Posted by Bobbie | Posted in Excercise, Motivation, P90X, Positive Thinking | Posted on Mon April 26, 2010
So many times I’ve been down this path before. The path (and journey) to lose weight. Overall fitness and health was never a goal. Reduced stress and mental stability? Who cares? A cleansed inner self? Never even worried about it.
From my experience, when weight loss is your #1 – and ONLY goal – it’s like looking through binoculars. Tunnel vision. You are wanting to reach an end game without understanding the why’s or how’s.
- WHY and HOW you got to the weight you are at.
- WHY you should eat healthy and HOW to do it.
- WHY it’s not just about “pounds” and HOW to determine what it is.
- WHY it’s a journey and HOW the journey is the reward.
I can’t answer any of the WHY’s or HOW’s for you – that’s something you have to do on your own. However, I can answer the WHY’s and HOW’s for ME.
Everyday is a learning process for me. Every time I read one of my favorite blogs or lace up my shoes and step outside for a jog I’m learning. I’m learning about myself and why I’m on the particular journey that I am on.
Often I read about how people are experiencing a lack of quick results or they are feeling depressed because they stuffed themselves full of crap all weekend.
We’ve all been at a very low point at one time or another, right? Are you on the “other side” of that yet? Have you learned that it’s not just about losing the pounds as quick as your sister, brother, mother, father or best friend? Have you learned that when you eat something that’s not ideal for you it’s okay, just hit it harder in your workout that day? Are you putting the things that you’ve learned to good use? Actually living what you’ve learned on your journey so far?
You know I could bitch and moan about all the shitty ass inertia in my life right now but I wouldn’t want to bore you (or myself). I could complain about how I got bored at my gym and didn’t work my ass as hard as I should have the last few weeks. I could also tell you that the other night I had some ice cream. I could tell you that my weight loss has all but stalled for the last month or so. But you don’t really want to read about that any more than I do. You want to learn how to get healthy and see someone succeed so that it proves that it’s possible for YOU to SUCCEED too. Someone to help support you on YOUR journey. Someone that can relate to you and where you are right now in your journey to get healthy. Me too!
So how is the journey the reward? It’s all about learning my friend. About being aware. Taking everything that you learn on this journey and applying it positively to your life and the lives of others. Giving a hand to your fellow friend or blogger. Patting them on the back when they reach a new milestone on their journey.
I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed blogging and meeting you all during my journey it warms my heart. It’s been almost six months since I started my journey. I can’t wait until the next six come. Because I’ll be ripping out a set of wide grip pull ups at the gym come November. And I’ll be filming it all for you to see. Just another step on my journey.
After day two of P90X. Trying to capture that ever present under
arm flab from various angles. I’m betting it will be gone soon!
Today I learned that I shouldn’t believe the hype. Most everyone told me that P90X would be really hard and that it would be too tough to stick with. Some people told me “Good luck!” Like they were wishing this fat girl sianara to her whole goal of being healthy and fit. Wanna know what I think (bluntly) about that? Fuck THAT.
Yeah I’m sore as hell as I type this; and yes, it’s only day two of ninety. But guess what? I’m still alive. And when I get to day 90 I’ll still be alive. And YES I will finish it. One small step for the big girl… But it’s a BIG step towards a smaller girl.
P.S. It feels FANTASTIC to be sore and sweaty again!!!!
AFG Lesson learned: TRY THINGS OUT FOR YOURSELF BEFORE YOU DECIDE WHETHER YOU CAN DO IT OR NOT.
So what have you learned so far in YOUR journey?
Mon April 26, 2010 at 5:38 PM
This former yo-yo queen has finally learned that a diet is not something to go on that ends when I reach goal weight. It really has to be a lifestyle change. I cannot go back to eating what I used to eat and not expect to weigh what I used to weigh.
Karen @ WaistingTime´s last blog ..Oops… my mind is still on vacation.
