A hare met a tortoise one day and made fun of him for the slow and clumsy way in which he walked.
The tortoise laughed and said, "I will run a race with you any time that you choose."
"Very well," replied the hare, "we will start at once."
The tortoise immediately set off in his slow and steady way without waiting a moment or looking back. The hare, on the other hand, treated the matter as a joke and decided to take a little nap before starting, for she thought that it would be an easy matter to overtake her rival.
The tortoise plodded on, and meanwhile the hare overslept herself, with the result that she arrived at the winning-post only to see that the tortoise had got in before her.
Moral: Slow and steady wins the race.
This comes from a book handed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. The book is so old it doesn't have a copyright date or an author/editor's credit.
That fable has been the motivation for us turtles for several years. Someone on the ancient WW forum mentioned the fable and I discovered it was very motivational for me. I talked about it in posts and other people said that the tortoise philosophy worked for them, too. So, I started a thread for us turtle types.
We've been reflecting on what the turtle philosophy means as we start our second hundred posts. The turtle philosophy was a difficult one for people to accept. People want the weight off--NOW!! But reality is that it took time to put it on and it will take time to take it off. People want it to be easy to take off the weight. But reality is that it's not easy. You can have a program that's easy to follow, but following it steadily--that's hard. People don't want to exercise much, if at all. But reality is that our bodies were designed to move. So, we're setting realistic goals that take the weight off at a healthy pace. We're setting goals that will keep us moving steadily toward the healthy weight we want to be. And we're just plain moving. We're setting realistic exercise goals that will move our bodies the way they were meant to be moved.
We've also noticed that our turtle philosophy has affected the rest of our lives. I've started writing fiction again. I realize that I can finish a novel, or two, or ten. All I have to do is to set realistic daily goals, work steadily toward achieving them, and they will build up into finished books. Turtle Power at work in my everyday life.
Anyone who wants to join us in steadily moving toward all of our goals is welcome. I've met some wonderful people on this thread. I hope to meet many more. I know the battle with our weight is a difficult one. Having such supportive people come and post regularly keeps it from getting overwhelming. I hope to see many more people join us as we move forward on our journey.
I know it seems like I've disappeared. My online time is super limited right now because I'm using my mom's phone line. We're getting cable internet service sometime this week. Keep moving. I'll write a longer post when I can.
Still been very busy. Last week had dd graduation & that was really nice. They got to wear the hats & gowns so it was very special. She made the honour roll & I was very proud of her. Then some mothers & daughters went to Mandarin for a little get together. Very yummy, but not point friendly. Later the same night I had my weigh in & was up 2# (but I am hoping most of it was my supper) - we'll see this week. Still going to curves but not everyday - too much going on right now. Moved most of my stuff to a storage unit for now on Fri & new tenants are going to start moving in this week. They still have their apt for another month. I hope they work out - and the rent money will help pay for dd university this fall. Went up to trailer Fri night & stayed overnight & some friends came up on Sat for the day. Then a bunch of us just sat around & drank & yapped. Overall very busy but great weekend. Hope everyone else is doing well. Bye for now & talk to you soon.
Hi Turtles,
Lin, thanks for starting a new post. Good luck with settling in. It seems this location is better for you in a million ways. How was your marathon?
n 2 a swan,
I'm sorry you dad responded to your letter in such a negative fashion. Blocking toxicity is always a good thing to do. I hope your birthday has many happy returns of the day. I love that phrase. When I was a child, I had no idea what it meant. But now that I am older I always wish for happy returns--in activity and in good memories.
You're doing great things. Keep up your head and spirits. (I don't know if it will help you, but I'll recount something that happened with me and my dad.) He had been pretty rough on me as a kid. I'm the oldest and his dad had been cruel to him so in comparison, I had it easy. However, I told him face to face how some things he had done had hurt me and I was looking for him to apologize. All he did was say he lived his life the way he wanted and wouldn't have changed a thing. I was about 40 at the time and thought this was a particulary heartless thing for him to say. Issues with dads are tough and we all have to figure out how to deal with them in our own ways.
