Conflict with when to stop loss and start maintenance

ashleydmassey

Forgive me if this has been discussed and overplayed to the point of exhaustion. I try to keep up with the conversations on here to avoid bringing up the same topics discussed without end. However, I am kind of at a point of uncertainty.

First off, went to a particular store to try on clothes in the event that I successfully land a job I've been aiming at. Purchased my first skirt in almost 20 years. A cute almost knee-length black skirt. Turns out, size 4 and it has plenty of room to spare around my waist. Fits great everywhere else. I tried on size 4 in other items in this same store with the same result. In another store I shop at, I've graduated from Medium tops to Small. However, I've not lost anything more than a pound in recent times. My hips have lost a half an inch more very recently. My measurements are so close to identical to high school, (hips are 1" bigger, waist is about 1.5" bigger) yet I weigh 34 pounds more. Makes no sense.

I know there is the whole concept of muscle/fat/etc, but the concept isn't fully registering in my conscious, overly analyzing brain.

So my mental struggle is, how much does the scale need to be relevant at this point? When I look at me, I still see areas I know I need fixed. (Hips, legs, back of arms namely) Not sure how many pounds those areas are worth at this point. 34 pounds is truly out of the question, which is perfectly fine because I'd rather be fit than flabby (or just bones) any day. When will I know that I'm satisfied to stop the loss part? Right now, the scale still says I'm 3 pounds from a "normal" BMI---which is another reason I can't believe that size four/small is legit. Any advice? What would you all do in my situation?

Thanks so much in advance!
Ashley