Posted by Bobbie | Posted in Motivation | Posted on Wed February 24, 2010
It’s interesting to me how many blogs that I started following only 3-4 months ago that have either disappeared or aren’t being updated any longer. The abandoned weight loss blogs litter the internet desert like animal carcasses in the Sahara Desert.
It makes me sad that my online friends either have given up on the ultimate goal of health and fitness or they no longer have time to blog.
I often wonder what keeps ME going this time that is different than all of my other failed attempts at health and weight loss. Sometimes I think if I knew exactly what it was, maybe I could bottle it up and pass it along to those that are struggling and give them an extra boost of healthy lifestyle.
This time around for me it’s more than JUST dieting and eating. Most of you that read my blog know I’m exercising a lot and really putting a lot of effort in. If you don’t know how hard I work in the gym, then check out some of my Fat Ass to Gym Rat Videos.
What is motivating me to stay on my weight loss and healthy lifestyle path?
- Maybe it’s that I’ve got a new drive and focus this time around.
- Maybe I just MADE MY MIND UP that I’m doing it.
- Maybe it’s because I’m 32 and I don’t want to be a FAT ASS for the rest of my life.
- Maybe it’s because I’m worth more than 270 lbs.
- Maybe it’s because I want it – and I want it BAD.
- Maybe it’s because I’m ready to deal with the issues that have lead to my weight gain.
- Maybe it’s because I’ve accepted the fact this isn’t going to be EASY.
- Maybe it’s because the journey is the reward.
- I’ll say the last one again: maybe it’s because THE JOURNEY IS THE REWARD.
The journey that I am currently embarked on is the reward. I know I will look back on this weight loss journey and I will be so PROUD OF MYSELF and happy that I experienced it. It is changing my life in more ways than just losing pounds.
In my life, I have found that things do not come easy for me. I’ve never easily made money. I’ve never been given anything easily. I’ve had to work hard for EVERYTHING I have ever gotten. Why would my health be any different?
Here are some quotes that I can relate to and maybe you will too:
“Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
-Albert Einstein
“Losing weight is simple but it’s not easy.”
-Dr. Kal
“Only 80 year old women with little dogs go for walks. You wanna lose weight, get healthy and be strong? Work your ass off in the gym.”
-My personal trainer Dean
“I just don’t have time to exercise or blog. I’ve got way too many other things going on in my life. I’d rather not make my health a priority.”
-Miscellaneous weight loss blogger who has disappeared from my blog roll
DON’T BECOME A WEIGHT LOSS BLOG CASUALTY. Get OFF OF YOUR ASS and figure out what you need to do to get this weight off and get SERIOUS. If you are serious, I’ll be here to support you in any way I can.
Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:43 AM
I think that walking is a viable method of a weight loss program. I don’t like gyms but I lost 35 lbs any way. The key is to move your butt any which way you can. I am not 80 yet.
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Barbara, thank you for reading and commenting. And congrats on the loss!
I know it’s definitely possible to lose without stepping foot into a gym. My most successful weight loss attempt included walking and bike riding and resulted in about an 80# loss. I also understand that some people just can’t afford or make it to the gym. Do whatever is best for you is what I always say! :)
Actually Dean’s quote irritated one of my older friends. She thought it was pretty whack. LOL But I like it because it motivated me, and that’s why I put it up on the site in the hopes that it motivates someone else.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:44 AM
I’ve posted about this before and it upsets me when a blogger just stops posting or – worse – deletes their blog… I know some people don’t want to read about other people’s struggles, but they can move on to the next cheery blog… I’d hate to think someone stopped blogging simply because they WERE struggling and felt all posts they wrote had to be positive and successful… I don’t imagine ANY of us are 100% (I’d be happy with 75%!) successful for their entire weight loss journey and blogging about my bad days gets it out of my system and helps me focus on a better day the next day. :o)
Of course, there will be those who feel blogging makes them ‘accountable’ (and in a way I suppose it does) and not blogging gives them some kind of ‘permission’ to go back to their old ways…
Who knows what makes anyone do what they do? But regardless of whether I fall off the wagon every now and again, I am in it for the long haul! :o)
Patsy´s last blog ..I *Heart* Weight Training!
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I agree Patsy! We all fail at some point and fall down. The thing to take away from those times is how you can better yourself and learn from them.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:45 AM
I love your log and am glad you are not going the way of the desert! You inspire me:)
I feel different this time too. I am not sure why, but a big part of it is the support and motivation from blogs (mine and others). Maybe something just clicked, finally, after all my yo-yo years. I finally realized that in the past I dieted until I lost weight then started eating the same bad stuff again. Why did I think I wouldn’t then end up at the same fat weight? So now I know that the experts are right – it is a lifestyle, not a diet.
And add to your list… nothing tastes as good as being thin feels!
WaistingTime´s last blog ..Is Food a 4-Letter Thought?
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Thanks Waisting Time! Yeah, it would kind of suck to be in the desert as one of the many carcasses. LOL I enjoy your blog very much too!