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Bobbie Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Karen, SO RIGHT here… Reminds me of that quote “insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” by Albert Einstein. It was a hard lesson for me to learn tho.
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Mon April 26, 2010 at 6:29 PM
Funny, when I was going through my “pause” moment earlier last week I thought the same thing. Who would want to read about my faltering along all of this? Bottom line is we’re human, and a real lifestyle change comes with times when things aren’t perfect, life gets in the way of our routine and we get a little wrapped up in it. As long as we keep moving through and find ourselves on the other side still wanting the change I think its normal.
I’m proud of you tackling P90X – I never had a single doubt in my mind that you could do it and follow through. Not a one. I can’t wait to keep reading about your progress as you move through it. You are one fiercely determined fitness warrior!
Congrats on the lesson, its one I’m still teaching myself everyday!
Meegan´s last blog ..Week in Review
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Bobbie Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Wow. THANK YOU. Sometimes though I seriously underestimate myself. It feels good to hear that. Me? A fitness warrior? Maybe some day. :)
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Meegan Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
nuh-uh – you ARE a fitness warrior. Right now. Today. Seriously.
Meegan´s last blog ..Week in Review
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Bobbie Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
I’m not sure why your comments keep going into my spam?! GRRRR!
Anyway thanks again. You know I’ve never been the person that did what others do. I’ve never followed the “in crowd” and I’d have to say if I was in the “in crowd” I probably wouldn’t want to be a fitness warrior. But since I’m strange and odd, I’m totally going to embrace it. Plus it’s the coolest title anyone has ever given me before. PERIOD.
Mon April 26, 2010 at 6:55 PM
Today a colleague asked if I was on a diet because he thought I was losing weight; I was flattered, but what do you say to that? “Being on a diet” is not what I’m doing, it’s not about eating 1000 calories/day or low-carbs or whatever other restrictive, temporary condition people who are “on a diet” endure.
No, I’m not on a diet. Yes, I am losing weight. :)
(ps, loving the 4/26/10 pic on the sidebar AFG!)
Harry´s last blog ..Weigh-in #32: I am a slacker
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Bobbie Reply:
April 26th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Harry, I’m glad you like the photo! :)
Your totally right with the diet thing. I don’t really like that word because it seems to imply a temporary modification when you have to find a way to live permanently.
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Mon April 26, 2010 at 9:59 PM
I had the same experience with a Jillian Michaels DVD. Everyone kept saying how hard it was, and it was a good workout, but not as much as some of the ones I craft on my own.
For me, it’s all about the *trying*. Some things we’ll do, some things we won’t, but the FUN is figuring out which is which. :)
Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Breaking News!!
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 7:04 am
I have the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD and I thought it was easy and I’m not trying to brag (hello I still have a lot of weight to lose!) but in comparison to the workouts I’ve done with Dean and on my own – well there was no comparison.
I agree about the fun! :)
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 12:23 AM
The thing I learned about me while losing the weight was that I dare someone to tell me I can’t do anything. I’m pretty fierce now, that’s the whole reason I tried P90X as a chubby chick, because I heard it was near impossible, LIES!!
WTG! And that arm flab does not stand a chance. Bat wings be gone!!!!
Rita´s last blog ..Show Some Respect
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 7:04 am
Thanks Rita! And you are right – LIES! :)
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 8:50 AM
Love the post! What is right for another might not be right for you & what is right for you might not be right for another.. that is so true! I go by what works fro me. Many people say I work out too much, too long blah blah blah.. it works for me & that is what counts.
Good for you for listening to you!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Push-Ups – All Kinds! Great Overall Body Work!
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Good lesson! You gotta do what’s right for you – no matter what others say.
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 9:00 AM
THIS TIME, I have learned that just because I screw up and eat something “bad”, I don’t have to throw my arms up in the air and give up. I haven’t “ruined” everything I’ve done so far. I just get up and continue being “good” the rest of the day. Slow but sure, the body responds positively.