I mention my issues so that you know you're not dealing with the only tough guy out there. Take a deep breath and keep on keepin' on.
Lauren,
How are you doing? I know you're so busy so I'm sending : to you.
Bandit,
You sound so busy. Congrats to your dd. This has been a lovely year for her and you.
Lots of milestones in her life. Congrats on getting to Curves as often as you do and love to hear you're having fun with your friends.
All goes well. Took my friend to physical therapy today and then she treated me to lunch. However, I made wise choices and WI should be good this week.
Lin - Happy to have you pop in when you can. How is life with your mom?
Congratulations to you and your daughter, Bandit. Will she live at home while in college?
Judy, thanks for sharing your story. I really, really appreciate it. I will be 38 and it is interesting that you were 40 when you went through something similar. Perhaps this is the time when it is quite natural to take stock in life and hold people accountable. I, too, wanted an apology, but knew better than to expect one. What I received via e-mail was a story about a technical support person (him) who was trying to help a customer (me) become a better person. So, the problem, in his view, is that I didn't like the evil he did. I was able to confront him without being disrespectful that time, but I can not promise that I will exercise such restraint ever again.
I was a responsible kid and had many babysitting and housesitting jobs. I saved most of that money and with the benefit of high interest rates, I had a nest egg in the thousands after a few years. When I was a sophomore, my Dad refused to pay for my private school tuition (in contradiction to the divorce decree). Actually, he swore at me and hung up the phone when I mentioned the balance. The school year was 2/3 over and I was told that if payment were not received by X date, I would not be allowed to attend classes. School was important to me and I didn't want to get behind, especially so close to finals. My mom didn't have the money. So, I used all but about $50 of my saved money to being the account current. Until I confronted him, he had never asked how that bill had been paid. He's a physician and was not hurting for money at the time. Sorry to relate such a story, but I wanted you to know that it is not all in my head. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
I have arrived at the point where I can relate the story matter-of-factly and without tears. This is a major accomplishment for me. I appreciate the support I get from all of you and hope that I can return the favor if/when you all need it.
On a lighter note, I am thinking of having Chinese Food on my birthday. Yum!
Hi Turtles,
n 2 a swan,
I fully believe that when we let out the private hurts, they get smaller. It's when they are inside and they fester and explode that we damage ourselves. Good for you for doing what you needed to do right now. And good luck on the rest of your journey.
I'm all for putting the past behind us and moving ahead to a glorious present and future.
Your father acted miserably and you paid a high price to continue your education--financially and emotionally. It's wrong when adults act like children and shirk responsibilities. I like that you're moving on. Way to go, Sonia.
All goes well here. Ate a little heavier than I wanted to yesterday, but have today planned and will get on treadmill.
Love,
Judy
WI is tomorrow so wish me luck!
Judy - You are so sweet and caring! Thank you seems inadequate, but thank you anyway. I appreciate your compassion and the benefit of your experiences and thoughts. I realize that I was more mature at 15 when I paid my tuition, than he is now at almost 70. Oh well. I am so much more settled at having confronted him and will now move on, knowing that I had my day before he died.
Today, I was really busy. I have recently been elected to my townhome's Board of Directors and the onslaught of projects has kept me busy. I won't complain though because I have no time to eat from boredom. This is day 34 and I have exercised 26 of those days.
Judy, I am sure that your weigh-in will go well. Do you have a treadmill at home?
Hope all of your other Turtles are happy and well.
Hi - hope everyone is doing well. I did OK with my eating until last night, then when I got home bf had bbq burgers going so I had one one those (but they were really greasy - he bought them on sale, now I know why) then I had corn on cob and a skinny cow (1st time for one of those - it was great). Doesn't sound too bad but later I came across a opened bag of Lays chips & ate way too many, then I had 2 pieces of licorice before bed. I really felt terrible by the time I fell to sleep. Still feel gross.
Anyway, today I have packed my breakfast, lunch & snack for later & have supper planned for tonight. Have my curves stuff in the car & will go there tonight on the way home.
Hope everyone is doing better than me - bye for now.
