a lot of sweat, swearing, and spitting. Well I spit sometimes because I don't run my higher miles with water. I said it in one of the race weekend threads too, but you can't compare your beginning to where someone is after years. I did it last year and things kind of imploded a little. You have to be proud of your own gains.

 

[pinklmaonade]

you can't compare your beginning to where someone is after years. I did it last year and things kind of imploded a little. You have to be proud of your own gains.

I have to always remind myself of that. After a few years of being really out of shape, I have to remind myself that it's a new beginning instead of just dwelling on what I used to be able to do.

How did things implode for you, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[flvy]

@pinklmaonade How could that not implode? Hahah You have to have faith in yourself to get anywhere worth going and have any gains.

 

[pinklmaonade]

@pinklmaonade How could that not implode? Hahah You have to have faith in yourself to get anywhere worth going and have any gains.

lol i meant more like, what were you comparing yourself to and how did you snap out of it? sometimes it's hard to break yourself from that mindset.

 

[flvy]

@pinklmaonade Mostly other runners nothing too crazy. Honestly I don't know what snapped me out of it. It think it was my birthday Wine and Dine last year though. I knew things couldn't keep going like they had and I needed to change a lot of things so I spent the last few months changing them. It's been a lot of work, and will continue to be a lot of work. The 'I'm not good enough I should give up' is an easy hole to fall into.

 

[pinklmaonade]

@pinklmaonade Mostly other runners nothing too crazy. Honestly I don't know what snapped me out of it. It think it was my birthday Wine and Dine last year though. I knew things couldn't keep going like they had and I needed to change a lot of things so I spent the last few months changing them. It's been a lot of work, and will continue to be a lot of work. The 'I'm not good enough I should give up' is an easy hole to fall into.

yeah it definitely is easy to get trapped in that mindset. things like Woohoo Wednesdays are important to keep spirits up

 

[flvy]

yeah it definitely is easy to get trapped in that mindset. things like Woohoo Wednesdays are important to keep spirits up

That's why the woohoo is my fave! It's so easy to get on a roll of positive if you just nudge the ball a little. I have big running goals at the end of the year I need that ball to keep rolling. ETA: Which dark side races are you doing? I'm just doing the half but I'm so excited to be part of an inaugural race!

 

[SarahDisney]

Post-dinner snacking is a tough habit to break. I am still working on this one - so... share with me your methods/tactics.

Um ... am I supposed to have methods or tactics?
The first night it was a matter of having something else to do - when I wanted food, I thought of something else I wanted to do instead (like a youtube video I wanted to watch, or something I wanted to read - I had stuff on the computer waiting to distract me when I wanted food).
The second night I was just trying to keep up the streak. Ditto with tonight (so far).

Beyond that, it's about avoiding the kitchen. And brushing my teeth before I go to wash my water bottle (which is the last thing I do in the kitchen before bed).

 

[pinklmaonade]

That's why the woohoo is my fave! It's so easy to get on a roll of positive if you just nudge the ball a little. I have big running goals at the end of the year I need that ball to keep rolling. ETA: Which dark side races are you doing? I'm just doing the half but I'm so excited to be part of an inaugural race!

I'm just doing the half as well. I only found out these events existed when i saw someone post photos from the Light Side race last month! I freaked out and signed my boyfriend and I up for the Dark Side one immediately. I would have done more races but that was the only one available... and its my first half marathon. I'm honestly training just to finish... It's making me rediscover my love of running, and I also signed up for the Disneyland Half in Sept. DEFINITELY doing both Light and Dark next year. Gonna try to do the 5ks, Challenges and Kessel Run

 

[flvy]

I'm just doing the half as well. I only found out these events existed when i saw someone post photos from the Light Side race last month! I freaked out and signed my boyfriend and I up for the Dark Side one immediately. I would have done more races but that was the only one available... and its my first half marathon. I'm honestly training just to finish... It's making me rediscover my love of running, and I also signed up for the Disneyland Half in Sept. DEFINITELY doing both Light and Dark next year. Gonna try to do the 5ks, Challenges and Kessel Run

When they announced dark side I did the same thing. The nerd in me was just like DO THIS RACE IT'S THE DARK SIDE!!! I almost got talked out of it a few times too, and finally decided to make it a priority. For all spring races I'm really just training to finish. No shame in that. This is my year for endurance and weight loss, I can work on speed next year. Honestly if you train right you'll get faster by default.