Angela (the ballerina project)´s last blog ..
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Yep! It’s not always “all or nothing”…
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 10:10 AM
I’m so happy for your P90X progress and excitement…I’m finally working on more strength training too…upper body mostly because my hikes and other things give the lower a pretty good workout. I feel I have as long a way to go with this than I ever did losing the first 65 pounds…oh well…I could do that, I’ll do this too.
Kyle´s last blog ..Behold the power of cheese…
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Sounds like you are doing great. I love being outdoors now that I’m active and hiking is a great way to stay in shape and connect with nature.
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Thanks for being honest!!! And the pic…I wish my arms looked like yours!! I have the WORST mommy/flabby arms!!! Ugh!!!
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Katie – it was an ideal angle. Just sayin’. :)
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 12:52 PM
first of all, love the sidebar pic of you smiling. you look awesome.
second, there is just way to much to write about what i’ve learned on my journey. i’ve gained so many new awarenesses, learned about myself and others, have gained confidence and trust in myself, learned how blogging is such an amazingly supportive atmosphere.
these are forever lessons, not short-term ones, and though it sucks to be a recovering compulsive eater, i would not be the person i am today had i not gone on the journey.
love2eatinpa´s last blog ..My Most Embarassing Food Moment
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Thanks girl! :)
And yes I know you have learned a lot but the thing I like about you is how well you teach and how I’m able to learn from you. So thanks.
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 3:48 PM
Good for you! Usually when people tell me I can’t do something, it just makes me try that much harder – I love to prove them wrong!
Jenn @ Watch My Butt Shrink!´s last blog ..Running For Dummies
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Jenn I think that I’ve found myself to be like this recently. I guess my competitive/never take no for an answer type of streak came out of hiding when I started seriously working out. It was kind of like the more babies I had, the more I lost that. :(
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 4:30 PM
I had lost some weight pretty quickly at the beginning, but for the last almost 4 weeks I haven’t lost anything! But I am still very happy with my progress in other areas, like my running, my appreciation of real healthy food, and the muscle I am building! Great post!
And you look super pretty in your photos! :)
Carla´s last blog ..Outdoor running vs. indoor running
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Carla thank you very much for saying that. I think you are a wonderful example of how you can stay with something and work hard – and have great results.
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Hello! So I’m a pretty overweight 18 year-old, and I have a trainer at the gym. I’ve been feeling really sluggish and kind of down since I’ve been having an especially hard time with my workouts lately (due to illness, lack of sleep, panic attacks. All that fun stuff), so I turned to the internet for inspiration and came across your blog. Your positivity and ambition are amazing! Honestly, I wish I could tell you how much you’ve helped me, but I no longer have that “bummed-out” feeling weighing over my head and look forward to seeing my trainer today. Thank you!!!
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Bobbie Reply:
April 27th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Mishal thanks so much for commenting and finding me!
You know the weight loss / get fit blogging community is a great place – we all help each other. I hope to see more of you and to hear about your journey as well. :)
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 8:44 PM
If anyone can complete the full 90 days, it’s you. I love your bad ass attitude!
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..Four-legged Fitness Buddies
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Bobbie Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:18 am
Ha ha! Thanks Karen :)
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 8:55 PM
I have learned very quickly that this was never about numbers. It’s about looking in the mirror and taking that sad/depressed woman out of her comfort zone and forcing some action into her life.
I’ve learned it’s about facing the past with my head held high and saying “You will not follow me anymore”.
I’ve learned that I can cry and sweat my ass off at the same time and still look good doing it.
I’ve learned that I’m worth saying “I would like to have a trainer” to my husband and believe myself when I say it.
I’ve learned that what I thought I couldn’t do I am in fact doing and what I thought I would never do is now a possibility.
I’ve learned that some of the coolest people you meet you do so without ever meeting!