Hi, everyone. Yes, it's been nuts around our house -- and the month of July looks to be even crazier. 'Tis the season for houseguests, basically. DH's mother leaves on Saturday; next weekend we go to Shipshewana to meet folks from Dotti's Weight Loss Zone; the next weekend my parents and brother arrive for two weeks ... and work is very busy!
Also, my dad had heart surgery (had a stent put in), my mom had back surgery, and I've been taking my mother-in-law to epidural injection appointments for *her* back. (Did I mention I'll soon be taking another dear friend for *her* epidural injections?? This back thing seems to be rampant at the moment.)
My eating hasn't been good, although yesterday finally went well. And I walked for over an hour yesterday, which was my first significant exercise in a while. I'm finding it difficult to focus on what I need to do, and I'm trying to take care of myself with food (as I mentioned before).
I had a major realization yesterday, though. I realized I've been letting fear keep me from taking care of myself in a very important way. As I've mentioned here, I've developed a phobia of having my blood pressure taken. I'm very afraid that it's either high or that it's not high but the doctor will put me on medications because it READS as high when I have it taken (because I'm so tense).
Needless to say, this is an irrational, counterproductive phobia. But there you are.
Anyway, as a result, I've been putting off getting a checkup. I really need to go to the doctor, not just for the usual things but because my cholesterol runs very high and I need to be on meds. (So why doesn't high cholesterol scare me the way high blood pressure does?? Go figure.)
I've gradually been realizing that this fear, this putting off of what I need to do, is contributing to my overeating. I'm not sure how they're linked, but I think they are. I think the constant low-level stress is part of it, and the refusal to take my life by the horns and do what needs to be done is also part of it.
So yesterday I took a deep breath and made a doctor's appointment. Now, for most people that wouldn't be a big deal. For me, it was huge; I cried on the phone! That poor receptionist. She was very sweet. Anyway, I have an appointment next week. I've been quite tense about it, but I'm going! I'll just explain my neurosis to the doctor and go from there.
OK, that's what's new with me.
Judy, you are such an inspiration. Loved your zoo story. And was sad about your dad story.
Bandit, good for you on the Curves!
Lin, looking forward to your cable connection!
Swania (), WOW, are you doing great! Way to go not eating the fried chicken when you were emotionally upset! What a victory! {{HUGS}} about the stuff with your dad. I hope there's some reconciliation there before he passes. I thought of you and your sabateurs when I read this story over on Dotti's site. Here it is:
Life's lesson No. 1
There once was a bunch of tiny frogs,
...who arranged a running competition.
The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer
on the contestants...
The race began...
Honestly...No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs
would reach the top of the tower.
You heard statements such as:
"Oh, WAY too difficult !!"
"They will NEVER make it to the top!!"
or:
"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!!"
The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one...Except for those, who
in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher...
The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will
make it!!"
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up...But ONE continued higher and
higher and higher...
This one wouldn't give up!
At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for
the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who
reached the top!
THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this
one frog managed to do it?
A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to
succeed and reach the goal?
It turned out...That the winner was DEAF!!!
The wisdom of this story is:
Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or
pessimistic... Because they take your most wonderful dreams and
wishes away from you...the ones you have in your heart!!!
Always think of the power words have. Because everything you hear
and read will affect your actions!!!
Therefore:
ALWAYS be...POSITIVE!!!
And above all:
Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you can not fulfill your dreams!!!
Hi Turtles,
Wow, what insights lately! I love it all.
Sonia,
You're welcome. We're all in this together. I got to the point with my Dad where I prayed and prayed to be able to forgive him. God helped me out and, although I never confronted my Dad about old issues again, I was able to forgive him and understand him in my heart. It wasn't easy and at times I was still sad about how he lived his life and how his decisions affected me, but I was able to look at him objectively and appreciate what he had accomplished and understand what made him tick. I was lucky because my Dad lived to be almost 86 and his death was uncomplicated and painless. Now when I think about my Dad I feel that he did what he thought was right and it was his tenacity in thinking he was right that allowed him to plow through life without remorse when others would have been daunted. It doesn't mean that *I* thought he was right, but understanding him with help from my youngest sister has gotten me a long way from the hurt that he subjected me to. In any case, I love that you've gotten busy with the board of directors. It's great to have important projects in our lives! Great going with the exercise!!!!
