When I weighed 320+ pounds, there were a lot of things I wanted to do one day. You know the day...that magical, amazing, perfect day on which I would arrive at my goal. On that day I would be the right size - wearing the right clothes - with the right hair style - and everything would be blissful and....well....right.
When I started this journey I began to realize that putting off living waiting for "someday" was ruining my experience of life. After my mom passed away last year it become even more clear that there is NOTHING to be gained putting off living today in hopes of some perfect or better future day to experience life.
This is all we have, folks. We can only live RIGHT NOW.
I am still moving toward my weight loss goal. It will happen this year (yay!) but I have plenty of work ahead to get there. In the meantime, these are a few of the things I have been doing this summer anyway:
- zip lining (yes that's me in the video above, showing the others how to zipline upside down!)
- white water rafting
- hiking (a whole lot of hiking in the Smoky Mountains)
- swimming
- wogging (walking/jogging) at some gorgeous riverfront parks
- going out on photo shoots to play with my Canon Rebel camera
Guess what. I still have too much fat. I have too much loose skin. I am jiggly in places you wouldn't expect. I still have 60 pounds left to lose. I am too heavy for some activities that have lower weight restrictions.
So what.
Maybe it's because I'm 47. Maybe it's because I know I'm doing the best I can (even when I slip'n slide backwards and prove yet again that am not perfect.) Maybe it's because I know all too well there is no do-over button and this is no dress rehearsal. Maybe it's because I am so excited to have my life back as a result of all my good choices these past couple of years. Regardless of "why" - I don't really care too much about what I look like while enjoying MY life anymore. I don't really care if I look silly or imperfect. I owe no one an explanation and don't need to justify my right to enjoy my life on this planet. And I certainly don't have to apologize for my existence.
What I really care about is getting out there with my son, loved ones, friends, and experiencing all that life has to offer. My mom hung a plaque in my room when I was in high school that comes to mind now:
"I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. He gave me life that I might enjoy all things."
Get out there. If you're 20 pounds overweight, or 100 pounds overweight, within the limits of your abilities get out and LIVE LIFE. Don't sit out the invitations to parties or reunions or picnics or parks. Do what you can. Be with your loved ones. Enjoy the laughter, the sun, the life you have been given.
And if you make ONE next right choice toward creating the life you really want, the reward will be instant. You'll feel instantly better about yourself and more likely to jump in and join in. Do it.
Carly
xoxoxox
Hey Carly, Thanks for your perspective!
ReplyDeleteKellyDM...nice to "see" you gurrrrl! :-)
DeleteThis is fantastic advice - and I've enjoyed watching you live it over the last year that I've been following you!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Carly! After many years of too much self-consciousness, I finally got it, too. I now try to live my life with more enthusiasm, more caring, and more trust. I am much happier. You are a talented writer, Carly, thanks for sharing the journey!
ReplyDeleteMalia: Thank you! I am so glad you are in my state and we get to meet SOON!
ReplyDeleteMelissa: I am glad you got it, too. Life is short and "those" people who would judge us, well, they just don't matter in our big picture! :-)
You have such a way with words. We spend far too much precious time worrying about what others think, when really, we should care less! You are responsible for me FINALLY hauling myself to the gym every morning, often cursing you as I go!! However...................I am starting to see results so Yay Carly. D
ReplyDeleteDo you know how happy this makes me...I am so glad you are going to the gym! Feels great doesn't it? And if you do have add/adhd issues, the exercise is a GREAT way to get focused throughout the day and maintain a bit more organization. I can see that in my own life. Days I work out are MUCH better than days I don't, in SO many ways.
Delete