Just after 2012 Christmas, I saw on a BMI chart that I was about to enter the 'obese' range. I was shocked...for a second. It quickly dissolved into realisation. A light bulb moment. Why was I surprised, I had been feeling every bit of those numbers before me for years!
I was physically and mentally pushing my body to breaking point. Lethargic, fatigued, grumpy and just generally tired of moving was my everyday life from dawn till dusk. I would feel annoyed when my boys wanted me to 'play' or take them to the park. I was shouting and losing my temper and patience at situations that it was uncalled for. Sleeping gave no rest as I was 'getting up' as tired as I was when I went to bed. I knew I wasn't feeling healthy anymore, so despite not liking 'charts', I needed it to push me into action, and action I did as...
today, I hit a milestone...today, I can happily say that over the last 8.5 weeks I have lost a total of 10kg.
I'm not sharing this to look for praise or recognition, I'm sharing it as I want anyone else who has felt as I have, overweight, unhealthy and mentally down, to take some inspiration. But, most importantly, I want to share that the big picture is not to look for the 'loss' but look at the 'gain'.
In my loss, I have gained so much more.
- have become a much happier woman, both in my emotions and in my outlook on myself as a woman.
- am able to enjoy my children to the fullest. No longer do I groan when they want me to 'get up' and play or help.
- take great pleasure at challenging myself physically.
- learnt to become aware of the food I consume and better control what and how much I should eat.
- ascertained stronger willpower and find myself not missing any of my 'old food favourites'. I have new ones.
- allowed myself to have a new hobby (running) that is for me and only me. Become comfortable at allowing myself 'me' time rather than always being a giver.
- opened a whole new section of my 'wardrobe'.
- no longer out of breath just walking stairs. Physically feeling 'alive'.
- smiling more.
- able to embrace 'fitness' and 'health' in a positive and enriching manner.
My biggest accomplishment to date though, is finding the strength to pick up and start over again each time I failed. This is my 5th attempt at taking back my mind and my body. To get myself in a physical and mental state of equilibrium. I feel the best I have felt in years.
Most importantly though, I have not done this alone. We can't. Support needs to come from all around and I have had some amazing support along the way. I am ever so grateful for them! Many friends have commented saying that I have inspired them, but in all honesty, their encouragement inspired me to keep going...so thank you!
If this piece can give someone their light bulb moment, a sounding board to relate with and encourage a desire to strive for 10 gained over 10 lost, then sharing this has been highly worthwhile and an empowering exercise.