Bandit2,
It must be the weather. Yesterday I had my official WI and I lost 2 pounds. I'm only
4 pounds away from my lowest WW weight. So I can do this and I am doing this.
However, then I binged. Okay--what's that all about? Went to a restaurant and had a countable meal. But then I came home and ate lots of stuff I can count, but it was all so stupid! So I am glad to hear that you packed a bag with all your foods that you will need and another bag for Curves gear and you're on track today! And I promise myself and you guys that today will be a great eating day--one that I will plan and prepare. Saw some recipes for lower point macaroni and/or potato salad that sound good and I'll give them a go.
Inspiration yesterday at mtg.--leader suggested we watch the fat-laden foods and see if our cravings subside a bit. It's not just the points but the value of the food we get for those points. I know she's right.
Lauren,
You are so busy and you're in a streak right now where you're taking care of so many people. Glad you've got yourself on the list by making your doctor appointment. It's important that you get information about your state of health. Crying is fine. It seems to me that getting to your doctor and coming to terms with the findings he will have for you is grownup and smart. I've got my fingers crossed and am praying that you'll get some good information.
Thank you so much for sending on the frog story. I laughed out loud and didn't anticipate that the frog couldn't hear the negativity. How wonderful! There have been times when I have gone against popular thought in handling my life and although there were negative consequences to what I had done, it still felt right to me and I'd probably do most of them again. Other people don't know how we should lead our lives and that frog wanted to reach the top he didn't let anyone stop him--shut them out--didn't receive the negative messages. What a lesson that is for all of us.
(To be honest, with me I'm often the one sending negative messages, so this is a day to shake stinkin' thinkin' and move on. I'm closing in--I could hit 199 in three months.
What I have got to do is stop the side journeys where I stall out my weight loss.)
(Oh, yes, Sonia, I do have a treadmill here in my home. I know I'm lucky--it's just so handy and I don't have to leave to get exercise.)
Onward and Downward everyone--Lin, hope you'll get your computer connection off the phone line soon so we can hear from you.
Lauren, have fun with the Dotti's group. I remember last year you had such a good time.
Love and onward and downward everyone,
Judy
234/214.4/thinner
I've lost weight since I moved here. I'm not counting points or anything, but I've been doing a lot of walking. I haven't weighed myself, but the waists of my jeans are way too large.
You've all been having a really interesting discussion. Here's some hugs for all of us.
Lauren, I can see why it's hard for you to take care of yourself. You're so super busy. You and Judy need to get together and plan strategies for the busy social life.
I'm supposed to be doing another marathon, but I don't think that's going to happen. I've been really discouraged about my lack of ability to do as much writing as I'd like since we moved. My mom thinks it's a waste of time, so she has no compunctions about interrupting me, usually to complain about something I did wrong or tell me to get up and do whatever picky thing she just noticed needs to be done. Life with my mom is the pits, but that's a very long rant that I'll keep to my journal. Anyway, her interruptions are hard to recover from. So, I'm planning to get a backpack for my journal and notes and head out to a cafe or the library or someplace else to write. I need a laptop, but that's not happening any time soon.
The job hunt is still unsuccessful. No interviews or anything, despite there being a few more jobs posted lately, including some that my DH is exactly qualified for. Monday he's going to go check out a federal program to help people find jobs. They have one for older adults who have been laid off, but I'm dubious about its value. It's located at the senior center and I'm afraid that the focus is on any job, not necessarily one that covers the bills. That's OK for a temporary thing after the unemployment runs out, but without at least a certain level of income, we're stuck living with Mom.
Anyway, we did get the cable modem working. So I can be online whenever I want.
I hope things are fine for all of you. Keep moving!
Lin, I am happy that you checked in. Sorry to hear that the job search for DH is still difficult. And I understand first hand how difficult it is to live with your mother once you are an adult. Mothers always think of you as their baby and so they think they know what is best. In the meantime, cafes, libraries and bookstores are great places to escape and gather your thoughts. Find some time for your writing. Congratulations on your loose pants!
