You are so much more than a number on a scale

MakePeasNotWar

I do quite a bit of lurking here, and in reading people's stories, I am so struck by how weight is such an inordinately huge factor in self esteem. Seeing posts from successful, kind, funny, nurturing people who contribute so much to everyone around them and yet feel worthless because they carry excess weight absolutely breaks my heart.

Though I think most of us understand on an intellectual level that negative self talk, shaming and berating ourselves isn't an effective strategy, we do it way too often (and for a pretty innocuous and common failing, when you think about it.)

So, my challenge to you is to post something wonderful about yourself. I know this is a weight loss/nutrition site but just this once let's focus on more important things. Are you a great parent? Dedicated to your career? a supportive friend? If you are feeling depressed it might be hard to think of an accomplishment right now, but what about a characteristic that makes you a good person? Maybe you care about justice, or you're compassionate. These count.

If you are thinking that this is irrelevant to your weight loss journey, consider this: who do you think will be more dedicated and committed to positive change - a self described "loser" who thinks they are weak and can't do anything right, or someone who recognizes that they are capable of success in many areas (although still looking for the right way to approach weight loss) and are worth putting some effort into?

So let's hear it, what's awesome about you?

amymrls

I don't believe in scales..... they make me think badly of myself

AJ_G

amymrls wrote: »

I don't believe in scales..... they make me think badly of myself

They still exist whether or not you believe in them lol

amymrls

Yes, they do just not in my world. I measure my weight by how my clothes fit. I adjust my HRM when I go to the Dr.

jgnatca

My adult children treat me as a trusted confidante and honor me for raising them so well.

MakePeasNotWar

amymrls wrote: »

I don't believe in scales..... they make me think badly of myself

That's precisely my point. We let our self worth be determined to far too great a degree by our size. I bet there are tons of great things about you that you don't give yourself nearly enough credit for.

stormbornkraken

You are a beautiful person! This was worded wonderfully and it definitely hit home. Although I have come to recognize I am pretty awesome (most days) on many levels I am most proud that my career is one that allows me to be fulfilled in serving others. I make a great impact in a big way for many people. I work in higher education in a town that is rated very poorly in socioeconomic status. My belief is I am available to help others understand and achieve their goals. And all I ask in life is to know my presence has some how contributed to making others lives enriched and successful, in whatever way I may, within the limitations of my actions. In conjunction, I have also successfully completed my educational goals as I just finished my masters this month, while developing my career, raising a family, and caring for my home. Sounds simple on paper but I need to give myself credit, my days are not idle and my life is quite full of positive events.

freechewy

I have a great sense of humor

AJ_G

If you don't want to use a scale as a way to track progress, that's fine, but scales aren't evil, they're a good tool and if you understand body composition (water retention, sodium intake, fat loss vs weight loss, etc) and don't get overzealous about it, then scales are a good thing.

amymrls

AJ_G wrote: »

If you don't want to use a scale as a way to track progress, that's fine, but scales aren't evil, they're a good tool and if you understand body composition (water retention, sodium intake, fat loss vs weight loss, etc) and don't get overzealous about it, then scales are a good thing.

I don't think they are evil, they just don't work for me, I like to live my life lightly and scales tend to make me obsess

brenn24179

I love to have fun, amusement parks, bike riding, hiking, swimming,zumba,dancing

socalkay

I am a kind woman.

amymrls

I would like to think I am too

Lasmartchika

Um... um... um... I'll get back to you that... let me think cuz I can't come up with anything...

MakePeasNotWar

Lasmartchika wrote: »

Um... um... um... I'll get back to you that... let me think cuz I can't come up with anything...

Humility, for starters

LotusAsh

absolutely nothing

MakePeasNotWar

LotusAsh wrote: »

absolutely nothing

With that avatar, I'm betting you are funny, iconoclastic and have strong convictions that you are willing to defend. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so.