I like your dedication to the force next year.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Ooops didn't realize it moved to a new one. I'd better catch up.

 

[pinklmaonade]

When they announced dark side I did the same thing. The nerd in me was just like DO THIS RACE IT'S THE DARK SIDE!!!

I am unbelievably excited. Are you dressing up? I usually like to go ALL OUT when I do costumes (I can post a pic or two if anyone is interested) but since we're running im going to do a pretty laid back Chewbacca ensemble. My boyfriend (DBF? He's not as into Disney as I am so idk if I can classify him as that) is dressing up as Han.

I'm always afraid I'm getting too off-topic. Everyone can feel free to tell me OT if I'm getting annoying!

 

[flvy]

I am unbelievably excited. Are you dressing up? I usually like to go ALL OUT when I do costumes (I can post a pic or two if anyone is interested) but since we're running im going to do a pretty laid back Chewbacca ensemble. My boyfriend (DBF? He's not as into Disney as I am so idk if I can classify him as that) is dressing up as Han.

I'm always afraid I'm getting too off-topic. Everyone can feel free to tell me OT if I'm getting annoying!

There's an outfit I want to buy, but I most likely won't I don't quite have the confidence for it yet. Next years princess race better watch out though. I've also met myself knowing my luck a costume will end up going wrong somehow.

And we may have taken over the thread. You can always pm me if you want to chat races and costumes!

 

[courtneybeth]

Question of the Day - February 4

Motivation. Movement. Mobility.
Wall-E presents to us what happens when we get 'lazy', eat too much unhealthy foods, and lack proper exercise.
Thinking about it - this movie is quite frightening in that regard. Floaty chairs are really scary - but would make a good EPCOT ride, eh?

What is motivating you to get off your own floaty chair and meet your goal?

Bonus Q: What theme park would you build a Wall-e attraction? What would it be like?​

 

[donac]

My Dr and my sons are motivating me. My Dr asked me to lose some of the weight I recently put on. My sons because they are both getting married in the next year and a half.

Also me. I have the life I have been looking forward to for the last 5 years. I have a great husband and the kids are out of the house. We have s cute dog who loves to walk. I have time to quilt and knit. I am teaching part time and getting paid to costume the local high school. I don't want the weight to slow me down any more

Have a happy and healthy day.

 

[pjlla]

Question of the Day - February 4

Motivation. Movement. Mobility.
Wall-E presents to us what happens when we get 'lazy', eat too much unhealthy foods, and lack proper exercise.
Thinking about it - this movie is quite frightening in that regard. Floaty chairs are really scary - but would make a good EPCOT ride, eh?

What is motivating you to get off your own floaty chair and meet your goal?

Bonus Q: What theme park would you build a Wall-e attraction? What would it be like?​

Well.... my motivation to lose the weight in the first place, as many of you know, was to NOT return to Disney heavier than I had been on a previous trip ( and I lost about 36 pounds from 1/2 thru 4/15 and got to Disney just a few pounds lower than I had been on my last trip). And then.... miracle of miracles, wonder of wonders.... I DID NOT GIVE UP after the trip!! I kept going.... all the way to goal. My motivation at that time was because I realized how WONDERFUL it felt to be getting to a healthy weight! Clothes fit well, I liked myself in pictures, I didn't get sore or winded just walking, I could ENJOY eating a healthier lighter diet (as opposed to thinking of it as a sacrifice or a struggle). I didn't have to get to my ULTIMATE goal to start feeling better and looking better and realizing how much better I felt ABOUT MYSELF..... just the initial 30 pounds did that for me! But I KNEW it could get better.... and it did!

Quick story.... kind of a lesson, not really a brag. I pulled a pair of grey pants from the very bottom of the pants pile this morning and held them up and said to myself...."wowza... where did those come from? NO WAY they will fit.... they are super small." But I decided to give them a try. They fit perfectly.... so of course, they were ironed and I am wearing them to work... and I feel WONDERFUL! I hit my initial goal in 2009 (but lowered my goal from there) and I still am THRILLED every single day to be living in this goal-weight (or nearly goal-weight) body!! I tell my WW members (and you guys) all the time......"I WISH you could spend ONE DAY in your healthy goal weight body.... because your motivation would go THROUGH THE ROOF to get to goal. Life at goal feels GREAT!"

