A year and a half ago I set out on my healthy lifestyle journey. In that time I lost about 60 lbs. Throughout my journey I said time and time again, “I’m never going back to the old me.”
Life happened and I’m 25 lbs heavier than I was at my lowest weight on this journey. Obviously I can feel and see the changes physically, but what’s worse than that is the emotional aspect that comes with it. The shame, guilt, failure and embarrassment of it all.
“I can’t believe I let myself lose control like that.”
“I don’t want to take pictures because of how I look now.”
“What are people thinking now that you can tell I’ve gained weight?”
This has been what I’ve been wrestling through the last 3 months. I recently saw an article in Prevention Magazine that said they talked to thousands of women about their weight loss journeys, and 9 times out of 10 this wasn’t their first (or second, or third…) time around.
After I read that article I realized that yes maybe I am up 25 lbs from where I used to be and working out is much harder now than it was in December, but I’m not letting myself gain back the full 60. I’m taking a stand to make sure that doesn’t happen.
It feels like I’m starting from the beginning again (even though I’m not), but my motto for this time around is a quote that I love so much: “Fall down 7 times, get up 8.” Don’t give up!
Maybe you’re in the same boat that I am or you’re just looking to begin your healthy lifestyle journey, YOU CAN DO THIS. I’m re-dedicating myself to a healthy lifestyle.
Will you join me?
Olivia, You are very inspiring to me this morning. I have fallen more times than I care to confess. I would love to follow your journey and could really use an accountability partner. God bless!
I love your honesty and determination. I too have struggled with significant weight loss, only to put the pounds back on. I know all too well the feelings that you are going through. I will be keeping you in my prayers. I am starting my journey again but this time I am putting God center of it. I pray daily that God becomes the focal point of my day and not food. I give Him my struggles daily and I know that He and ONLY He can help me to stay focused.
I keep this posted on my desk…. Psalm 25:15 MSG- If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet.
You will be in my prayers continually. <3
Brenda and Angel – Thanks so much for your comments they mean so much to me. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to be real when you’re failing but if it could help one person know that they are not alone in their weight loss battle then it was worth it. 🙂
I would be happy to be accountability partners with both of you. I’ll definitely be writing more blogs as I continue on this healthy lifestyle journey (again. 🙂 ) Hang in there ladies YOU got this! We can do it together. 🙂
Philippians 4:13 is my go to verse. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Have a great week!
-Olivia