Hello to whoever might be interested in what bizarre thoughts swim around in my head.
In my life I have tried many different 'diets' and spent lots of money trying to find the quick, easy, and painless way to lose weight. Strangely enough, this does not exist. I have struggled with the waxing and waning of motivation and interest, and basically just getting bored with the whole thing. Battled depression and mania, teenagerness and insecurity, amid bouts of confidence, strength, commitment, dedication, and other really good traits. I've enjoyed exercise and sports and hated them. My life has basically been operating void of routine or restraint in any form.
As a result I have been on and off the weight loss wagon many times.
I might still be overweight and I might not have achieved the my goals yet but I value what has been before now. I have learned so much about life, love and loss... yes even weight loss. I've probably learned a heck of a lot more about weight gain. I've learned what doesn't work and a few things that do.
I guess what I've been thinking about and thought I'd like to put out there for thought is that the words 'Starting Again' suggest that at some point we 'Stopped' wanting, or 'Failed' to achieve our goal of being thinner. By using 'Starting Again' I would look forward, but fail to recognise that the times 'off the wagon' off the past are a crucial part of the challenge, crucial to understanding the physicallity of obesity, and the bad eating habits and practices I use.
By not recognising the past I was practically guaranteeing that the cycle would not end.
So, now I try to say 'refocusing', on healthier/more nutritious eating, on my goals. I try to look at times where I'm eating higher cal, higher fat, higher sugar etc foods as a bit of a holiday from the weight loss challenge, knowing that I will always at some point (hopefully sooner rather than later) get back into it again. I've found that when I do its heaps easier and that it comes back sooner.
After all, for me the battle is 70% inspiration, motivation, dedication and other head space issues, 30% exercise, and eating healthy and nutritious food.
Happy 2008 everyone
Jo :-)
P.S. I just wanted to add that these are just my thoughts and the way these words affect me. If anyone is moved positively or not so positively about it add a post and let me know but please understand nothing I write is designed to offend. Obviously I read quite alot into words and meanings, just my thing I guess.