My Dr and my sons are motivating me. My Dr asked me to lose some of the weight I recently put on. My sons because they are both getting married in the next year and a half.

Also me. I have the life I have been looking forward to for the last 5 years. I have a great husband and the kids are out of the house. We have s cute dog who loves to walk. I have time to quilt and knit. I am teaching part time and getting paid to costume the local high school. I don't want the weight to slow me down any more

Have a happy and healthy day.

You can do this.... you've got the motivation of not one, but two weddings! Don't you wanna be the "hot" Mother-of-the-Groom!!??

*********************

Morning friends! I'm outta here to head to work in one minute. I may have some computer time in the afternoon to pop on again, but no promises! TTY soon.............P

 

[donac]

Pam. I love your story about the pants. People have such a different view of things. We are costuming Music Man. Last night we pulled a skirt for our Marion. She told us it would not fit since she knew the person who wore in our last production and she felt she was not the same size. We told her try it anyway. She came out with it on and it looked like it was made for her. She even said that she liked how it looked on her butt. Not many teens say that.

I also do want to be the best looking mother of the groom I can be.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Question of the Day - February 4

Motivation. Movement. Mobility.
Wall-E presents to us what happens when we get 'lazy', eat too much unhealthy foods, and lack proper exercise.
Thinking about it - this movie is quite frightening in that regard. Floaty chairs are really scary - but would make a good EPCOT ride, eh?

What is motivating you to get off your own floaty chair and meet your goal?

Bonus Q: What theme park would you build a Wall-e attraction? What would it be like?​

For me, it's not one single motivator that keeps me going, more like a lot of little motivators.

First, I want to do it because I want to live a long life with my wife and see my kids grow up... I want to see my grandchildren someday. I want more energy. I'm doing it for me first, but my family isn't very far behind.

Second, I'm a teacher and coach high school football. One of the things we focus on is weight training during the offseason. It's hypocritical for me to not practice what I preach. I can't expect 16 and 17 year old kids to do something that I'm not willing to do myself (plus, we made it to the state championship this past season and during the TV broadcast I didn't like what I looked like - it looked like the camera added a lot more than 10 lbs).

Third, I'm at the point now where I've had some success losing weight and there is a motivation in not letting all that work go to waste. I've convinced myself that if I stop now, all will ruin all the hard work I've put into it. That really helps me when my alarm goes off at 4:55 and it's time to hop on the treadmill.

Fourth, my fitbit really is a great motivator. I got it about a month ago and I love checking how I'm doing and seeing how my friends are doing. I hate to lose, so it's important to me to make it a competition and stay ahead of my friends.

Fifth, I think my wife is growing tired of the trips to Disney... and once I meet my goal, she has agreed to a nice week long trip with the kids. My kids know about it too, so I'm motivated to not let them down so we can go. It always works its way back to Disney.

 

[DVCFan1994]

Question of the Day - February 4

Motivation. Movement. Mobility.
Wall-E presents to us what happens when we get 'lazy', eat too much unhealthy foods, and lack proper exercise.
Thinking about it - this movie is quite frightening in that regard. Floaty chairs are really scary - but would make a good EPCOT ride, eh?

What is motivating you to get off your own floaty chair and meet your goal?

Bonus Q: What theme park would you build a Wall-e attraction? What would it be like?​

My motivation is my own health as well as longevity with my family. I have a strong family history of weight related health problems. Diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and orthopedic problems. I want to continue to active for many years, and they way to make that happen in my mind is to just keep moving.

Additionally, I first started my weight loss journey when my kids were younger, as a way to make sure I had many active years ahead with them. My son, now nine was 3.5 and my daughter now 7 was 1.5. I was finding myself exhuasted at the end of every day, not having the energy I wanted to in order to do stuff with them. I had a friend who was super fit and loved exercise for stress relief as well. I started going to the gym with her, and the weight started coming off, then I cleaned up my diet and the process got even quicker.

Right now my motivation is to get back to that weight I hit 5 years ago because I just know I felt better then. I slept better, was less stressed, and felt happier, not because of a number on the scale, but because I was active and feeling strong.

As for Wall-E, I would put in a futuristic attraction at EPCOT in future world. I think a roller coster, or simulator ride that replicates Wall-e's blast off to space, his journey through the ship and into space with Eve, and landing back on Earth could be fun!