One Size DOESN'T Fit ALL or Even Most!!!

So the old saying on the tag....one size fits all.  They changed that a few years ago to read...one size fits MOST.  They did that because of the growing (no pun intended) obesity epidemic in America.  Sometimes I think it's that "one size" mentality that got me into the situation I'm in currently.  I thought that "one size fits all" meant that I deserved the same life as someone else, anyone else, everyone else.  It meant that I could eat what they did, exercise the same amount (or not) as they did, spend as much as they did, etc.  See what a damaging mindset that has been for me to have?  I have also felt that it meant that as long as I looked like someone else, had their approval, resembled them that I could "fit in".  I have cared more for people's approval than the love and genuine acceptance of my Heavenly Father, God.  I have tried to fit myself into too many other people's "molds", much less their lives, their jeans...hehehehe and their situations.  It has played havoc on my ego, my esteem and has completely destroyed my clear view of my Savior.  I've let numbers get in the way.  Numbers related to weight.  Numbers related to G.P.A's.  Numbers related to bank accounts.  Numbers related to how many children, square footage on a home, the year a car was made, how many times I've been on a cruise.  You name it and I've tried to fit my life into someone else's number. 

Well I'm being reminded daily because of this journey that one size jeans with a certain number WON'T fit you like another pair from a different company with the same number. Heck, it won't fit on a different cut of pants from the same company.  If it's that simple, practical, tangible in a clothing size why can't I get it through my head that my life isn't meant to be like anyone else's?  Why am I still trying to be the same number as some one else? 

I'm so grateful that I'm learning that I don't have to be like anyone else.  I don't have to look like anyone else.  I don't have to fit into their lives, their dreams, their goals.  Now in regards to numbers.  I must admit that I still feel bound by them a bit.  How many calories can I eat a day?  (That's a number)  How much weight did I lose this week (a number)?  How many servings of fruits and veggies did I eat today (a number)?  How many inches have a lost (a number)?  The weights that I lift with...numbers.  The reps that I do at workout...numbers.  See how they are everywhere????  Oh not to mention 5K, 8K..how fast I run my times...ehehehehehehe. Sheesh..numbers are surrounding me.

Hopefully there will be a day when the numbers don't matter so much.  I'm praying that I can be set free from having to be so regimented and being concerned about what the numbers say.  Thanks as always for letting me share. 

How Do You Measure Success???

So I haven't taken my measurements since September 2011.  I should have taken them when I started my journey in Oct. 2010.  Honestly though I didn't have a tape measure that even fit around me.  I was too embarassed to ask Nathan or anyone for help.  Today though I asked Nathan to help me with my new pink $.98 tape measure from the grocery store.  Guess what????  I've lost 41.75 inches since Sept. 2011.  Isn't that AMAZING???  I've lost 14 inches from my waist alone.  I can't even begin to tell you how encouraged I was after adding up all of those numbers and realizing that YES I'm smaller.  I mean I knew my clothes sizes had changed but wowzers. 

I know that the numbers really aren't where it's at.  I am aware that I should be pleased with ANY progress and not hung up on weight/measurements.  However, I am an insecure person.  I must admit that I was pleased to see the difference.  I know that success can be measured by my attitude, feelings, mindset, vocabulary, etc.  So maybe I should focus on a few of those too???

Here are some other ways I've been successful.  When I shop I look at labels rather than price tags.  Don't get me wrong, I HATE that eating healthier is more expensive, BUT I keep buying free-range, organic, NO high fructose corn syrup.  You get my drift.  Feeding seven of us on a budget is hard, but I'm learning and growing everytime I go to the store.  It's becoming a little less daunting each time. Another measurement of success is the fact that I don't mind trying on clothes.  In fact, I actually enjoy shopping now.  How about that I use different words when I talk about food, exercise.  My body AND my mind are changing.  I actually crave movement.  I want to eat vegetables and I NEED more sleep.  My expectations are changing and my view of reality is MUCH more truthful.  I am forever grateful for these changes.

So I'm thinner, healthier and happier.  There is more strength, grace, and beauty in my days and I feel hope for the first time in over a decade.  Life is GOOD and that's the best measurement of all.
 

"Before" and "After" ish...

The picture on the left was at the harvest festival for Mtn. View church on Oct. 31, 2010.  The one on the right was taken after my workout by my trainer Leslie Raper on January 26, 2012.  I am down 55.1 pound as of this picture.  I a little over 1/3 of the way there.  Thanks for supporting me on this journey. 

I hope to get to my measurements next week.  I didn't measure on the 10/31/10 because honestly a regular tape measure wouldn't fit around me.  I measured in Sept. 2011 so I'll use those as my starting point I guess. 

Still working on C25K on my own and running with my trainer.  Yesterday I jogged 46 mintues and covered 2.75 miles.  Yeah me.  Registered for first race on February 11, 2012.  So much is happening.  I'm excited.

Hang in there and have a GREAT weekend.

Janelle