Gretchen, I agree with you completely. I think you really nailed it when you said, "These challenges make us stronger individuals." I was just talking about this with my sweetie the other day; I was saying that I really feel
advantaged, because I know that I can do this very difficult thing. I know it because I've proven it to myself by staying on track since I started this. I know about myself the following: I possess discipline; I can set a long-term goal and map the steps necessary to meet it; I can stay the course in the face of huge challenge; and I can remain true to my own convictions by doing what I say I am going to do.....for MYSELF.
What things to know about yourself! In my professional life, I've been recognized for some different achievements and that certainly has been gratifying.......but this, THIS achievement will be the one of which I am most proud. I have not been perfect, and another person might have been able to have accomplished more than I have since March 1, but I know that I'm 110% on track, and that I'm going to REMAIN 110% on track for the rest of my life........through loss and into maintenance......and then on to continually striving to improve my physical health. I truly feel like this is an opportunity to learn some amazing lessons -- about my will, my true character, and my body. What a gift!!
Huge, enthusiastic high five to you, Gretchen my friend!
These lessons we'll be able to apply to every area of our lives, and just continually build on our learnings.
To your co-worker I would ask, "You have these capabilities.....don't you want to reveal them to yourself???? You have to put yourself to the test -- sometimes more than once -- to learn that you can pass it! What's the alternative? Not try, for fear of failing? Is that how you want to live your life -- is that who you want to be? Is that what you think you're capable of?"
Sometimes you don't know you can till you have. And then get the **** out of the way.
I love that you brought this up. It's huge. Gretchen, gotta say: You da poo, man. You da poo.