Finally, you feel transformed. You have released weight, restored your health and have vitality and energy. The compliments are pouring in and your wardrobe has changed; life is good! You also have the energy to know what you want out of your relationships and your career and you finally feel powerful enough to make some major changes.
Eventually the compliments aren’t as frequent and there are problems to be solved. Maybe a loved one gets sick and you drop everything to take care of him/ her forgetting about being on top of your list. All of a sudden 5 pounds creep back on then 10. You try to get back to that feeling of power but nothing is working. You panic.
Negativity is not my intent. Actually, what I am emphasizing is that the results are great; heck that is why I do what I do. However, be grateful for each step of the journey knowing that the road doesn’t end with that ideal number on the scale. A healthy lifestyle is a daily way of living. It is not a privilege but your birthright. Keeping yourself at the top of your list is vital.
I realize that times come when you just can’t be number one, someone else is depending on you. The key here is to ask for help. If you feel stuck in a situation and you want to go raid the cookie jar, stop and ask for help. Call a friend, a coach, a mentor and unload your worries. Ask for advice. I bet they can see a solution that you haven’t discovered. Of course, you first need to surround yourself with positive, powerful people who are right thinking. We will cover that another time.
Allow me to give an example from my own experience. About 10 years ago, I was in great shape. I was at the gym two times a day and I was eating sparingly. I bought a pair of pants that were a size 4 and boy did I feel powerful. The compliments were pouring in and I was known as the Cardio Queen. I allowed my worth to be determined by the size of my pants and the time I spent at the gym.
Due to all this compulsive activity I began to binge. Then the weight started to return. I exercised more but I also ate more. I began this vicious cycle that swirled me up 60 pounds. As a result, I started to hide in my house from people, from my body and from life. Instead I became all involved in my kids’ lives. So now, I had rebellious kids, my health was poor and my weight had skyrocketed.
It took 7 years to release all that physical and emotional weight. I make a conscious effort everyday, in fact, sometimes it is a minute to minute commitment. I am far from perfect so slips happen. Sometimes I overeat and sometimes I work out 1 time a week. The key is recognizing the slip and getting right back on that trail of healthy, clean eating exercise and essential time alone to de-stress and pray.
So, remember the Transformation is amazing, but be sure to enjoy the journey. As Miley Cyrus says: It doesn’t matter what is waiting on the other side; its the climb. Climb that mountain. I’ll be right next to you so be sure and say Hi.
Maureen Wielansky owns Making It all Fit, LLC, a Health Coaching business where she teaches women how to heal their bodies and transform their lives. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1987 with a Bachelors in Psychology. She decided to stay home with her children for 20 years, working part time as a professional organizer. Maureen now is in the process of finishing her certification at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where she will have a degree as a Holistic Health Coach. Maureen is also an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. Her passion is working with women helping them heal their bodies so that they may carry the message of a healthy lifestyle to their families and eventually to the country. You can reach Maureen at maureen@makingitallfit.com.