Way to kick ass on the P90X. Screw everyone that thinks this isn’t possible.
Tara´s last blog ..Change / Run / No Gym declaration update
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Bobbie Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Wow, lots of good stuff here! Totally agree on meeting some of the coolest people online.
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 9:29 PM
YES to this whole post! :)
You know what I have learned? The whole journey is not something that can be packaged up into a neat little box and tied up with a neat little bow and put in a photo album of memories. It’s a true path filled with curves and hills ( both up-hill and down-hill). But in all aspects of it… it is what it is. And it is AWESOME.
I too enjoy being sweaty and sore and finding new challenges. Finding new ways to challenge ourselves is what this is all about.
You will survive and do so with flying colors. And so will I! :)
You are going to OWN this! :)
~Kellie
The Chubby Girl Diaries´s last blog ..Fat girl on a bike and epiphanies
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Bobbie Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:19 am
Hey Kellie! :)
I have NO DOUBT you will come out on the other side of this as well. Hope all is going well with the new home!
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 11:21 PM
I think this was one of the best inspiration posts I’ve read. I have found that the journey is all about exposing the worst and best about yourself to…yourself. Being honest and coming to terms with things…and then accepting them…and then moving forward and not looking back, except to remember where you came from and why you started in the first place.
It is a mentality like yours that allows me to know that you will achieve all you want! And I look forward to watching it happen from here!
Anthony´s last blog ..Personal Best 5K
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Bobbie Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. And thanks for the compliment(s). :)
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Tue April 27, 2010 at 11:35 PM
Weight loss as the only goal never works. Seriously. That’s why it didn’t work for me the first time and why it is (slowly) this time. I’m trying to be healthy overall and that’s what’s making this time work. The journey is the reward… you are so right.
and I love that you are doing P90X. I wanted to watch a blogger go through the process before I ever considered it for real. go Bobbie!
Mary (A Merry Life)´s last blog ..Housekeeping: Winners and Swag
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Bobbie Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:21 am
Mary as always thanks for the support. Lots of updates will be happening on the P90X front. I love that I’m currently a big girl and I’m doing it. It’s not impossible for ANYONE and it feels good to prove that! :)
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Wed April 28, 2010 at 9:19 AM
What have I learned? That noting is static, everything changes, including my values and opinions on what fitness is. Or, in the words of Emerson,
“Speak what you think today in hard words and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said today.”
I am enjoying watching your journey, and look forward to every new phase. Tomorrow you may think PX90 is not for you, but you will think something else is for you. Ah, the journey….
Emergefit´s last blog ..Nine Inch Nails; Discipline…
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Bobbie Reply:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Love the quote. That is one Emerson quote I have never heard before. I know I can relate that to my life in a lot of ways.
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Wed April 28, 2010 at 7:58 PM
This post is awesome! I don’t know how I missed it earlier. I finally realized why I have failed in the past. All my energy was focused on the pounds coming off the scale and my mood was determined by what the scale showed me. I didn’t reflect back on my other accomplishments, on how much more fit I had gotten. All of that didn’t matter. But NOW, I’ve reversed that. The scale comes in second. I want to run a marathon, complete a triathlon, hopefully some day qualify for Boston. Big goals to reach for, I know, but why not set the bar high? These goals are all there, and they’re not weigh related. They are personal. They motivate me to wake up every morning and push myself to my limits, so that I’m hurting, so that I’m in pain, so that I recover and become even STRONGER.
I’m proud of you for realizing that this is a life-long mental journey that requires inner as well as outer healing.
HOORAY on finishing day 2 of P90X! Can’t wait to see after 90 days :)
Jess´s last blog ..Day 86: For the Love of Bosu
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Bobbie Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 8:07 am
I can relate to the scale running your life/allowing it to ruin your day. It’s amazing how much power we give that hunk of metal. It took me a long time to realize it doesn’t need to have that much control over me. I don’t know if it was a thought process or what, but I finally made it.
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