Too often, we focus on the number the scale tells us. We let us be defined and controlled by what that number is and what is says about us. The thing is, that number is the least of your worries. Of course you want to be healthy, and get your weight to a healthy level that you and your doctor agree about. But, there is something much more important than your weight. So, what is it?
Your confidence and how you feel about your body is a million times more important than your weight in numbers. Often times, when someone starts a weight loss program, they feel discouraged by their lack of progress. That is often caused because of the number on the scale not moving as quickly as they'd like to see it move. But, honestly, I couldn't care less what that number on the scale is. I'm not concerned with that number, for me or for you. I'm only concerned with how I feel, how my clothes fit, and how strong I am physically. The number on the scale is irrelevant.
Does that mean that you can stuff your face with junk and become a permanent couch potato? Absolutely NOT! But, it means that instead of obsessing about the scale, you should look inside yourself and really see how you feel. One thing that really breaks my heart is when I see people I love struggling with weight. I've been there and it's not a fun place to be. Some people are in denial and don't think they need to lose weight, and feel like being 300 pounds and sedentary is somehow healthy (it's not). Let me say this again, I don't care how much you weigh. I really don't. I'm not here to judge you or call you fat. But, if I can see that you're not happy, then something needs to change.
There are some people who will tell you that they're happy. They'll say that they're confident and proud of their bodies. But, actions speak louder than words. If you refuse to be photographed, or you photoshop or edit every picture taken of you until it looks nothing like you, then you have a problem. If you constantly hide behind people, strollers, tables, children, purses, or anything under the sun that you can put in front of you before a picture is taken, you have a problem. If you know how to "work the angles" in every single picture, you have a problem.
I'm not saying any of this to be judgmental. What I am saying is that you might not realize you're doing these things, but take a look at your photos and think about what your actions and body language says about you. Trust me, I've been in that place, and it was not a happy time in my life. Nobody is saying you have to lose 50, 75, or 100 pounds or more. Even if losing only 5 pounds puts you in a better mindset, then do it. It could be that simply getting to the point of walking a mile, or doing 2 push ups, or climbing a flight of stairs without being winded is your goal. Those are all great goals. And if accomplishing those goals will make you truly happy and give you greater confidence, then set your mind to do them.
It would be great to see pictures of people confidently standing in front of the camera, without anything blocking them and smiling a big and confident smile. It would be great to see pictures without editing and photoshopping, without props and good lighting and taken from the right angle. Your confidence, or lack thereof, shines through in your photographs more than you realize. By putting forth only the best edited, best lit, and perfectly manipulated photographs of yourself, you're only creating a fake image that is impossible to maintain over time. You're sending the message that you're not good enough and that you need all of this editing to be accepted. If you have kids, you're sending them the message that they should be ashamed of their bodies. Sometimes seeing yourself in these photos and realizing all the tricks you use to manipulate them can be the best motivation to get healthy. I can tell you from personal experience that the feeling of being able to stand proudly in front of the camera without any tricks is one of the best feelings there is.
Unfortunately, there's no easy way to bring up the topic of health and weight loss with someone close to you without them taking it the wrong way. Too often, people are so guarded about their health and fitness and will take any kind of advice as criticism, even if that's not how it's intended at all. That kind of reaction should be your first sign that something needs to change. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: to truly be successful in a health and weight loss journey, you need to look within. You need to find your motivation, find your purpose, and find out what bothers you the most. Don't kid yourself or you'll never succeed. And, if you need help along the way, don't be ashamed to reach out to others who've been through the same journey.
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