It's a Journey...Not a Race
I read this in a comment and got to thinking about the true meaning when we say "Losing weight is a journey...not a race". Some background now but I will get to my point. My hubby and I drive to a lot of places with some trips taking hours. I love to drive but there are times when I have to let him in the driver's seat.
DH Driving: Get in the car. Don't stop under any circumstances til we get to our destination except for gas. Speed along the highway because we have to get there. Arrive cranky, tired and angry that I have to debate every single bathroom break. DH flops on the couch and has a nap. I'm buzzed from all the angst and take two days to relax.
Me Driving: Get in the car with my water, coffee, snacks. Turn on the music. Stop every two hours or so to stretch, pee, grab a coffee (and pre-band a donut!), shop at the mall. Enjoy the scenery. Arrive in a good mood, relaxed for the rest of the trip.
Which leads me to realize with the lapband I don't need to race to the finish (lose all my weight as fast as I can) but enjoy the journey of living with the band. One of those Tortoise and the Hare stories. I will still get to my goal but does it really matter how long it takes—OK, before I die would be nice. I need to stop and enjoy the changes that are happening physically, emotionally and mentally along the way. Eventually I will get there. But since I'm driving, I want to arrive in a good mood, relaxed and happy with how I got there. And maybe a little shopping won't hurt.
20 comments:
What a great analogy. Sometimes it's hard to remember that though, thanks for the reminder.
P.S.
Love your sassy new profile pic! Very cute.
Agree. I'd travel with you any time. I like your thinking.
here here.....
Absolutely right. I always felt that way about pregnancy too - just let this be OVER already. But there's a reason you have nine (ten, really) months to prepare -- you **need** it. Same with the band. Great post.
Love the new photo!
my motto especially with the lap band is slow and steady wins the race. Although still using the word race in there it reminds me not to compare my weight loss journey with anyone else's. If I did I would be disappointed that I am not loosing at the same pace as some of the super starts out there. We will get there eventually and as you said as long as it is before we kick the bucket!!!
So well SAID my friend!
A lot of times we feel the pressure to hurry and get to our goal weights but it is a journey and we need to stop and smell the roses!
Cheers to a great day!
Great post and soooo true :-)
Thank you for your comment on my blog!!
And I totally agree with you on your journey!! If Walt were in the driver seat, he would wonder why I was so slow in my weight loss, but since I am in the drivers seat, slow and steady goes the journey!! I will get there...eventually!!
I love this!!!!
Good for you!! I have rabbit blood running through my veins unfortunately.
I def think your way of driving beats all! So much more relaxing.
And yeah - the tortoise and the hare is a great analogy. I used it myself just recently. If we keep plodding, we WILL get there in the end.
Thank you for your encouraging words Sandy. I'm looking forward to reading your blog. It has been so helpful to read what others are going through. Best of luck!!
I love all the ways we all say the same thing! I'm riding with you!
YES< YES AND YES.. you and I are on the same wavelength .. I am not "dieting" for anything.. I have made a change in my life and I am going to take the weightloss as it comes..no race.. call me Mrs. Turtle..
Great motto - and great post! Love you!
Great post!
I like what you're saying and I'm really trying to be a stop every two hours driver because it makes the trip better - but inside I'm still calculating how fast we can get there. I think it's the same with me and the band - I know it's a long term game but I really want it all now. Thanks for your post - I will try to be more patient!
SOOOOO true! And I am just like you - DH is just like your DH. But I hate to drive so it is always his way!
DH said the other night, hey, if you lose 2.5 pounds a month you will be 25 more pounds lighter in 10 months! Well, that is true! Instead of stressing about it, just let it happen and not worry about how long it takes.
The best thing is knowing that it will, in fact, happen this time. Never before did I think I would actually lose all this weight!
Great post!
This really resonated for me...I've spent the last couple of weeks really starting to accept and understand the fact that this isn't a sprint and that's fine. A really timely post for me, thanks. xxx
Great post, I started out comparing my weight loss with everyone else but had to realise that no matter who was "winning" it wouldnt make any differance to my weight loss. Its not always easy to take a step back but gentle reminders like your post help so much.
Much love x
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