Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Climb

Alright - I haven't blogged in a while.  Truth be told, I've been feeling uninspired.  I'm feeling good and I've been kinda complacent.  But a happy complacent!  People keep saying I look good (thank you) and since I've felt so good to go along with it, I'm just kinda holding steady.  I'm still hitting the gym etc. and I'm still happy with that - but it's time to buckle down again food wise so that we can say goodbye to the final 18-20 pounds.  So, in keeping with the mental focus, and after a good conversation with Natalie over at Follow my Fitsteps, I've decided to do a little series of posts about things that have been key for me along the way.

Things to bear in mind:  I'm not an expert, a trainer, a doctor etc.  (but I do know some good ones if you need!).  That said, all things posted here are simply MY findings along MY journey.  Read them and know that not everything works for every person and that YOU have to find your own path.  I've drawn so much inspiration from other bloggers and reading their journeys and it's my sincere hope that someone here will find the same.
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THE CLIMB

Alright - I hate to quote Miley Cyrus, but let's just all agree that girl is right (and the song rocks) - it really is all about the climb.   I think a lot about reasons people lose weight.  What got them started?  What kept them going?  More importantly, did they keep it off?  For me, it HAS to be b/c you want it.  That is, you want to be healthier, you want to feel better, you want to be around for your kids (whether they're born or not!).  

Then there's some other things that might have you thinking about it - class reunions, weddings etc.  But, the thing is, those reasons don't have staying power.  So you drop 20 lbs for a reunion - what do you do after?  One thing that's important to me is to only do this ONCE.  Crap - it's hard enough - why do it over and over?!  I don't want to spend my life on a diet, I'd much rather find a lifestyle I can live with forever.  

The thing is - there are struggles.  Lots of them.  And, they suck!  I know you're all running to your local gym to sign up now, right?  Or, you've stopped reading and are lacing up your running shoes, no?  Seriously though - it really is hard.  But, here's the secret - that's what makes it worth it.  The 5/6 months I was stuck in the 180's is a testament to my determination and, more importantly, a testament to my commitment to the lifestyle.  Those months defined me - and have defined this journey really.  I COULD have given up.  I COULD have made excuses.  I COULD have said "nothing I try works."  I COULD have done a lot of things.  Instead, I listened to my trainer, I kept working hard and I started looking hard at all aspects of my life, examining each one to see where I could make changes to try to make things work.  And - eventually, it worked itself out.  Your mother is right - hard work really does pay off!


The true point of this entry is simply this - there are lots of things I want to do when this weight is gone (some of them MAY happen before, but that's ok!).  Those things are happening because of the journey - they're all a product of 16 months of work, tears, sweat, conversation, friends, fun, hills, frog jumps and trying to believe that it REALLY will be FINE.  


I want people to stop thinking of the "end."  To me - this whole thing doesn't end.  The weight might go, but the things I do won't.  (it's the same with diet btw!).  If you're truly ready to begin your own journey, try to think of the journey, not what happens at the end (i.e. you'll be thinner, you can have kids, you can go on a vacation, etc).  Just worry about today.  What can you do today?  (and btw, stop with the tomorrow's.  seriously - there's no promise of tomorrow - so, if you're thinking about it, skip the excuse of tomorrow and get up NOW and start).  Don't think of the end result - stop and be proud of the moments that happen DURING the journey.  I'm so glad I've had Jessica and Amber to keep me grounded through this - they were able to see progress and things to be proud of that seemed insignificant to me.  I know now that none of what has happened on this road has been insignificant.  


In fact, it's taken each and every moment that happened thus far to get me here.  It's worth it - I promise.  But you have to stop thinking about the end and what you'll have "if" and just worry about the climb.  

"There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move" -The Climb, Miley Cyrus


~K

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love you more!

A quote I thought appropriate.




Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.
Swedish Proverb

Amanda said...

You have been a great inspiration for me - I appreciate you!

Krista said...

anonymous is clearly my mom! ;-) Love you too momma. <3

Natalie said...

This is so great, Krista! I hope this helped you realize that you give so much motivation and inspiration to others too :)