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:45 AM
PS – Your CAPTCHA codes are very hard for my middle-aged eyes to figure out some days!
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I’ll see if I can adjust that. Thanks for the input.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:57 AM
Love this post & love the quotes!!! No, it ain’t easy but the rewards are awesome!!!!
I may not blog at some point in the future due to circumstances if it happens BUT I will never give up on me & my healthy life & workout “addiction”. That will always be part of me! And, if I do take a break from blogging, I will explain it. No, I am going nowhere now! :-)
Thx for the great post & love your enthusiasm for you!!!
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Girl, I know you would NEVER give up on your fit lifestyle if blogging ends up being too much. You are an inspiration and if you ever decided to scale back on your daily blogging, I hope you would still post occasionally, because I love your info.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 9:05 AM
Great post! I am really feeling the power of this blogging tool. Just starting to lose weight and change ingrained habits is the first step–and that can be hard to overcome. Doing the blogging thing adds some accountability to the mix, gives me a place to journal and bear my soul, and it’s great to have the support of so many just like myself. It allows me to be more honest than some of the community weight loss groups where I am meeting with strangers and still feeling self conscious. Your journey inspires me! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Jen´s last blog ..How Can a Cheapskate Lose Weight?
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Oh my, thanks so much Jen. There are so many people that inspire me and all of you that comment on my blog and the blogs I read inspire me to keep going every day. There’s nothing like the weight loss blogging community. It’s so much better than any other support group, friend, weight loss group, etc. I have EVER been a part of. Thanks!
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 9:08 AM
I’M HERE! I’M HERE! :)
Gotta blog the bad with the good (as today’s post will show). But I’m not giving up. (But, yes, it. is. hard.)
Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..Life is Hard Quote and Monthly Report
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:33 am
I’m glad you haven’t left us!!!!! :)
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 9:25 AM
Yes mam!!
Its true – I havent been blogging nearly enough. But yeah Im still sweating my ass off :)
Funnily enough this is the first week Ive sort of plateaued in terms of the weight loss – so maybe this is the time to start blogging my arse off lol ..
I love your trainer’s catchphrases – can we have more?!
Jonathan´s last blog ..Quick update
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Dean has some GREAT catch phrases. LOL I’ll ask him for some more. He’s still working on answering another blog reader’s questions and maybe I can incorporate those into the same post. :)
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 11:10 AM
i loved dean’s quote!
good for you for staying so focused and comitted. that is the only way this will work.
we live in a world where we all want results, any results, weight or otherwise, right away. it’s easy to get discouraged when that doesn’t happen.
losing weight isn’t a temporary thing, it is a lifestyle change for the rest of your life. until people embrace that, the “dieting” is not going to work.
love2eatinpa´s last blog ..Male TV/Movie Star Admits to Being a Compulsive Overeater
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:35 am
So right on SO MANY levels. It’s not about losing the weight. It’s about changing our lifestyles for the long term. The weight loss is a wonderful perk.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 11:12 AM
I agree with Patsy. I think that the blog entries that people can identify wth the most are the ones where people admit that they are struggling and trying to work through the struggle. We’ve all been there, but for some reason, we tend to want to hide our struggles. I think sometimes I am guilty of that and only post the good because I figure that is what people want to hear.
People will struggle and give up on their weight loss and healthy lifestyle goals, but they will eventually come back. Think about it. What are the options? Those people will continue to gain weight and be unhappy until they hit the next rock bottom and decide to change. The only problem is now, you start in a much worse position that if you tried to stick it out in the long run. It’s a vicious cycle, but I’ve learned that eventually, everyone comes back.
Stick with it! There will be bad days. Plan for them. There is no way to avoid it. But always come back, because there really is no other option.
I haven’t even met you, but I’m so proud of your progress. You are working really hard and it shows. Very inspiring.
Ironlady´s last blog ..EMC & EMR
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Ironlady I think you rock. If anyone hasn’t checked out Ironlady’s blog, PLEASE DO SO NOW.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 11:35 AM
“Maybe I just MADE MY MIND UP that I’m doing it.”
I think this is everything – it’s, like, the secret key to lasting weight loss. Actually, all of your points about why “this time” is working are really great. You’re obviously really in tune with yourself…and I’m glad you’e sharing the message!
All the best,
Heather
Heather´s last blog ..Do You Know How It Happened?
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Heather thanks so much for commenting. Yep, I think that’s a good one. You have to make up your mind to do it. Even when you want to QUIT or GIVE UP. If you’re mind is made up, there’s no turning back NO MATTER WHAT.
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 1:01 PM
I glanced over the comments and I agree with your fans! You are inspiration for many struggling to be healthy at any weight. Please don’t leave us. I have also noticed many websites that are abandoned. So sad.
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 24th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Eilat thank you for visiting and commenting. I’m not going anywhere, no worries!!! :)
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 1:15 PM
I hope I don’t quit blogging either. I’m really enjoying it and being able to talk to other people going through the same thing.
I love your MAYBE’s list. I definitely feel like I’m finally starting to get it about being healthy.
