Ever since I started this journey my success and failure has almost always been held in the number displayed on the scale. Why do we put so much emphasis on weight? It does not seem that it is even an accurate representative of a person's health. However, so many of us step onto the scale, while saying a little prayer for a loss, in hope of some positive reinforcement for the changes we have made.
For years this worked well for me. I would work hard, eat right and the scale would reflect this with positive changes. However, in the last 12-18 months things shifted and my weight no longer is a good representation of my working out and eating right. Now it has become a frustrating experience that leaves me wondering why I do all this hard work. I have heard it all from muscle weighs more than fat to you can't gain 2 pounds that fast or even that it must be water weight to have come on that fast. Well, I am still holding onto 10 pounds from last spring, so I know I can gain it fast and it sticks.
Since my weight has become a roller coaster of numbers and less than motivational, I have decided to just stop weighing myself. I still track my food each day, try to make sensible meal choices and of course hit the gym 6 days a week; however, I want to focus on the greater purposes of this journey. I am setting an example for my family to lead a more active lifestyle, my health is benefited from the exercise and my actions impact those around me that are struggling with their own journeys.
There is definitely still a part of me that holds onto the vanity of wanting to see that number, wanting to look a certain way in the mirror, but I want to learn to be happy with the amazing benefits I have gained. I am so fortunate to have found this place in my life where I enjoy exercise, look at my days as opportunities to be active and want to take care of my body. It might not look perfect, but this body can do some amazing things. I hope to continue pushing myself to get stronger and healthier, neither of which can be measured by a number on the scale.
