Friday, November 18, 2011

Six Years, Six Posts: Post 3 - What's it like now?

Well, when I hit my goal weight, it was a sunny day with two rainbows, all my problems were solved, I was instantly popular, more successful, met prince charming and happy...life was pretty much PERFECT.
Um, ya, if you believe that...Maintenance is hard work, but it’s different. At times it's harder than losing, but at other times it isn't. I can recall being way more stressed about "insta gain" and other such nonsense (yep, I said nonsense, cause it really is - so remember that!) than I am now. Does this mean that I've been perfect? Nope.

I initially freaked out more often than I'd like to admit. For me, maintaining my weight was my true test. I had to figure maintenance out. Having lived so focused on the scale, my weight, losing, etc. to now find myself "at goal" and that I had made it ---pretty much scared the crap out of me.

As with losing, maintenance has had it's up's and downs. I've had slumps where my eating has been more unhealthy than healthy and/or exercise has been more none than some. But that's life. And, one off day does not wreck the journey. It's one day, get over it. The challenge is not to let one day lead to multiple. And I can recall myself having multiple off days in a row as well at times, but ultimately what's important is to put on those big girl panties, pull on those boot straps, and get to gettin'!

I'm sitting here trying to think of some magical OMG it's amazing positive thing to say at this point and what I don't come up with much. I guess I just don't feel as excited as I used to. I don't view that as negative either. I think it's the solidification of this life journey. I'm pretty sure I said elsewhere on my blog, and I'm sure it's no revelation to anyone, but there is no finish line. This journey continues for the rest of my life and it is what I make of it.

But this journey has gotten easier over time. Exercise is just part of my routine and I find myself seeking out new activities and challenges, eating (other than sporadic emotional flare ups that I continue to work on) is really just eating---I eat when I'm hungry and don't sweat it, and thoughts about gaining weight or what I weigh are no longer at the forefront of my mind. It's a relief really and I guess I've reached a sense of peace as cliche as that is to put.

My final thought: Weight follows behavior. Your behavior ultimately is in your control. Your control is all about choices and the ones you make. As much as WLS critics like to say we took the easy way out, it's just not true. Success takes effort. There is no free ride. It's been hard work (physically and mentally) the entire way, but it's also been worth it and I wouldn't change a bit of it.

14 comments:

Dawnya said...

Great post Fluffy!! It shows that eventually we will just live life. Not always stressed about a few pounds here or there.

Thanks for sharing your journey. I feel so blessed to have you in my life.

Laura Belle said...

I like the 'no finish line'. so true. So VERY true.

Fantastic!

Theresa said...

You are such an inspiration!

MandaPanda said...

I find it interesting that you said "it's just not as exciting as it used to be." I think this is agood thing as it means this is just your life now...no big aspiration to it, no big ah-ha moments anymore..it's habit and it's life and you're just living it. I can't wait to be there!

Catherine55 said...

I can identify with your "it's just not as exciting" comment -- Sometimes I miss the thrill of the losing phase! But, it's awfully nice to be at goal!

Beth Ann said...

You are where you need to be, babe, and that rocks!

Cat said...

Every day I think this, but THIS is my favorite of your 6 posts for 6 years. This is such an eye opener for what we can expect. Now seriously - I want the confetti when I reach goal. *grin* I'll have to work on rigging up a bucket overhead that I can pull and then take my scale pic. Woo hoo.

Seriously though, I love that it's not as exciting, that you have settled into your life and lifestyle. Thank you so much for sharing this.

speck said...

Such a great post. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Sam said...

I like the wisdom of your post, and if I ever get to goal, I hope to follow your advice.... Okay WHEN I get to goal :p

Rhonda said...

I love this. Our behavior IS in our control... as scary as that is. I think I needed to read this tonight. :)

Andrea said...

Love this! - "Weight follows behavior. Your behavior ultimately is in your control. Your control is all about choices and the ones you make".

Manda said...

I agree with Andrea... the final thought >> agree and want to say an Amen to that.

trishajo said...

thanks for the great post

Kristin said...

I like how it is not a constant drumming in your head anymore. That you just enjoy your life.