Because I'm doing this now...
 

I know most of us have thought about how many times in the past we've tried (and failed) to lose weight and make it stick. Sometimes I can't help but think about how my life would have been different if I had lost this weight at 24 instead of 34. But then I think about this:

Because I'm doing this now, there is never going to be a future me kicking herself for not having stuck with it. Because I'm doing this now, the 44 year old Lisa is not going to be sitting there wondering how much her life would have been better if only... Because I'm doing this now, I will have one less regret to carry for the rest of my life. And because I'm doing this now, I will have faith in myself, pride in my perseverance, and the confidence that I can change my life for the better.

I don't think it's a secret that, like so many others, I feel like I too have lost my oomph. But I'm not going to give up or stop trying. I can't. The future me would never forgive myself.

Well said Lisa....

Thats the way to think!! You have done such an amazing job so far, your before and after pics are so inspiring. You look great. Keep up the good work!

Good for you :hug::cheer:

It is wonderful that you are doing this at 34 instead of 54, like me. You are doing so great and are an inspiration. The future you will be very happy with you!

Congratulations on taking charge NOW......it only gets harder as we get older.

:cp:
Yes, very well said!

It's great that you've figured out how to lose the weight at 34. I was still convinced that I was doomed to be obese until I was 43. I am one of those that regrets all the years I wasn't able to live my life the way I wanted because of the weight. One thing I really regret is a trip we took to the coast when my boys were younger. We went to a beach where you have to go down a steep hill to get to it. The climb back up almost did me in. I had to keep stopping. I was 35 at the time and so ashamed that I had such a hard time getting up that hill. We are going to that same beach this weekend and I told my husband that I want to climb that hill. He smiled and said "you won't have any problem with it this time." My point is that I wish I would have figured it out at 34 so I could have enjoyed that time with my boys more and also taught them how to care for themselves better as well. Just keep working at it Lisa, you've done amazingly well so far!

You ARE doing this now. Now while you have plenty of time and a still pretty good metabolism on your side. I'm proud of you :)

good for you!

Lisa, I like your attitude. :hug:

I absolutely love your attitude. I have been beating myself up recently because I didn't do this sooner. I try to focus on the fact that at least I am doing it now, it's just hrd sometimes.

Soooo much better at 34 then at 42, like me. Like H8cake, I too regret all those times my kids missed out because their mom was incapable of doing so much. It held them back. I too regret that I MYSELF missed out on so much. Oh my. SO much. Thankfully I don't dwell on the what could have and should have beens all that often. I'm too busy enjoying my life!

Uh-oh. I feel another quote coming on and it's a beauty:

"We must all suffer from one of two pains - the pain of disciple or the pain of regret. The difference being that the pain of discipline weighs ounces, while the pain of regret weighs tons."
Just think about, if you're oomph is MIA for the (short) time being, think how really, really missing it would be if you gave up. That's right my friend. The days of you giving up are over. The present you knows better now. You know what the incredulous benefits of living a healthy lifestyle brings about. This too shall pass! Hang tough and be proud, very, very proud of the changes and incredible progress you've made thus far.

That oomph - it'll come back. I know it for sure. It always does. :hug:

That is a HUGE reason behind me doing this. I'm tired of so much sadness and sorrow and shame and missed opportunities and thoughts of "Man, it'd be different if I didn't look this way, or feel this way..." in life, relationships, etc etc etc!

Here's to today... AND tomorrow!!! :D :cheers: