This is changing more than just my weight

mlrtri

I have been taking care of myself lately. And it feels good.

Obviously, I have been focusing on eating healthy, losing weight and exercising.

But I am talking about other ways to care for myself.

As I got heavier over the last 10 years my desire to put on make up or cute earrings or necklaces went away. I felt like it was putting lipstick on a pig. My criteria for clothes was to find something that didn’t look horrible on me. I gave up trying to find “cute” clothes a long time ago. I didn’t realize I felt that way until recently when I started looking back. While I was yo-yo-ing through fad diets I always thought I would care for myself “when I lost this weight”.

I am happy to say I have extended my focus past my physical health to include taking care of myself in other ways.

I bought some new make up and make up brushes last week and have been practicing some new make up techniques I saw online. It makes me feel better.

Doing this as a lifestyle change and not just placing my hopes (and being disappointed) in a fad diet has truly been impactful in more ways than one. And it seems more like I am doing something FOR myself instead denying myself things I enjoy.

I wish I figured this out a decade ago.

Is anyone else seeing this spill into other areas of their life? I would love to hear about it.

Thank you for listening and sharing.

ninerbuff

Because weight loss/gain/maintenance and fitness can only be done by YOU, then any success is the most meaningful because you had to endure it. Unlike work, status, freebies, etc., NO ONE can do the work for you. It's why it's so self fulfilling. And when you can get past hardships, then other challenges aren't as scary or difficult to uptake.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 35+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

mlrtri

Well said. It is VERY fulfilling to take control (finally) of something that caused such negativity in my life. Thank you for your response.

Before, I didn’t realize how the negativity creeped into other areas of my life. I know it is possible to be heavier and still take care of yourself. That wasn’t me. This is my personal truth.

AnnPT77

Yes: Achieving things (like weight loss or fitness improvement) through personal effort is empowering. Doing it leads to the realization that one can achieve other (unrelated) things that also require chipping away patiently and persistently at big goals via small steps.

It sort of sets up a "virtuous cycle" of achieving, feeling empowered, taking on new goals . . . on repeat. Good stuff!

mlrtri

AnnPT77 wrote: »

It sort of sets up a "virtuous cycle" of achieving, feeling impowered, taking on new goals . . . on repeat. Good stuff!

That is what I am finding. You guys are better at wording it than I am. I didn’t realize I was in a negative cycle before. I am really enjoying this more positive cycle. It has improved so many areas of my life. And I have not even met my goal yet.

Anneiepie

You’ve just said everything I feel. Thank you for sharing with us. You have no idea how much it helped me knowing I am not alone. My mum was very ill for a long time and while I liked after her I told myself I didn’t have time to look after myself. When she passed away I looked at myself in the mirror hated the person looking back at me. I went on a few fad diets but never stuck to them and out in more weight. It was a cycle of loathing and contempt!! I found fitness pal and everything changed. I’ve used it now for a couple of years and this is the first time I’ve used the community.

jm1420

Thank you for sharing. I can completely relate. You just kind of give up on yourself. Everything will change "when I lose the weight" as tho, then we'll be worthy. I'm also trying to look towards other ways to care for and about myself. It's so easy to go down the rabbit hole of letting yourself go. I'm trying to get up every day and be my own best friend. I found your post inspiring and hopeful.

Melwillbehealthy

Thank you for posting this. I can relate. I’m changing in good ways too, while I’m losing weight. I’m being more open with people.
I recently bought myself some makeup and found myself a good stylist. I decided I’m still worth spending a little money on me.
I sincerely wish I’d done this sooner as I’m older.

Mark031111

Your experience highlights that self-care goes beyond appearances. Thanks for sharing your journey, it'll likely resonate with those seeking a balanced approach to self-care.

MurphmomSparkles

Great post! I definitely am going through the same thing.