Amelia´s last blog ..Lemon-y Chicken & Vegetarian Chili
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 2:13 PM
Posts like this are why reading your blog is at the top of my to do list every morning. I love your attitude and your “no excuses” attitude. I actually have de-followed blogs because I’m tired of lame excuses. (Just take a look at today’s post if you want to know what I really think about people saying they don’t have time. LOL!)
I sincerely hope that you don’t become another casualty in the blogging world.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..If They Can Find the Time, So Can You
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 2:15 PM
This post is great because I feel the same way! I don’t know what is different this journey, but I am more than 6 months in and I am not stopping. I just really want it SO BAD that I keep working. My grandfather died and I kept going. Love and I are doing a full remodel of our kitchen by ourselves and I schedule in exercise! Even though all of my dinners are eaten at fast food/restaurants, I am making good choices(the scale reflects that)!! I can make excuses, but I choose not to!! I am in it to win it! My health is my priority and I CAN MAKE TIME TO BE HEALTHY!
That sucks that a blogger said that! It just goes to show that that person doesn’t have much self worth!
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 2:35 PM
As I posted recently on my blog, I intend to be the oldest living fit-living blogger someday. :)
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..By Request: Doing Nothing, Almost Explained
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 6:30 PM
Bobbie-
First off, I just want to say how freaking stoked I am that we both started on the same day and that we are still here going STRONG! GO US!!!!!!!
It is sad to see people slowly disappear or slowly have a binge weekend every weekend- I’ve asked myself why it is I’ve survived too many times- I’m still not sure yet.
I can’t wait until you and I both hit Nov 8th 2010- what an awesome day that will be because we WON’T be looking back in regret!
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 6:55 PM
It makes me sad too when I see people drop off the radar, but I know that they may come back. I know I kept trying even after I quit over and over again.
You have obviously really changed your whole outlook towards your health and fitness and I’m so proud of you!
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..Calcium and Weight Loss
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Ah. That’s why I have such a problem with commenting and getting into blogs these days. I just don’t want to do it. After two years of blogging I’ve seen way too many people get excited, start blogging, then drop off the face of the earth. Sometimes it hurts me personally, but mostly it just makes me sad in as an onlooker. I know that it take a lot of people many failed attempts before they finally succeed, so I know, or at least hope they eventually get it together and make it happen.
Merry Mary´s last blog ..First Workout At The New Gym
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:03 PM
ps- I’m proud of you for still being around and kicking ass in the gym!
Merry Mary´s last blog ..First Workout At The New Gym
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 8:28 PM
i think one of the reasons i always check your blog is that many times it seems like your message is the one i need to hear! like this one…
liz´s last blog ..Book Review: Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fats
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Wed February 24, 2010 at 9:21 PM
Really, thanks for your encouraging comments today on my blog. They meant a lot! You’re awesome.
Angela´s last blog ..
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 8:28 am
You are very welcome girl!!!
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Thu February 25, 2010 at 12:40 AM
Glad you liked my blog. Let me tell you…. carbs are my weakness. I could eat bread like it is going out of style! That is why I needed to educate myself on it all.
Jessica´s last blog ..*** To sugar or not to sugar… that is the question
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Bread is my weakness too! Gotta stay away from it at all costs…
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Thu February 25, 2010 at 5:04 AM
“Health is wealth” is known to all and everyone wants good health. So, Let us build a food habit discipline, keep pace with work, rest and or exercise to Achieve good health, The ultimate wealth.
The Health Dude´s last blog ..What Are The Risks of Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
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Thu February 25, 2010 at 6:21 AM
I hate (yes I said it :)) when people just disappear as well.
SO MUCH SO that my final post is written and saved.
you know, should the time come and I find I just dont have it in me to write it.
Miz´s last blog ..Dr Fitness & the Fat guy, MizFit Mama-Tips & Hallmark cards.
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Fri February 26, 2010 at 3:32 PM
Amen sistah! :)
I just recently deleted some abandoned blogs off of my sidebar. I was really sad to see them go… but they no longer updated and it just felt sad to still have them there. kwim?
Blogging helps me keep my accountability. Things have been so crazy with the move and nothing has been very consistent in life at the moment. But the one thing I feel so incredibly strongly about is my health. I like how I feel now as opposed to how I felt then. Everything seems so much more manageable!
I am so glad that we are doing this journey together! You guys help to push me and I hope in a small way, I help to push you guys too! :)
~Kellie
The Chubby Girl Diaries´s last blog ..Fabulous Food Finds & Update
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 28th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Yeah, I’ve deleted some blogs too. It makes me sad, but at the same time there are so many people out there blogging that need the support and I’d rather give it to them instead of wasting my time checking the blogs that are abandoned.
I’m glad we’re doing this together too!
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Sat February 27, 2010 at 8:56 AM
[...] I posted a few quotes that I found helpful on my journey and one of them was from my trainer Dean. Jonathan commented and asked if there were more “Dean catch phrases” I could post. Some things Dean has [...]