I had a rather inspiring insight yesterday, and I thought I would share it here in case it might help someone else at some point.

I started on my diet journey for somewhat shallow reasons, honestly. I wanted to look better, and I wanted to have more confidence. I was sick of being fat and feeling ugly, and I wanted to do something about it.

Being from Boulder, CO, most people here are really outdoorsy and quite fit. I've felt very intimidated to get out there and join the masses in exercising outdoors and playing sports and generally enjoying life, because I knew I couldn't keep up with my peers, or I thought people would laugh at/feel sorry for me.

But yesterday was the most perfect day in the history of the planet, so I decided to try something new. A couple of friends and I rented mountain bikes from a local shop and rode all the way through town and up to the very top of the trail in the mountains! And I made it the whole way! Of course, I had to stop here and there and catch my breath a little, but I actually made it all the way to the top. The ride back down was exhilirating! I was passing through all these different parks and a sculpture garden, and hundreds of people were out playing frisbee or going for walks or playing with their kids or whatever. I saw a lady roller-blading who had a bird on a leash and I passed a man playing a ukelele---it was like an adventure from a Curious George book!

The whole ride down I had this massive stupid grin on my face because it finally dawned on me that I was one of "them" now. I could go out and enjoy the sunshine and exercise without feeling like I'm being tortured. And it's been a really long time since I felt capable of doing that! I realized yesterday that however disappointed I may become with my results in decreasing my physical dimensions, I've already done my health a huge favor by trying to lose this weight. I've increased my lung capacity and increased my strength and increased my heart function. As a result, my body now says to me "heck yeah! get out there and enjoy that sunshine with the rest of the world! you can do it!" It's inspired me to keep trucking even when the going (as far as numbers on scales and tape measures) gets tough, just because I want to see what other rewards my body still has in store for me!

It's the little things that count, I guess. Thanks for hearing me out!

It sounds like you had a great day! I'm happy for you. And that's not so little! Congrats.

Lynn

That's so fantastic - I know exactly how you feel. I live in a super-outdoorsy city, too, and while I've always enjoyed doing outdoor things, I've always bee kinda embarrased to be the red-face one panting away on my bike or hiking up a trail while groups of people in spandex go flying past me without even breathing hard! It must feel so good to feel the changes you've made for your body - it's so easy to get stuck on pounds and inches that we forget all the good we're doing ourselves. A Wisertime's right - that's a pretty big victory - you've added a whole new aspect to your lifestyle. Congrats to you - and enjoy some more outings!!!

Good for you. I hope you find many more outdoor activities to keep you on the right path as the weather keeps getting nicer. Its wonderful that you had such a positive experience.