Definitely not wrong about funny. I may have to lift that avatar.

zyxst

I got nothing.

victoriaalice40

MakePeasNotWar wrote: »

I do quite a bit of lurking here, and in reading people's stories, I am so struck by how weight is such an inordinately huge factor in self esteem. Seeing posts from successful, kind, funny, nurturing people who contribute so much to everyone around them and yet feel worthless because they carry excess weight absolutely breaks my heart.

Though I think most of us understand on an intellectual level that negative self talk, shaming and berating ourselves isn't an effective strategy, we do it way too often (and for a pretty innocuous and common failing, when you think about it.)

So, my challenge to you is to post something wonderful about yourself. I know this is a weight loss/nutrition site but just this once let's focus on more important things. Are you a great parent? Dedicated to your career? a supportive friend? If you are feeling depressed it might be hard to think of an accomplishment right now, but what about a characteristic that makes you a good person? Maybe you care about justice, or you're compassionate. These count.

If you are thinking that this is irrelevant to your weight loss journey, consider this: who do you think will be more dedicated and committed to positive change - a self described "loser" who thinks they are weak and can't do anything right, or someone who recognizes that they are capable of success in many areas (although still looking for the right way to approach weight loss) and are worth putting some effort into?

So let's hear it, what's awesome about you?

This is awesome, thank you for posting. I am strong, not so much physically but emotionally.

RebelDiamond

Agree with you on this one completely. There once was a time where I wouldn't have been able to list anything on here. But I decided to take my feelings into my own hands (so to speak) and decided how I want to feel about myself. so here you go....
I am giving and supportive.
I am determined and resilient.
I am reliable and loving.
I am an excellent cook.
I am grateful and thoughtful.

I'm sure there are a lot of people who share these traits and don't/can't let themselves believe it.

Don't be a victim, be a victor!

Original_Beauty

amymrls wrote: »

I don't believe in scales..... they make me think badly of myself

I agree with this. My weight does not define me.

allieallieoxenfree

This is a great thread!

I am a loving wife. I have made it through 4.5 years of graduate school and I'm still kicking! I give great gifts.

middlehaitch

Brilliant artist
Love myself
Fantastic sister, daughter, mother, lover, nana, and mother in law.
Crazy
Silly
Loud and obnoxious ( in a nice way, honest).
Genuine couch potato.
Sharing
Supportive
Egotistic.
In no particular order.
Cheers, h.

sola24

I am emotionally strong
great programmer
very practical
strong dedication

47Jacqueline

I spent last year training to be a group and personal trainer. I was worried when I started, but I am seeing that I am going to be great at both as I start the new year.

dramaqueen45

I set educational and career goals and met them (master's degree/counselor).
I have been married 26+ years (doing something right yes?)
I have a nice singing voice.
I love cats.

dawnmcneil10

I am who I am and the best part of that is that I like myself. I couldn't have said that a short time ago but for the past 2 years instead of being focused on weight I've focused on ME, still doing everything else that I always do but factoring myself into the equation and you wouldn't believe the things I've learned.

So you posted this amazing little question and did a fine job I might add. What's something that's awesome about you in your mind?

MakePeasNotWar

zyxst wrote: »

I got nothing.

Just taking a stab here:

The only major roles I have seen Benedict Cumberbatch in are in Star Trek and Sherlock, so...

You are a reader, thoughtful and intellectual. You have a lively imagination, which makes you an interesting conversationalist (though possibly you take some time to open up to people), and a creative problem solver.

And/or

You are a Star Trek fan, an idealist who believes that society could be much better than it is now. You believe in justice and equality for all peoples of the world. You give real thought to your opinions, and try your best to avoid judging without making an effort to understand. You hate bullying and don't tolerate it in your presence.

Close?

MakePeasNotWar

dawnmcneil10 wrote: »

So you posted this amazing little question and did a fine job I might add. What's something that's awesome about you in your mind?

Thanks

MakePeasNotWar

I don't know what happened to the rest of my reply. Internet wiz doesn't go on my awesome list, I guess.

What I like about myself is that I do my best to be compassionate and empathetic. I hate seeing injustice, but I try to fight it from a positive place. I make an effort to see the best in everyone, and if I get a chance, help them see it too.