Judy, I find it hard to believe that you are the one who usually sends negative thoughts. I haven't seen even an inkling of that in this forum. You're a dose of sunshine! Congratulations on your weigh-in. You are so close to your lowest WW weigh-in so try not to lose focus. Like you, I have had successes and then binged later. What causes this? Fear of success? Anxiety of achieving a goal and having whatever consequences will come? Just remember how good it will feel to cross that 200 barrier and enter onederland! You can do it!
Lauren, I am so proud of you for making that appointment! I am sure that everything will be fine. I have promised myself that I will have a checkup this year too. I haven't had a full one since the one I needed for college in 1984. I hate needles. I know that my blood pressure tends to be low and I am never sick so it is easy for me to be complacent. I am sorry that so many around you are having health difficulties. How are they doing? You are a dear for caring for them so much. Thank you for the frog parable. I will print it out to put in my journal. It will serve as a reminder of my goals.
I am currently sore from an exercise class yesterday (pushups, weights, situps etc.). Today, I did about 1/2 hour of walking and that was it. I only ate 2 of those muffins. The rest I shared with neighbors or threw away. I tried a new ice cream (for my bday) and it was so rich that I didn't like it. I ate some then, but decided that I just didn't want it and threw the rest away. I think I might have smaller fat rolls around my waist, but I won't weigh in until day 90, sometime in late August. It would be wonderful to see a number 185 or less because that would put me over half way to goal.
Have a great holiday weekend and thanks always for the encouragement!
Lin, good for you for losing weight since you moved. That's a happy side occurence!
Sorry your mom doesn't quite get the idea of how important writing is to you, but I know you'll figure out a way to get back to your writing.
n 2 a swan,
Sometimes when I write, I mix up my pronouns or I don't make my intentions clear. When I read what I've written over later I spot the mixups. That's what happened when I wrote that I send negative messages. What I meant to say is that I somehow send negative messages to *myself*. I really am very careful with other people's feelings and treat them the way I'd like to be treated. So thanks for the pat on the back! I'm glad if I've helped you in any way--you guys all help me.
n 2..... big congratulations on your continued efforts to exercise and eat properly even though you're busy and have your birthday. I'm glad you started the 90 day program/challenge because it's helping me to keep closer on track.
Lauren,
good luck with all you're doing. I'll pray for your doctor visit to go well.
Bandit,
good luck with your Curves and work and busy life. You're doing great!
Yesterday was the 4th. of July. I planned and prepared, but was at a party from 1:30-11:00pm. It was long and although I brought a lot of my own food, I had a few items that went into flexpoints. Today is another eating challenge, and then there's the wedding at the end of the week. So---I'm doing the best I can and even had my host grill FF hotdogs for me which were a huge help. I'm up on the scale, but know that can be knocked off when I do the right thing today.
Love and good vibes,
I took it easy over the weekend. No exercise Saturday or Monday. On the 4th, I attended a food festival (Taste of Chicago) and I ate a slice of deep dish pizza, a half of a cinnamon roll, and had some pop there. Definitely not as bad as it could have been. Still, I must get back on the exercise trend. Tomorrow, I head back to the gym.
How is everyone?
Judy, your use of icons in your last message was so cute.
Lauren, your appointment will go well.
Must soon get ready for bed if I am to get up tomorrow to exercise.
Had my w/i last night & was down 1# - so I was happy about that. Off to trailer after work to spend the night - looking forward to that. Will make it in time for a swim then have a late supper, have a nice walk & relax for awhile. Hope you all had a great holiday and hope everyone is well. Talk to you soon. Bye for now.
Turtle Club #131
I love that phrase. When I was a child, I had no idea what it meant. But now that I am older I always wish for happy returns--in activity and in good memories.
: to you.
This is day 34 and I have exercised 26 of those days. 
and then there's the wedding at the end of the week. So---I'm doing the best I can and even had my host grill FF hotdogs for me which were a huge help. I'm up on the scale, but know that can be knocked off when I do the right thing today.
